Gareth Southgate Awarded Knighthood In New Year Honours.
Former England manager Gareth Southgate has been awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list, recognising his outstanding contribution to English football.
Southgate, 54, stepped down as England manager in July after leading the team to the final of Euro 2024, where they were narrowly defeated by Spain. During his eight-year tenure, Southgate also guided England to the 2018 World Cup semi-final, restoring pride and passion in the national team.
The knighthood makes Southgate the fourth England manager to receive the honour, following in the footsteps of Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey, and Sir Bobby Robson.
Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt praised Southgate, saying: “He embodied the best of English football, bringing our fans closer to the team, standing up for what he believed in, and inspiring players to share his pride in representing England.”
Other notable sporting figures recognised in the New Year Honours include former Wales and British & Irish Lions winger Gerald Davies, who receives a knighthood for services to rugby and charitable work in Wales.
Former West Ham United manager David Moyes is made an OBE for services to football.
Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson becomes an MBE, capping off an incredible year that saw her win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024 award.