Peter Robinson MA (b. 1944) is a renowned documentary and sports photographer whose career has spanned over five decades. Educated at Leicester College of Art and The Royal College of Art, Robinson quickly became one of the leading figures in sports photography, particularly known for his iconic images of football. Throughout his career, he captured historic moments across 13 World Cups and 9 Olympic Games, as well as documenting hundreds of football matches in England and Europe during the 1960s and 70s. His photographic work spans 102 countries and has been featured in more than 50 books and countless magazines, with his images frequently shared across social media.
1994 World Cup Final in Pasadena California
Italian Captain Franco Baresi about to receive his loser’s medal
Robinson’s celebrated monograph, Football Days, is widely regarded as a definitive work on football photography. It won the Illustrated Sports Book of the Year award in 2004, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential photographers in sports history. His contributions to the art of football photography have made him a household name in sports media and beyond.
From 2007 to 2017, Robinson served as a Visiting Professor at the University of Lincoln, UK, sharing his vast knowledge with the next generation of photographers. His expertise in the field led him to be appointed the Photo Operations Chief for the football tournament at the 2012 London Olympic Games, a pivotal role in which he ensured the successful documentation of the event. In 2015, he was named photography consultant to the FIFA Museum in Zurich, further solidifying his influence in the sport’s historical preservation.
” The Two Bobbies “
Robinson’s work is held in prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Deutsches Historisches Museum in Berlin, the Museo Historico Nacional in Buenos Aires, and the National Portrait Gallery in London. His lasting impact on sports photography is undeniable, and his collection of football images continues to inspire new generations.
Since 2024, Robinson has expanded his artistic reach through SLOWMEDIA, a workshop dedicated to producing fine art prints of his iconic football images. His career was further celebrated in 2022, when The Athletic and The New York Times profiled him, stating, “Peter Robinson is arguably the world’s greatest living soccer photographer,” highlighting his work across 13 men’s World Cups and his long-standing relationship as FIFA’s official photographer from 1970 to 1994.
With a career that spans 58 years, Peter Robinson’s work is synonymous with the golden age of sports photography. His ability to capture the raw emotion and pivotal moments of football history makes him an enduring figure in photojournalism.