Channel Overview and Background

That's Football represents one of the most prominent general football content channels on YouTube, serving as a platform where football enthusiasts from around the world can engage with diverse opinions and discussions about the beautiful game. ^[3] The channel operates under the YouTube handle @thatsfootball and has established itself as a significant voice in the football content creation space, attracting viewers who support various clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Aston Villa. ^[3]

Behind That's Football is Mark Goldbridge, whose real name is Brent Di Cesare, born on April 7, 1979, in Nottingham. ^[2] Goldbridge created his online alias when he began his YouTube career, initially at the request of his employers during his previous career as a police officer investigating financial fraud. ^[2] The channel was launched on August 24, 2016, and has since grown to become a cornerstone of football discussion content on the platform. ^[4]

Content Format and Approach

That's Football distinguishes itself through its comprehensive coverage of football beyond any single club's perspective. While Goldbridge is known primarily for his Manchester United content through The United Stand, That's Football serves as his platform for general football content and live watchalongs of matches involving teams other than Manchester United. ^[2] The channel's content includes live match commentary, post-match analysis, transfer news discussions, and reactions to major football events across various leagues and competitions.

The BBC has described Goldbridge's live streaming format as resembling "an amateur online version of Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday," highlighting the interactive nature of his content where viewers can engage through live comments during broadcasts. ^[5] This format has proven particularly effective in building community engagement, with viewers from different countries participating in what Goldbridge describes as "the biggest and best football conversation" spanning from the United States to Saudi Arabia, India to Canada. ^[1]

Live Streaming and Watchalongs

The channel's live streaming approach has become a defining characteristic of modern football content creation. Goldbridge's watchalongs provide real-time commentary and analysis during matches, creating an experience that allows fans to feel part of a collective viewing experience. ^[7] This format has been widely adopted across the fan channel industry, with That's Football being recognized as one of the pioneers in this space.

Audience and Reach

According to analytics platform VidIQ, That's Football has accumulated 1.34 million subscribers as of June 2025, with total video views exceeding 460 million. ^[3] The channel demonstrates strong engagement metrics, posting an average of 7.25 videos per week and maintaining consistent viewer interaction. ^[3] Analytics data shows the channel has experienced steady growth, with a 1.52% increase in subscribers over the past 30 days and a 2.36% increase in total video views during the same period. ^[3]

The channel's reach extends globally, attracting viewers from diverse geographical locations who share a passion for football discussion and analysis. ^[1] This international appeal has been particularly evident during major tournaments and significant football events, where viewing figures have reached substantial peaks.

Performance Metrics

Industry analysis conducted by Goldbridge himself reveals impressive comparative performance metrics. In a LinkedIn post from June 2025, he reported that That's Football achieved 9.1 million long-form views for the month, ranking fourth among football content channels behind The United Stand (28.9 million), TalkSport (25.3 million), and The Overlap (10.5 million). ^[6] This performance demonstrates the channel's significant position within the competitive landscape of football content creation.

Industry Recognition and Media Coverage

That's Football and Goldbridge have received recognition from mainstream media outlets for their impact on football content creation. The BBC featured Goldbridge in a comprehensive article about fan channels, noting how creators like him have pioneered a new form of fan interaction that rivals traditional media for online engagement. ^[5] The article highlighted how fan channels have enabled creators to turn their passion into careers within what has become a burgeoning industry.

Professional recognition has extended to broadcast media, with Goldbridge making his TalkSport debut in April 2022, presenting a late-night show on the established sports radio station. ^[2] This collaboration represents the growing acceptance of fan channel creators within traditional sports media structures.

Academic and Industry Analysis

Academic institutions have also taken notice of the fan channel phenomenon. Duke University published analysis recognizing the rise of fan channels, specifically mentioning The United Stand and its influence on the broader landscape of football content creation. ^[7] This academic attention underscores the cultural significance of the content format that That's Football helps to represent.

Notable Events and Collaborations

In September 2022, Goldbridge participated in the Sidemen Charity Match, one of YouTube's most prominent fundraising events. He served as manager for the YouTube All-Stars team in their match against Sidemen FC, with the event ultimately raising over £1 million for various charities. ^[2] ^[11] Though the YouTube All-Stars lost 8-7 to Sidemen FC, the event demonstrated the crossover appeal and charitable impact of football content creators.

The channel has also formed partnerships with professional football clubs. In October 2024, Charlton Athletic partnered with Goldbridge to host a That's Football watchalong from their CharltonTV studio at The Valley stadium for their match against Wrexham. ^[9] This marked the first time That's Football was filmed at a professional football ground, representing a significant milestone in the relationship between fan channels and traditional football institutions.

Commercial Partnerships and Monetization

That's Football has secured notable brand partnerships that demonstrate the commercial viability of football content creation. The channel collaborated with Coca-Cola Zero for a comprehensive partnership during Euro 2024, receiving exclusive brand integration throughout the tournament. ^[8] During this period, That's Football achieved 21.7 million views and 2.4 million watch hours, making it the most-viewed independently owned media outlet during the tournament. ^[8]

The channel has also partnered with various technology companies to enhance production quality. Collaboration with Dizplai has enabled the integration of animated graphics, real-time match data, and sponsor badging, elevating the visual presentation of live broadcasts. ^[10] These partnerships have included work with brands such as BooHooMan, ManScaped, and OneFootball, generating commercial value through innovative integration methods including QR codes displayed during live streams. ^[10]

Revenue and Growth Metrics

Analytics platforms estimate That's Football's monthly earnings between $10,800 and $32,300 based on advertising revenue alone, though this figure does not account for additional income sources such as sponsorships and partnerships. ^[3] The channel's commercial success reflects the broader trend of content creators building sustainable businesses around their passion for football.

Technical Innovation and Production Quality

That's Football has invested significantly in production quality, moving beyond basic recording setups to incorporate professional-grade equipment and software solutions. The channel utilizes advanced graphics packages that integrate social media feeds, real-time match statistics from Opta, and dynamic sponsor integration. ^[10] This technical sophistication has helped establish industry standards for fan channel production values.

The channel's commitment to production quality has been recognized by industry professionals. Ryan Johnston, Head of Production and Social at The United Stand, noted that the integration of advanced graphics and real-time data has made broadcasts "more lively and immersive, holding viewers' attention longer" while increasing "trust and boosting credibility among viewers." ^[10]

Impact on Football Media Landscape

Industry analysis suggests that channels like That's Football are reshaping how football fans consume content. A 2024 study highlighted how fan-led content is "capturing and holding audience attention" while mainstream outlets struggle with "shifting consumption habits." ^[6] This shift represents what analysts describe as "a testament to the power of direct engagement, passionate analysis, and a deep understanding of what a dedicated fanbase truly wants." ^[6]

The success of That's Football and similar channels has prompted discussions about the future role of fan-created content in sports media. While fan channels currently lack official recognition from the Premier League, which denies them access afforded to mainstream broadcasters, their growing audiences and commercial success suggest an evolving media landscape. ^[5]