Gareth Southgate knighted in King's 2025 New Year Honours List

Former England men’s senior manager Gareth Southgate has been awarded a Knighthood in the King’s 2025 New Year Honours List for his services to association football.

Sir Gareth, who left his position as Three Lions boss after almost eight years in charge following the UEFA EURO 2024 Final earlier this year, had previously been made an OBE in 2019 after his role in leading England to the FIFA World Cup semi-final in 2018.

He then oversaw England’s campaign at EURO 2020 on home soil, when his team reached a first-ever men’s EURO Final which they lost on penalties to Italy after a 1-1 draw.

Following a quarter-final appearance at the 2023 FIFA World Cup, England reached a successive EURO Final in Germany in the summer of 2024, where they lost to Spain by 2-1 in Berlin.

Congratulations, Sir Gareth Southgate ❤️pic.twitter.com/NESgEiRxCm

— England (@England) December 30, 2024

He stood down as manager following that match, after 102 games in charge with 61 wins, 24 draws and 17 defeats. This comes on top of his 57 caps and two goals for England as a player and 37 games in charge of England men’s under-21s prior to his appointment as senior team manager.

 

FA Chair Debbie Hewitt MBE said: “On behalf of us all at the Football Association, I congratulate Sir Gareth on this richly-deserved honour. Throughout his career in the game as a player, coach and change-maker, he has embodied the best of English football.

“One of our greatest ever managers, Sir Gareth’s remarkable coaching achievements across four major tournaments include two successive EURO finals, equalling our best-ever men’s World Cup performance away from home and being ranked in the world’s top five for more than five years.

“Off the field, he brought our fans closer than ever to the team, stood up for what he believed in and inspired players to share his pride in representing England. It has been a privilege to know the man and the manager.

"All of us who have experienced his thoughtfulness, dedication and leadership are delighted with this wonderful news.”

There was also recognition for a number of grassroots football volunteers in the List, with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for Ronald Westerman, founder of the Midlincs County Youth Football League, for his services to sport.

And there are British Empire Medals (BEM) for Michael Alden (football coach and manager of Park Knowle Football Club) and Michael Perrin (president, Melksham Town Football Club) for services to grassroots football and to the community in Bristol and Melksham respectively.

Rachel Davies (coach and volunteer, Altrincham Football Club) and Ian Walker (secretary, Rotherham Community Football Club) are also awarded BEMs for services to sport and their local community.

Both Dawn Astle, daughter of former player Jeff Astle, and Penelope Watson, wife of former England captain Dave Watson, have been awarded an MBE for their services to dementia care in football.

Other individuals from the world of football to be recognised in the 2025 list include former West Ham, Everton and Manchester United manager David Moyes (OBE, services to association football), former Liverpool and Scotland player and broadcaster Alan Hansen (MBE, services to association football and broadcasting) and John Nixon (former Trust Chair of the EFL for services to association football).

"We would also like to congratulate the other members of the football family that have been recognised and rewarded in the New Year Honours List,” added Hewitt.

“This includes David Moyes, Alan Hansen, John Nixon, Dawn Astle, Penny Watson, Ronald Westerman, Michael Alden, Rachel Davies, Michael Perrin and Ian Walker."