Mina Rzouki – The Voice of European Football Journalism and Broadcasting Excellence
In the world of sports broadcasting, few names resonate with the same level of insight, passion, and authority as Mina Rzouki. A bilingual European football journalist and presenter, Rzouki has built an exceptional reputation as one of the most respected voices in football media. Her work across leading international platforms — including the BBC, The National News, Sky Sports, ESPN, CNN, and TRT World — has earned her recognition as a dynamic storyteller and analytical expert. With over 15 years in the industry, Mina Rzouki has redefined how global audiences engage with European football, offering a uniquely nuanced perspective rooted in deep cultural understanding and journalistic precision.
Early Life and Education
Born on 18 August 1982, Mina Rzouki is of British nationality and fluent in Arabic, French, Spanish, and English. Though she spent her early years abroad, she grew up and was educated in the United Kingdom, developing an early fascination with languages, politics, and international affairs. Her education at Queen’s Gate School between 1994 and 2000 laid the foundation for her academic excellence, after which she pursued a degree in French and Spanish (Politics and Languages) at University College London (UCL) from 2000 to 2004.
This linguistic and cultural fluency later became one of her greatest professional assets, allowing her to navigate diverse media environments and analyse European football with unique cultural sensitivity and multilingual depth.
Career Beginnings in Sports Journalism
Mina Rzouki began her journey in sports media in the late 2000s, quickly distinguishing herself as an intelligent and articulate voice within a male-dominated field. Her early work as Deputy Editor at Footballitaliano.co from 2009 to 2013 demonstrated her passion for Italian football, a domain that would later define much of her public profile.
Her editorial leadership, coupled with her ability to analyse Serie A and European football trends, established her as a trusted journalist and content strategist. She later joined Sports Tonight Live (2011–2014), where she co-presented The World Football Show alongside renowned football writer Gabriele Marcotti, further cementing her reputation as a football specialist with both analytical depth and presentation charisma.
Rising Prominence at the BBC
In 2010, Mina Rzouki joined the BBC World Service as an Italian football contributor, beginning a long-standing association that continues to this day. Her expertise on Serie A, Juventus, and Italian football culture made her a regular voice on BBC Sportsworld and BBC Radio 5 Live.
She became widely known for her role as “The Colonel” on World Football Phone-In (WFPI) — a popular segment where her sharp humour and rich knowledge of European football endeared her to global listeners. In 2017, she became a regular panelist on the “Euro Leagues” show on BBC Radio 5 Live, providing commentary on European football developments alongside respected colleagues.
Her approach — a balance of tactical insight, cultural context, and journalistic integrity — earned her acclaim among audiences and peers alike. Over time, Mina Rzouki became one of the BBC’s most recognised voices for continental football coverage, appearing across platforms and contributing to flagship sports programming.
Expanding Global Reach – ESPN, CNN, Sky Sports and TRT World
In parallel with her BBC work, Mina Rzouki expanded her influence globally. She joined ESPN in 2018 as an Italian Football Broadcaster, contributing to ESPN FC and Serie Awesome Podcast, where she discussed Serie A with experts like Gab Marcotti and Paolo Bandini. Her analyses on Italian clubs, Juventus’s dominance, and players like Cristiano Ronaldo became a hallmark of her commentary.
She also appeared on CNN International as a European Football Correspondent, contributing insights into major tournaments, Champions League matches, and football politics. Her involvement with Sky Sports and TRT World further diversified her broadcasting experience, allowing her to reach audiences in the Middle East and Asia while maintaining her core identity as a European football specialist.
Between 2015 and 2025, she served as a Football Correspondent for TRT World, regularly appearing on shows such as Beyond the Pitch to discuss tactical trends and social issues in sport.
The National News and New Horizons
In January 2025, Mina Rzouki joined The National News, a leading media organisation based in the United Arab Emirates, as a Football Reporter and Presenter. Working remotely between Dubai and London, she became the face of Sports Digital Content for the publication, bridging European football expertise with Middle Eastern audiences.
This role represents a natural evolution of her career — combining her multicultural background, bilingual fluency, and broadcasting experience to connect football fans across continents. Her work with The National reflects her ongoing commitment to storytelling, innovation, and inclusivity in modern sports journalism.
Podcasting and Thought Leadership
Mina Rzouki has also been a strong advocate for thoughtful football journalism through podcasting. She co-hosts the Serie A Chronicles Podcast, where she analyses Italian football’s biggest stories, transfers, and tactical developments with wit and authenticity. Previously, she co-hosted Serie Awesome for ESPN (2018–2021), providing weekly insights on Serie A and European competitions.
Her distinctive podcasting style — conversational yet deeply analytical — has made her a respected thought leader in the football media ecosystem. Through these platforms, Mina Rzouki continues to challenge outdated stereotypes and champion nuanced, data-driven perspectives on the global game.
Appearances in Documentaries and Television
Beyond journalism, Mina Rzouki has appeared in high-profile football documentaries and television features. She was featured in Netflix’s “Bad Sport”, where she discussed Italy’s Calciopoli match-fixing scandal, and in BBC’s “Ronaldo: Impossible to Ignore”, a detailed exploration of Cristiano Ronaldo’s football journey.
These appearances highlight her ability to translate complex football narratives into compelling visual storytelling — a testament to her broadcast versatility and subject mastery.
Professional Skills and Expertise
Mina Rzouki’s professional strengths extend beyond broadcasting. Her skill set includes:
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Broadcast Journalism
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European Football Analysis (Serie A, Premier League, Champions League)
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Communication and Public Speaking
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Media Production and Digital Content Strategy
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Multilingual Reporting (Arabic, English, French, Spanish)
Her deep knowledge of football’s cultural, political, and economic dimensions gives her commentary exceptional context and authority. As one of the few Arabic-speaking women in European football media, she also represents diversity and inclusion in global sports journalism.
Recognition and Influence
Over her career, Mina Rzouki has earned both public respect and professional admiration. Her dedication to journalistic excellence has positioned her among the top female football broadcasters in Europe. She is often cited as a role model for aspiring sports journalists, especially women navigating traditionally male-dominated environments.
Despite facing online criticism and sexist trolling early in her career, Rzouki’s resilience and professionalism have strengthened her credibility. She has consistently advocated for balanced representation, fairness, and integrity within sports media.
Personal Life and Character
While Mina Rzouki maintains a professional public profile, she is known to be private about her personal life. Her social media presence — notably on Twitter (@Minarzouki) and Instagram (@minarzouki) — focuses on football analysis, cultural commentary, and behind-the-scenes moments from her broadcasting career. She divides her time between London and Dubai, reflecting her global professional footprint.
Legacy and Continuing Impact
From BBC Radio 5 Live to The National News, Mina Rzouki has exemplified dedication, expertise, and passion for football storytelling. Her work continues to bridge cultures and continents, enriching football dialogue across the English-speaking and Arabic-speaking worlds.
As she enters her next decade in broadcasting, Rzouki stands as an influential figure — not just as a journalist, but as a trailblazer reshaping how women in sports media are perceived and celebrated.
Conclusion
Mina Rzouki is far more than a football journalist — she is a cultural connector, storyteller, and ambassador for European football on a global stage. Her journey from a multilingual UCL graduate to one of the BBC’s leading broadcasters and now The National News’s digital face showcases her commitment to excellence, authenticity, and the enduring spirit of the game.
FAQs
1. How old is Mina Rzouki?
Mina Rzouki was born on 18 August 1982, which makes her 43 years old in 2025.
2. Where is Mina Rzouki from?
Mina Rzouki is British, originally born in Bahrain to Middle Eastern parents, and moved to the United Kingdom as a child. She is fluent in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish.
3. What does Mina Rzouki do?
Mina Rzouki is a football journalist, presenter, and broadcaster. She currently works as a Football Reporter for The National News and contributes regularly to BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sportsworld, Sky Sports, ESPN, CNN, and TRT World.
4. What is Mina Rzouki best known for?
She is best known for her European football analysis, especially her expertise in Italian Serie A. Mina Rzouki is a familiar voice on the BBC Euro Leagues Show and World Football Phone-In, and she co-hosts the popular Serie A Chronicles Podcast.
5. Where did Mina Rzouki study?
Mina Rzouki studied French and Spanish (Politics and Languages) at University College London (UCL) and attended Queen’s Gate School in London before university.
