Robbie Lyle

Robbie Lyle is the Founder and Group CEO of Global Fan Network and is best known as the creator and face of AFTV. A pioneering figure in fan led sports media, he built one of the world’s most influential football platforms from the ground up, transforming how supporters engage with the game. Driven by the belief that fans deserve a stronger voice in football’s wider conversation, he has reshaped sports broadcasting and digital content. As a speaker, he offers powerful insight into entrepreneurship, digital disruption and representation within modern media, making him a compelling BAME voice in business and sport.

Robbie launched AFTV in 2012, recognising the growing influence of online platforms and the demand for authentic fan perspectives. What began as match day interviews outside football grounds quickly evolved into a global digital brand with millions of followers. His willingness to challenge traditional sports media narratives positioned AFTV at the forefront of fan generated content. By 2016, he was making regular appearances on ‘Match of the Day 2’ as the Founder of AFTV, bringing supporter culture into mainstream football broadcasting and cementing his reputation as an innovator in sports media.

His influence continued to expand across television and international platforms. In 2018, he produced and presented ‘Channel 4’s The Real Football Fan Show’, further amplifying supporter voices. In 2020, he hosted and narrated the ITV documentary ‘Under Their Skin’, demonstrating his ability to handle more in depth storytelling. He has appeared regularly across BBC, ITV and Talksport, including programmes such as ‘Football Focus’. In 2025, he launched Rocket Mobile, a UK mobile network for football supporters backed by Global Fan Network, hosted a live AFTV viewing event in Nairobi, and met with Kenya’s Deputy High Commissioner in London to advocate for greater international broadcast exposure for African football.

Robbie is hired as a speaker for his first hand experience of building a disruptive global brand rooted in community. As a Black British entrepreneur who has navigated scrutiny, criticism and rapid growth in the public eye, he speaks candidly about resilience, ownership and representation. His journey from grassroots content creator to international media executive offers practical lessons in leadership, innovation and the power of diverse voices in shaping industries.