Former England manager Gareth Southgate is poised to receive a knighthood in the 2025 New Year Honours, joining the esteemed ranks of Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey, and Sir Bobby Robson as the fourth Three Lions boss to be honored with this prestigious accolade.
At 54 years old, Southgate is being recognized for his transformative impact on English football during his eight-year tenure as manager—a period hailed as one of the most successful in recent history.
Sources indicate that he will be officially honored for his services to sport in a ceremony anticipated for early 2025. Southgate was appointed in late 2016 under challenging circumstances, stepping in after Sam Allardyce’s resignation.
He took over a demoralized squad but swiftly changed the narrative. His leadership revitalized English football, restoring pride among supporters who had, for years, witnessed a series of underperformances.
During his leadership, England achieved remarkable feats, including a semi-final appearance in the 2018 World Cup—marking their best performance in the tournament since 1990. The team also finished third in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019 and reached consecutive European Championship finals.
The journey culminated in a heart-wrenching loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final after a tense penalty shootout. Southgate’s final chapter saw a narrow 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, which, while marking the end of his tenure, solidified his legacy as one of England’s most successful managers.
Beyond his notable achievements, Southgate’s dignified leadership and progressive approach have garnered him widespread respect on and off the pitch. He previously received an OBE in 2019, and the forthcoming knighthood will serve as a capstone to an illustrious career.
A representative from the Honours Committee remarked on Southgate’s legacy: “Gareth is a football legend who achieved great things. He inspired a nation, reignited belief in the Three Lions, and consistently brought the team close to success.”
With this honor, Southgate will join the ranks of England’s most iconic football figures. His predecessors—Sir Walter Winterbottom, mastermind of the national team, Sir Alf Ramsey, who led England to World Cup victory in 1966, and Sir Bobby Robson, who famously guided the team to the World Cup semi-finals in 1990—have previously received the knighthood.
While some critics have scrutinized his pragmatic style and the missed opportunities during his tenure, the broader impact of his leadership is irrefutable. He reshaped England’s international reputation, fostering a culture of discipline and unity that instilled hope among fans.
Though Southgate stepped down this summer after coming close to clinching a major trophy, his transformative influence on the national team will be lasting. With confirmation of the Honours Committee’s selections already dispatched, he is on the verge of joining the elite ranks of English football—an apt tribute to a career dedicated to the sport.
