Data Visuals Journalist, Sport

Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless investigative journalism and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists cutting-edge commercial professionals and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development with a focus on training growth and fostering an inclusive culture.

We are looking for adata visuals journalist sportto enhance our coverage of football and other sports.

Youll create engaging and insightful sports data and visuals for the Guardian serving UK US and global audiences. The role will ideally be based in the UK reporting into the UK visuals and sports desks but we would consider exceptional candidates who wish to be based elsewhere. Please indicate if that is the case when you are applying.

The role is part of a significant expansion of the Guardians coverage of soccer in and for the US. It will also involve collaboration with our US and Australia offices ahead of and during the 2026 and 2027 World Cups and the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics.

About the role:

• Pitching and developing a variety of data-driven formats from breaking news stories to in-depth analysis explainers and creative Q&As using empirical insights to engage new audiences and broaden how sports journalism is told
• Strong instincts for finding compelling data narratives that challenge assumptions and provide surprising insights into specific sports players or styles of play
• Acquiring cleaning and analysing datasets often under time pressure
• Balancing data work writing and collaboration with visual and other teams to ensure the delivery of short-turnaround and longer-term projects with to deadline
• Using DataWrapper and other software to generate simple visualisations
• Synthesising simplifying and presenting complex sports stats and tactics data with a specific focus on football in an appealing clear and visual way

About you:

• Significant experience of working with data analysis tools to generate strong news lines and rigorous analysis
• Highly skilled in data sourcing cleaning and analysis
• Skilled with spreadsheet and database software. Excellent knowledge of Google sheets or equivalent; R would be a plus
• Excellent writing skills to produce standalone piece
• Creative and forward-looking and track record of generating original story ideas
• Ability to both provide original data angles to news stories and produce original stories and analysis
• Excellent knowledge of football both womens and mens
• Strong understanding of the Guardians sport coverage online and off-platform
• Ideally you will have a demonstrable ability to bring a diverse perspective to the role

We actively encourage applications from candidates who are Black Asian or minority-ethnic (BAME) or from other groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media.

We operate in a hybrid environment working 3 days a week from our offices in Kings Cross and 2 days a week remotely.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve where our people have equal access to career development opportunities their voices are heard and can contribute to our future. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Many of our staff work flexibly and we will consider all requests for flexible working arrangements.

How to Apply

To apply please upload your latest CV and a cover letter which outlines why youd love to take on this role and why youre a great match for what were looking for.

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we havent thought of. If thats you we encourage you to apply and tell us about your relevant experience.

We appreciate the time taken to prepare each application we receive. We do not use AI-assisted technology to review applications; every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team.

The closing date for applications isFriday 27th February 2026 at 5pm.

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to help your application this includes providing documents in accessible formats or personalising the process to better support your needs. Please contact Anna Vipers on to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Benefits at the Guardian

We offer six weeks annual leave per annum with the option to buy additional days through our holiday purchase scheme. Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age). We believe in giving back which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving. Season ticket loans are also available.

You are entitled to life cover income protection private healthcare sick pay and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance.

We have enhanced maternity paternity adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees by offering an IVF menopause baby loss and trans equality policy.

Culture & wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace.

We offer great tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including free yoga and pilates. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.

Learning & development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Our working environment

We take pride in our surroundings and are pleased to offer versatile meeting rooms and colourful communal areas. We have a brilliant canteen that caters to breakfast lunch and dinner with views overlooking Regents Canal.