11 December 2023
Alison Southgate

Gareth Southgate is a revered figure in English football, with a career spanning both the playing field and the managerial arena, marked by remarkable achievements and lasting contributions to the sport.

Born on September 3, 1970, Gareth Southgate initially made a name for himself as a player. He achieved notable success, winning the League Cup with Aston Villa in the 1995-96 season and later repeating this feat with Middlesbrough in 2003-04, showcasing his prowess as a formidable player. Furthermore, his leadership skills were evident when he captained Crystal Palace to victory in the First Division championship during the 1993-94 season.

Gareth Southgate is known to be married to Alison Southgate. Their marriage dates back to 1997, meaning that as of 2023, they have shared their lives as husband and wife for over two decades. Their romantic journey began in their teenage years, and their union was celebrated in a marriage ceremony held at Gareth Southgate’s family home in Crawley.

Southgate’s illustrious playing career included significant participation in key tournaments such as UEFA Euro 1996, the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Euro 2000. Despite the heartbreak of a penalty miss in the semi-final, Southgate’s central role in the 1996 World Cup campaign remains etched in football history.

Transitioning seamlessly into management, Gareth Southgate assumed the role of manager for Middlesbrough from June 2006 to October 2009. His managerial journey continued with the England under-21 team from 2013 to 2016. However, it was in 2016 that Southgate took the helm of the England national team, succeeding Sam Allardyce. This marked the beginning of a new era for English football under his guidance.

Southgate’s managerial acumen was on full display during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he guided England to a memorable semi-final appearance. His remarkable achievement earned him the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award, recognizing his pivotal role in revitalizing the national team. Euro 2020 witnessed Southgate’s tactical brilliance as he led England to their first major tournament final since 1966, despite falling short in a penalty shootout against Italy.

Continuing his success, Gareth Southgate steered England through the 2022 FIFA World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals before facing a formidable French side. His strategic approach and commitment to nurturing young talent have solidified his reputation as a top-tier manager.

Beyond the accolades, Southgate’s contributions were acknowledged with an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2019 New Year Honours, underscoring his significant impact on football.

In November 2019, Southgate was honored with the title of Honorary Yorkshireman by Welcome to Yorkshire, recognizing his inspirational influence on the region despite being born outside its boundaries.

During the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, Southgate exhibited leadership off the field by voluntarily accepting a 30% salary cut. This decision demonstrated his commitment to the well-being of the sport and the broader football community, further solidifying his legacy as a compassionate and dedicated figure in English football.

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