Sir Gareth joins the greats as football’s seventh knighted manager

Gareth Southgate was officially knighted on Wednesday at Windsor Castle, joining an exclusive list of football managers recognised in this way. The 54-year-old received the honour for his contribution to the national game, just months after stepping down as England boss in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

Across nearly eight years in charge, Southgate reshaped England’s image, despite falling short of major silverware. Now one of only seven football managers to have received a knighthood, he stands in the company of Sir Alf Ramsey, Sir Matt Busby, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Robson, Sir Kenny Dalglish, and Sir Walter Winterbottom.

While Winterbottom and Southgate are the only members of that group without a major tournament win, Southgate’s tenure brought back pride to a long-underachieving setup. England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and contested two European Championship finals — falling on penalties to Italy at Wembley in 2021, and narrowly losing 2-1 to Spain in 2024.

His closest brush with a trophy came in those near-misses, yet many acknowledge the dignity, discipline, and clear identity he restored to the national side. Southgate was appointed in late 2016 following Sam Allardyce’s departure and inherited a disjointed squad. He exited after leading the team to its most consistent period in decades.

As a player himself, Southgate won League Cups with Aston Villa in 1996 and Middlesbrough in 2004, skippering the latter. His recognition now comes less for medals and more for the influence he wielded throughout the England setup, from youth level to the senior side.

“He made players and supporters dream again,” the article reflected, noting how Southgate rekindled belief in the badge during a stretch where England regularly reached the business end of tournaments. Though always described as cerebral and calm, Southgate also took decisive decisions — from phasing out senior names like Wayne Rooney to dropping Jack Grealish for Euro 2024.

He led by example off the field too. In 2019, Southgate confronted racist abuse aimed at his players in a match against Bulgaria, condemning it without losing perspective on England’s own challenges. He responded similarly during the Qatar World Cup controversy around the OneLove armband, saying the LGBTQI+ community had every right to feel “let down” after the planned protest was abandoned.

His relationship with fans fluctuated. He was once serenaded in song; two years later, booed and pelted with cups in Cologne after a draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024. Even amid criticism for risk-averse tactics, Southgate was England’s figurehead during a renaissance on and off the pitch.

The honour was fittingly conferred by the Prince of Wales, the Football Association’s president during Southgate’s reign, who had previously described him as “an all-round class act.”