10 most famous football personalities who have received British honors
Football has long been seen as Britain's pride, and over the years, many of its most iconic figures in this sport have received recognition by being awarded prestigious British honours. From legendary players who enchanted fans on the pitch to coaches who reshaped tactics and strategies, these honours reflect their significant contributions to the sport as well as to society. Here we take a closer look at 10 of the most famous football personalities who have received British honours, as well as when they received them and why.
Statue of Sir Stanley Matthews (©Atgimages - Dreamstime)
1. Sir Stanley Matthews
Award: Knight Bachelor, 1965Sir Stanley Matthews is one of the greatest football players of all time and he became the first professional football player to be knighted in 1965. His skill and long career earned him the nickname "The Wizard of the Dribble". Matthews's career spanned over 30 years, and he continued to play at a high level well into his 40s, setting numerous records in English football. The elegant playing style, sportsmanship, and contributions to football made him a national icon, and his knighthood cemented his legendary status. Matthews is still celebrated for his significant role in popularising the sport of football during its early years.
2. Sir Bobby Charlton
Award: Knight Bachelor, 1994Sir Bobby Charlton was a key figure in the England team that won the World Cup in 1966, and he was knighted in 1994 for his contributions to football. Charlton spent most of his career at Manchester United, where he became one of the most successful players in the club's history. He was known for his powerful shot and exceptional stamina, scoring a total of 249 goals for the "Red Devils" and earning 106 caps and scoring 49 goals for England. After being one of the survivors of the Munich air disaster in 1958, Charlton became a symbol of resilience, both on and off the pitch. His contributions to English football, particularly his role in securing the World Cup for England, made him a worthy recipient of the honour.
3. Sir Alex Ferguson
Award: Knight Bachelor, 1999The Scotsman Sir Alex Ferguson is undoubtedly the most successful football manager in British history, and he received his knighthood in 1999 after Manchester United's historic treble. Under Ferguson's leadership, United won 13 Premier League titles, 2 UEFA Champions League titles, and several domestic cups. During his tenure, Manchester United transformed from a major club into one of the largest and most popular clubs in the world. Ferguson was honoured not only for his incredible achievements with United but also for his influence on football as a whole, where he shaped the modern era of the sport through the development of tactics, youth programs, and his ability to build a successful team.
4. Sir Geoff Hurst
Award: Knight Bachelor, 1998Sir Geoff Hurst was the first player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, a feat he held alone until Kylian Mbappé repeated the achievement in the final of the Qatar World Cup 2022. The final in which he scored the hat-trick was in 1966 against West Germany, a match that England won 4-2, giving them a World Cup title that is England's first and only. He was knighted in 1998, an honour that reflects his crucial role in England's victory in that match. After his football career, Hurst became a prominent public figure, engaged in various charitable activities and serving as an ambassador for English football. His legendary status within the sport has been maintained for decades, and his knighthood serves as a lasting tribute to his achievements both on and off the pitch.
5. David Beckham
Award: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), 2003David Beckham received his OBE in 2003 for his services to football, but his influence as a person extends far beyond the sport. His charisma, leadership, and football skills helped elevate the global profile of English football, especially during his years at Manchester United and Real Madrid. He was not only known for his free kicks and precise passes but also for his ambassadorship for various charitable causes and humanitarian efforts, particularly through his work with UNICEF. Beckham's OBE honours both his contributions to football and his global influence in general.
6. Kenny Dalglish
Awards: Knight Bachelor, 2018 and Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) 1985The Scot Kenny Dalglish is one of Liverpool's greatest players and managers of all time, and he was awarded an MBE in 1985 for his magnificent playing career. He became known as "King Kenny" and started his career in his homeland at Celtic, but he is of course best known for his years at Liverpool, both as a player and manager. At Liverpool, he achieved enormous success, including six English league titles as a player and three as a manager, as well as three European Cup titles as a player. Dalglish's knighthood in 2018 recognised not only his contributions to football but also his humanitarian efforts, such as after the Hillsborough disaster in 1989. His compassionate leadership during one of football's darkest moments and his ongoing charitable work have made him a significant figure both in sporting and civic terms.
7. Harry Kane
Award: Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), 2019The only active player on this list is Harry Kane, who was awarded an MBE in 2019. He is the captain of the England national team and one of the Premier League's most prolific strikers in the league's history, although he currently plays in the German Bundesliga with Bayern Munich. He received the award after leading England to their first World Cup semi-final in 28 years during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, a tournament where he also won the Golden Boot with his 6 goals. His MBE is a recognition of both his achievements in football and his role in inspiring a new generation of football fans and players. Kane's commitment to sportsmanship and leadership both on and off the pitch made him a worthy recipient of this award.
8. Gareth Southgate
Award: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), 2019Gareth Southgate received his OBE in 2019, following his successful tenure as head coach of the England national team. Southgate was the leader of England when they reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, which led to something of a revival for English football on the global stage. He is widely praised (or at least at that time) for his tactical acumen, leadership, and the positive team culture he created within the squad. Southgate's OBE reflects not only his achievements as a coach but also his dignified approach to leadership and his role in promoting diversity, inclusion, and mental health awareness within the sport.
9. Steven Gerrard
Award: Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), 2007Steven Gerrard, one of Liverpool's most iconic players of the 2000s, was awarded an MBE in 2007 for his contributions to football. He spent his entire playing career at Liverpool, except for a final year at LA Galaxy in the American MLS, and he led the team to countless successes during his time there. Most notably, the 2005 UEFA Champions League triumph, where Gerrard played a crucial role in the famous comeback against AC Milan after being down 0-3 at halftime. His leadership on the pitch, commitment to charitable work, and role as an ambassador for British football were key factors in him receiving the award. His influence extends beyond Liverpool, as he became a symbol of loyalty, passion, and professionalism.
10. Ryan Giggs
Award: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), 2007Welshman Ryan Giggs is one of Manchester United's greatest players of all time, and he was awarded an OBE in 2007. During his brilliant career, as one of the key players under the already mentioned Sir Alex Ferguson's fantastic team, Giggs won a total of 13 Premier League titles, 2 UEFA Champions League titles, and plenty of cup titles. His consistency, professionalism, and longevity made him one of the most respected players in football. Giggs's OBE recognized not only his sporting achievements but also his role as a mentor for younger players and his charitable efforts off the pitch. His contributions to British football and his extraordinary career length solidified his place among the greats of British football.
Final words
The British honours system has long recognized those who contribute to the nation's sporting success, and football, as the nation's most beloved sport, has produced many individuals worthy of such honours. From the legendary Sir Stanley Matthews to modern icons like David Beckham and Harry Kane, the awards given to these football personalities have highlighted not only their achievements on the pitch but also their influence off the pitch. These players and managers have become national idols, and their awards are a testament to their lasting impact on British and global football.If you want to read more about what the various British honours mean, you can read about them here.
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