New Year Honours List: Gareth Southgate receives knighthood as Keely Hodgkinson made an MBE
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Gareth Southgate has been knighted in a New Year Honours list that also celebrates a number of British Olympians. The 54-year-old has been honoured for his services to football and is the fourth England manager to receive a knigthood, following in the footsteps of Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson.
Southgate is the only manager of the England men’s side to lead them to the final of two major tournaments. The Three Lions were beaten by Italy on home soil at Euro 2020, and suffered a second successive final defeat this summer at Euro 2024. “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,” said FA Chair Debbie Hewitt MBE.
“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.
