The FIFA video game franchise is one of the biggest entertainment products on the planet -- selling over 31 million copies of its latest iteration, FIFA 21, alone -- and since 2019, Derek Rae has served as its voice. Initially coming aboard as a commentator for the game’s Champions League mode, the Scot has since become the main caller across the game’s modes and returns to this year’s iteration alongside new additions to the booth Stewart Robson and Alex Scott.

Beyond his work in gaming, the venerable commentator serves as one of the most prolific callers in all of football; currently providing commentary of Bundesliga and La Liga games for ESPN and also serving to call the German league’s world feed. This is in addition to a resume that includes stints behind the microphone at World Cups, Olympic Games, Champions Leagues and some of the biggest domestic leagues in the world. 

It’s a career that has afforded him the chance to see some of the biggest moments in recent footballing history live, including the 2005 World Cup qualifying playoff between Australia and Uruguay that saw the Socceroos break their 32-year drought between appearances on football’s biggest stage. 

Ahead of the release of FIFA 22, he joined Joey Lynch to talk commentary in both the virtual and real worlds, his past brushes with Australian football, the Bundesliga, and much, much more.

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