Former England manager Gareth Southgate has been knighted in the New Year Honours, recognising his achievements during an eight-year tenure as England boss from 2016 to 2024.
Southgate, 54, guided England to back-to-back European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024, though both ended in defeat to Italy and Spain, respectively. Under his leadership, England also reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the 2022 quarter-finals.
He becomes the fourth England manager to receive a knighthood, joining Alf Ramsey, Walter Winterbottom, and Bobby Robson. Southgate stepped down after the Euro 2024 final and has hinted at leaving football management.
In addition to Southgate, the New Year Honours celebrated achievements across various sports:
Former Wales rugby legend and ex-Welsh Rugby Union president, Gerald Davies was knighted for his contributions to the sport and charitable service. Davies, a standout player during Wales’ golden era, toured with the British and Irish Lions in 1968 and 1971, contributing to their only series victory over New Zealand.
22-year-old Olympic gold medallist in the 800 metres Keely Hodgkinson (MBE) became only the third British woman to claim this title, following Ann Packer and Kelly Holmes.
Olympic heptathlon silver medalist Katarina Johnson-Thompson (MBE) was recognised for her athletic achievements alongside fellow three-time medallist Dina Asher-Smith (MBE).
Nine-time Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft (CBE) defended her 100m and 800m titles at the Paris Games, capping off a stellar year.
Former Liverpool defender and television pundit Alan Hansen (MBE) was honoured for his contributions to football and broadcasting.
Southgate’s successor, Thomas Tuchel, will officially take charge on January 1, aiming to lead England in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The German manager, formerly of Chelsea and Bayern Munich, has a fresh challenge to build on Southgate’s legacy.
