Gareth Southgate Honoured with Knighthood in New Year Honours 2025
Gareth Southgate receives a knighthood in the New Year Honours, joining other sports stars recognized for their achievements and contributions.
Gareth Southgate, Knighthood, New Year Honours, England, Gerald Davies, Team GB, Paris 2024
London: Former England football manager Gareth Southgate has been knighted in the New Year Honours. It’s a big deal! Under his guidance, England made it to two European Championship finals and the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. That makes him the most successful England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey.
After stepping down following the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, Southgate joins a prestigious group of knights, including Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson. Pretty impressive, right?
In other news, Welsh rugby legend Gerald Davies also received a knighthood for his contributions to rugby and charity work in Wales. He played for Wales from 1966 to 1978 and was part of three Grand Slam teams. Talk about a stellar career!
The honour list also shines a light on Team GB’s athletes from the Paris 2024 Olympics. Hannah Cockcroft, a nine-time Paralympic champion, was named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Keely Hodgkinson, who snagged gold in the 800m, is now a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Cockcroft was over the moon, saying it’s the perfect end to an incredible year. She had two golds and a silver at the World Championships and even got married! What a year!
Hodgkinson, who won BBC Sports Personality of the Year, is among 14 Olympic champions from 2024 to be recognized. Cyclists Tom Pidcock and Duncan Scott are also getting OBEs, along with rower Helen Glover, who returned to competition after maternity leave.
Glover, who won two golds in previous Olympics and a silver in Paris, expressed her gratitude, saying it’s an honour to receive an OBE. She’s proud to be recognized for her efforts in sports and parenting.
Other athletes like Lola Anderson and Bryony Page are also receiving MBEs. Page, who won gold in Paris, said this honour reflects years of hard work and support from her team. Aldridge, who celebrated kite-surfing’s Olympic debut with a gold medal, felt it was the cherry on top of an amazing year.
Athletes like Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith are also being recognized with MBEs. Johnson-Thompson shared her honor, crediting the support she’s received over the years.
Penny Briscoe, director of sport at the British Paralympic Association, received a CBE for her contributions. She feels proud and grateful for the opportunities she’s had.
Additionally, 23 Paralympic champions from Paris received recognition, including OBEs for swimmers and cyclists. Even former Formula One driver Martin Brundle got an OBE for his work in racing and broadcasting.
Alan Hansen, a former Liverpool player and BBC analyst, received an MBE for his service in football and media. Dawn Astle, who started the Jeff Astle Foundation for head injury research, was also honored with an MBE. It’s a big moment for all these athletes and contributors!