Brian Cox’s perspective on football is one he expresses with a mix of humor and criticism. During a video interview, he laments the American use of ‘football’ for the NFL, remarking that it’s essentially rugby with helmets. He emphasizes that football, in his view, is the game where you kick the ball, referring to it as the ‘beautiful game.’
Cox is known for his sharp one-liners, often delivered in character, most notably as Logan Roy in HBO’s Succession. Outside of his roles, he is a warm and engaging personality. Recently, he welcomed The Athletic into his Brooklyn home to discuss his lifelong passion for football as part of their ‘Why I Love The Beautiful Game’ series.
For Cox, football serves as a vehicle to revisit his childhood memories. Growing up, he was a fan of Dundee and Manchester United, entranced by the drama of the Busby Babes. Despite his love for the game, he humorously admits he was a terrible player, often the last to be picked for teams, describing his lack of skill as his ‘weekly assured humiliation.’
Football talent did run in his family. His brother Charlie had potential, and their cousin, Bobby Cox, had a successful career with Dundee, captaining the team to a top-flight title in 1962. Brian fondly recalls Dundee’s European Cup semi-final run in 1963, listing players like Bill Brown and Alan Gilzean as memorable figures from that era.
“Football is very deep-rooted. It’s a way of life,” Cox explains when discussing its significance in the UK. Though he couldn’t play well, he greatly admired it as a cultural staple.
Cox’s early life was challenging, with his father’s death at age eight and his mother facing mental health struggles. Raised by his siblings, he left school at 15 to work at the Dundee Repertory Theatre. At 17, his life took a turn when he received a scholarship to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. This launched his distinguished career spanning theater and film, culminating in the acclaim brought by Succession.
His devotion to football continues, evident through his son’s support of Arsenal, which has fostered Cox’s interest in the club. He praises Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta and the team’s spirit, recounting exciting moments like 16-year-old Max Dowman’s goal against Everton.
Yet, his allegiance remains with Manchester United, which he has supported since childhood, moved by the Munich air disaster’s impact on the team. He speaks with admiration for players like Duncan Edwards and George Best, the latter whom he describes as the finest footballer he’s seen.
Cox has a long-standing connection with United’s Scottish legacy, having portrayed Sir Matt Busby in the film Believe. He fondly recalls meeting Sir Alex Ferguson during the coach’s Aberdeen days and discusses the challenges Ferguson’s eventual United successor David Moyes faced.
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Cox is hopeful for Scotland, making their first appearance since 1998. He expresses Scottish pride, listing national contributions like the telephone and anaesthesia, while lamenting the country’s political treatment. He emphasizes the impressive skills of current players, including Scott McTominay, and projects optimism for their World Cup journey.
When asked to address Scotland’s team, Cox would encourage them to fully realize their capabilities, urging them to ‘ramp it up’ and play to their full potential.