FourFourTwo Magazine: A Legacy of Football Journalism
Since its inception in 1994, FourFourTwo has established itself as a cornerstone of association football media. Named after the classic 4–4–2 football formation, the publication provides deep insights into the beautiful game, blending tactical analysis with player profiles and global coverage. Based in Paddington, England, and published by the British company Future, the magazine has evolved from a print-centric publication into a global brand.
The magazine's ownership history reflects the shifting landscape of sports media. Future acquired FourFourTwo from the Haymarket Media Group in 2018. This followed a complex history of industry swaps; Haymarket had previously acquired Future's Total Football magazine in 2001 in exchange for a subscriber list and the masthead rights to a defunct internet magazine called The Net. Eventually, Haymarket absorbed Total Football into the FourFourTwo brand.
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Key Facts
- First Published: 1994
- Publisher: Future (United Kingdom)
- Frequency: Monthly
- Global Reach: Available in English, Bulgarian, Korean, Portuguese, Swedish, Turkish, Indonesian, and Thai.
- Milestone: Published its 300th edition in May 2019.
- Circulation: 27,068 monthly circulation recorded for 2022.
Rankings and Global Influence
FourFourTwo is widely recognized for its authoritative rankings, which often spark debate among football enthusiasts worldwide. In 2007, the magazine launched the FFT100, an annual list identifying the 100 best footballers on the planet. Beyond the global top 100, the publication has expanded its analytical scope to include the Stats Zone Awards (introduced after the 2012–13 Premier League season), a top 50 list of Football League players, and a specialized list of the 50 best Asian players, first announced in May 2015.
The All-Time Greats
The magazine's influence extends beyond annual reviews to historical assessments. In April 2022, FourFourTwo ranked the best footballers of the 21st century, naming Lionel Messi as number one. This was followed in September 2023 by a comprehensive ranking of the 100 best football players of all time, where Messi again secured the top spot.
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Annual Best Player Highlights
The following table tracks the top-ranked players as identified by FourFourTwo over the last two decades, showcasing the dominance of a few legendary figures and the emergence of new stars.
| Year | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Kaká | Milan |
| 2008 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United |
| 2009-2012 | Lionel Messi | Barcelona |
| 2013-2014 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Real Madrid |
| 2015 | Lionel Messi | Barcelona |
| 2016 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Real Madrid |
| 2017-2019 | Lionel Messi | Barcelona |
| 2020-2021 | Robert Lewandowski | Bayern Munich |
| 2022 | Erling Haaland | Borussia Dortmund / Manchester City |
| 2023 | Erling Haaland | Manchester City |
| 2024 | Rodri | Manchester City |
| 2025 | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona |
International Expansion and Partnerships
While rooted in the UK, FourFourTwo has expanded its footprint internationally. A Dutch edition was first published in November 2018 by F&L Media. The brand has also engaged in unique commercial ventures, such as a three-year shirt sponsorship deal with Swindon Town football club that began in 2008.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name FourFourTwo refer to?
The name is derived from the 4–4–2 football formation, a traditional tactical setup consisting of four defenders, four midfielders, and two forwards.
Who is the current editor of FourFourTwo?
The magazine is currently edited by James Andrew.
Which player has appeared most frequently at the top of their rankings?
Lionel Messi has consistently dominated the rankings, appearing as the number one player for the majority of the years between 2009 and 2019, as well as topping the all-time and 21st-century lists.
Who publishes FourFourTwo today?
The magazine is published by Future, a British company that acquired the title from Haymarket Media Group in 2018.
In which languages is FourFourTwo available?
The publication is available in English, Bulgarian, Korean, Portuguese, Swedish, Turkish, Indonesian, and Thai.