'The '90s is when football changed overnight, we went from people who play football to superstars. I didn't like being called the Spice Boys, though': Ex-Liverpool star reflects on major cultural shift in the sport

In the 1990s, football underwent significant changes with the rise of the Premier League, internationalization, and commercialization, particularly impacting Liverpool FC. Former player Jason McAteer recounted his experience as part of the controversial 'Spice Boys' group, highlighting how off-field matters gained importance alongside on-pitch performance. The failure to secure the FA Cup in 1996 against Manchester United symbolized the team’s struggles. McAteer criticized the 'Spice Boys' label, reflecting on how media scrutiny intensified as players gained superstar status, fundamentally altering the relationship between footballers and the press.

"The '90s is when football changed: Sky TV, more money, more foreign players, advertising... overnight, we went from people who play football to superstars."

"It was easier to judge players; if you weren't winning, they'd try to find out why. The Spice Girls were around and Melanie [C] was often wearing Liverpool kits."

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