DEREK RAE BIO

Derek Rae is a veteran soccer play-by-play announcer and celebrated commentator who has called multiple major international tournaments for FOX Sports across his storied career, including FIFA World Cup Russia 2018™, FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and UEFA EURO 2024™.

Rae has been involved in various capacities at every men’s FIFA World Cup™ since 1990 and has called the world’s greatest sporting event 12 times, including summer 2026. He is a name closely associated with major international soccer events in America. Since 2004, he has commentated on every men’s FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro tournament for U.S. television.

Rae calls Boston home, currently serves as lead commentator on ESPN’s Bundesliga coverage and is synonymous with the Bundesliga around the world. He is fluent in German and speaks several other languages partially, and over the course of his decorated career, has been known to call consulates to confirm that he has the correct pronunciation of a player’s name. 

He just completed his fifth year as the English-language voice of the iconic EA Sports video game, FIFA.