List of football personalities with British honours
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a list of football personalities who have received orders, decorations, and medals of the United Kingdom. Entries are listed alphabetically under the highest award attained. Previous awards, if gained, are listed in the relevant notes section. As many as 16 football personalities have been knighted so far (excluding honorary knighthoods). All players from the winning team in the 1966 World Cup Final were awarded the MBE, additionally Jack Charlton, Bobby Moore, Gordon Banks and George Eastham were made OBE.
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| Name | Year of award |
Award | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arthur Kinnaird, 11th Lord Kinnaird | 1914-Jun | KT | President, The Football Association (1890–1923); also inherited a hereditary peerage in 1887. | [1] |
| David Beckham | 2025-Jun | Knighthood | For services to Sport and to Charity; also appointed an OBE in 2003-Jun for services to Football. | [2][3][4] |
| Trevor Brooking | 2004-Jun | Knighthood | For services to Sport; also appointed a CBE in 1999-Jan and an MBE in 1981-Jun. | [5][6][7][8] |
| Matt Busby | 1968-Jun | Knighthood | After guiding Manchester United to the European Cup title; also appointed a CBE in 1958-Jun. | [9][10][11] |
| Sue Campbell | 2020-Jan | Damehood (DBE) | Director of Women's Football, The Football Association. For services to Sport. Previously appointed MBE in 1991-Jan, appointed CBE in 2003-Jun for services to Sport, and made life peer in 2008. | [12][13][14][15] |
| Philip Carter | 1991-Jun | Knighthood | Chairman, Everton FC; also appointed a CBE in 1982-Jan. | [16][17] |
| Bobby Charlton | 1994-Jun | Knighthood | For services to Sport, particularly Association Football; regarded as second footballer to be knighted; also appointed a CBE in 1974-Jan and an OBE in 1969-Jun. | [18][19][20][21] |
| Charles Clegg | 1927-Jun | Knighthood | Thought by some to be the first man knighted for services to football; although the citation did not mention football. | [22] |
| Kenny Dalglish | 2018-Jun | Knighthood | For services to Football, to Charity and to the City of Liverpool; his services to Charity and to the City of Liverpool are regarded as recognition of his continued support to the families and victims of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster; also appointed an MBE in 1985-Jan. | [23][24][25] |
| Alex Ferguson | 1999-Jun | Knighthood | Only the eighth football manager or player to receive a knighthood; also appointed a CBE in 1995-Jan and an OBE in 1985-Jan. | [26][27][28] |
| Tom Finney | 1998-Jan | Knighthood | For services to Association Football; regarded as third footballer to be knighted; also appointed a CBE in 1992-Jan and an OBE in 1961-Jun. | [29][30][31] |
| Denis Follows | 1978-Jun | Knighthood | Also appointed a CBE in 1967-Jan and MBE in 1950-Jun. | [32][33][34] |
| Arthur George | 1972-Jun | Knighthood | For services to the Australian-Greek community, universities and sport. Also appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1987-Jun (Australia) | [35][36] |
| Amos Brook Hirst | 1954-Jan | Knighthood | Also appointed an OBE in 1948-Jun. | [37][38] |
| Geoff Hurst | 1998-Jun | Knighthood | For services to football; regarded as fourth footballer to be knighted; also appointed an MBE in 1979-Jun. | [39][40][41] |
| Robert Kelly | 1969-Jan | Knighthood | For services to Scottish football. | [42] |
| John Madejski | 2009-Jan | Knighthood | For charitable services; also appointed an OBE in 2000-Jun for services to Reading Football Club and the community in Reading, Berkshire. | [43][44] |
| Stanley Matthews | 1965-Jan | Knighthood | The only active footballer knighted, regarded as first footballer to be knighted; also appointed a CBE in 1957-Jan. | [45][46][3] |
| Bert Millichip | 1991-Jun | Knighthood | Chairman, The Football Association. | [47] |
| Bob Murray | 2010-Jun | Knighthood | For services to Football and to Education in the North East; also appointed a CBE in 2003-Jan for services to Sunderland Football Club and to the community. | [48][49] |
| John Quinton | 1990-Jan | Knighthood | Chairman, FA Premier League. | [50] |
| Heather Rabbatts | 2016-Jan | Damehood (DBE) | Director, the Football Association. For public services and services to Football and Equality. Previous appointed CBE for services to Local Government in 2000-Jan. | [51][52] |
| Alf Ramsey | 1967-Jan | Knighthood | Manager, England Association Football World Cup Team. (following England's 1966 World Cup triumph) | [3][53] |
| Dave Richards | 2006-Jun | Knighthood | Chairman of the FA Premier League and Football Foundation. For services to Sport. | [54] |
| Bobby Robson | 2002-Jun | Knighthood | For services to Association Football; also appointed a CBE in 1991-Jan. | [55][56] |
| Stanley Rous | 1949-Jan | Knighthood | For contribution to the 1948 London Olympics and to sport in general; also appointed a CBE in 1943-Jan. | [57][58][59] |
| John Smith | 1990-Jan | Knighthood | Chairman, Liverpool FC. For services to Sport; also appointed a CBE in 1982-Jan. | [60][61] |
| Gareth Southgate | 2025-Jan | Knighthood | Manager, England Football Team. For services to Football; also appointed an OBE in 2019-Jan for services to football. | [62][63] |
| Andrew Stephen | 1972-Jun | Knighthood | Chairman, The Football Association. | [35] |
| Harold Warris Thompson | 1968-Jan | Knighthood | Chairman, The Football Association; also appointed a CBE in 1959-Jan. | [64][65] |
| Frederick Wall | 1930-Jan | Knighthood | Secretary, The Football Association. | [66] |
| Sarina Wiegman | 2025-Dec | DBE (honorary) | England Women's National Football Coach. For services to Association football; also appointed CBE (honorary) in 2022-Dec. | [67][68] |
| Walter Winterbottom | 1978-Jan | Knighthood | First England manager, For services to Sport; also appointed a CBE in 1972-Jan and an OBE in 1963-Jan. | [3][69][70][71] |
| Hubert Ashton | 1959-Jun | KBE | For political and public services. Also received the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in 1919. | [72][73] |
| Charles Cadogan, 8th Earl Cadogan | 2012-Jun | KBE | Former Chairman, Chelsea FC. For charitable services. Also appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London in 1996; inherited hereditary peerage as Earl Cadogan in 1997. | [74] |
| Pelé | 1997 | KBE (honorary) | [75] | |
| Jimmy Armfield | 2010-Jan | CBE | Also appointed an OBE in 2000-Jun. | [76][77] |
| David Bernstein | 2014-Jan | CBE | For services to Football. | [78] |
| Alison Brittain | 2019-Jan | CBE | Chair, the Premier League. For services to Business. | [79] |
| Craig Brown | 1999-Jun | CBE | For services to Association Football. | [80] |
| Harry Cavan | 1990-Jun | CBE | For service to Association Football. Also appointed an OBE in 1977-Jan. | [81][82] |
| John Charles | 2001-Jun | CBE | For services to Association Football. | [83] |
| Ted Croker | 1989-Jun | CBE | Secretary, The Football Association. | [84] |
| Charlie Dempsey | 1982-Jun (NZ) | CBE | For services to Association Football. | [85] |
| Arthur Drewry | 1953-Jun | CBE | President of the Football League. | [86] |
| Paul Elliott | 2012-Jun | CBE | For services to Equality and Diversity in Football; also appointed an MBE in 2003-Jun. | [87][88][89] |
| David Gill | 2019-Jun | CBE | For services to Football. | [90] |
| Ron Greenwood | 1981-Jan | CBE | Manager, England Association Football Team. | [41][91] |
| John Greig | 2023-Jun | CBE | For services to Association Football and to the community in Scotland; also appointed MBE in 1977-Jun. | [92][93] |
| Roy Hodgson | 2021-Jun | CBE | For services to Football. | [94] |
| Pat Jennings | 2023-Jan | CBE | For services to Association Football and to Charity; also appointed OBE in 1987-Jan for services to Association Football, particularly Northern Ireland, and MBE in 1976-Jun for services to Association Football. | [95][96][97] |
| Debbie Jevans | 2013-Jan | CBE | For services to Sport and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. | [98] |
| Jürgen Klopp | 2025 | CBE (honorary) | For services to Football and the Community in Liverpool. | [67] |
| Denis Law | 2016-Jan | CBE | For services to Football and charity. | [99] |
| Francis Lee | 2016-Jan | CBE | For services to Football and charity. | [99] |
| Daniel Levy | 2026-Jan | CBE | Lately Chair, Tottenham Hotspur. For services to Charity and the community in Tottenham. | [100] |
| Laura McAllister | 2016-Jun | CBE | For services to Sport. | [101] |
| Hope Powell | 2010-Jun | CBE | For services to Sport. Also appointed an OBE in 2002-Jun for services to Association Football. | [102][103][104] |
| Richard Scudamore | 2019-Jan | CBE | Former Executive Chairman, Premier League. For services to Football. | [105] |
| Alan Shearer | 2016-Jun | CBE | For charitable services to the community in North East England. Also appointed an OBE in 2001-Jun for services to association football and Deputy Lieutenant of Northumberland in 2009. | [3][106][107][108] |
| David Sheepshanks | 2013-Jan | CBE | For services to Football and for charitable services in Suffolk. | [109] |
| Peter Shilton | 2024-Jan | CBE | For services to Association Football and the Prevention of Gambling Harm; also appointed OBE in 1991-Jan and MBE in 1986-Jan, both for services to Association Football. | [3][110][111][112] |
| Graeme Souness | 2024-Jun | CBE | For services to Association Football and to Charity. | [113][114] |
| Jock Stein | 1970-Jun | CBE | For services to Scottish Football. | [115][116] |
| Ernie Walker | 1995-Jun | CBE | Secretary, Scottish Football Association. For services to Football. Also appointed an OBE in 1988-Jan. | [117] |
| David Will | 2002-Jun | CBE | Vice-president, Executive Committee of FIFA. For services to Association Football. | [118] |
| Leah Williamson | 2026-Jan | CBE | For services to Association Football; also appointed OBE in 2023-Jan. | [119][120] |
| Billy Wright | 1959-Jun | CBE | For services to Association Football. | [121][122] |
| Rimla Akhtar | 2021-Jun | OBE | For services to Equality and Diversity in Sport; also appointed an MBE in 2015-Jun. | [123][124] |
| Chris Anderson | 1981-Jun | OBE | Vice-chairman, Scottish Sports Council. | [125] |
| Andy Anson | 2022-Jan | OBE | For services to Sport, particularly during COVID-19. | [126] |
| Vic Akers | 2010-Jan | OBE | For services to Sport. | [127] |
| Gordon Banks | 1970-Jun | OBE | For services to Association Football. | [115] |
| Paul Barber | 2023-Jan | OBE | Deputy Chair and Chief Executive, Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club. For services to Association football. | [126] |
| Brian Barwick | 2021-Jan | OBE | For services to Sport and Sports Broadcasting. | [128] |
| Brendon Batson | 2015-Jan | OBE | Also appointed an MBE in 2001-Jan. | [129][130][131][132] |
| Luther Blissett | 2022-Jun | OBE | Patron, Sporting Memories. For services to Association Football and to Charity. Also appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire in July 2021. | [133][134] |
| Jim Boyce | 2015-Jan | OBE | For services to football in Northern Ireland. | [135] |
| Millie Bright | 2024-Jan | OBE | For services to Association Football. | [136] |
| Geoff Brown | 2022-Jan | OBE | Chairman, St Johnstone Football Club. For services to Scottish Football and to the community in Perth. | [137] |
| Ann Budge | 2026-Jan | OBE | Lately Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Heart of Midlothian Football Club. For services to Sport and to the community in Midlothian. | [119] |
| Norman Burtenshaw | 1974-Jan | OBE | Football referee. | [138] |
| Gerry Cakebread | 1994-Jun | OBE | Former Brentford FC footballer. Hydrographic Office, Ministry of Defence. | [139] |
| Karen Carney | 2024-Jun | OBE | For services to Association Football. Also appointed MBE in 2017 Jan for services to Football. | [140][141][142] |
| Brian Clough | 1991-Jun | OBE | For services to Association Football. | [143][144] |
| Chris Coleman | 2017-Jan | OBE | For services to Football. | [145][146] |
| Jim Craig | 2026-Jan | OBE | For services to Scottish Association Football and to Charity. | [147] |
| Garth Crooks | 1999-Jun | OBE | For services to the Institute of Professional Sport. | [148][149] |
| Jack Charlton | 1974-Jun | OBE | For services to Association Football. Also appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Northumberland in 1997. | [150][151] |
| David Clarke | 2023-Jun | OBE | Chief Executive Officer, British Paralympic Association. For services to Paralympic Sport. | [152] |
| David Coleman | 1993-Jan | OBE | Sports journalist, British Broadcasting Corporation. | [153] |
| David Davies | 2007-Jan | OBE | For services to Sport. | [154] |
| Jermain Defoe | 2018-Jun | OBE | For services to the Jermain Defoe Foundation. | [155] |
| George Eastham | 1973-Jun | OBE | For services to Association Football. | [3][156] |
| Doug Ellis | 2005-Jan | OBE | Chairman, Aston Villa Football Club. For services to Football and to the community in the West Midlands. Later knighted for charitable services in 2012-Jan. | [157][158] |
| Rio Ferdinand | 2022-Jun | OBE | For services to Association Football and to Charity. | [133] |
| David France | 2012-Jan | OBE | Founder, Everton Former Players’ Foundation. For services to Football in the UK and Europe. | [159] |
| Ken Friar | 2000-Jun | OBE | For services to Association Football. | [160] |
| Steve Gibson | 2016-Jun | OBE | Owner, Middlesbrough Football Club. For services to the Economy, Sport and community in Teesside. | [161] |
| Ryan Giggs | 2007-Jun | OBE | For services to Sport. | [162][163] |
| Geoffrey Green | 1976-Jan | OBE | Sports writer and broadcaster; also appointed an MBE in 1946-Jun. | [164][165] |
| Harry Gregg | 2019-Jan | OBE | Also appointed an MBE in 1995-Jan. | [63][166] |
| Alan Hardaker | 1971-Jun | OBE | Secretary, The Football League. | [167] |
| Emma Hayes | 2022-Jan | OBE | For services to Football. Also appointed MBE in Jun-2016. | [168][169] |
| Jimmy Hill | 1995-Jan | OBE | For services to Association Football and to Broadcasting. | [170][171] |
| Gérard Houllier | 2003 | OBE (honorary) | [172] | |
| Emlyn Hughes | 1980-Jan | OBE | For services to Association Football. | [3][173] |
| Mark Hughes | 2004-Jun | OBE | Also appointed an MBE in 1998-Jan. | [174][175] |
| Sophie Ingle | 2023-Jan | OBE | Captain, Wales Women's National Football Team. For services to Association Football. | [176] |
| Huw Jenkins | 2015-Jun | OBE | For services to Sport in Wales. | [177] |
| Bernard Joy | 1977-Jun | OBE | Football correspondent, Evening Standard. | [178] |
| Kevin Keegan | 1982-Jun | OBE | For services to Association Football. | [179] |
| Frank Lampard | 2015-Jun | OBE | For services to Football. | [180] |
| Tony Larkin | 2016-Jun | OBE | For services to Further Education and Disability Sport. | [181] |
| Gary Lineker | 1992-Jan | OBE | For services to Association Football. | [3][182] |
| Cliff Lloyd | 1975-Jun | OBE | Secretary/Treasurer, Professional Footballers' Association. | [183] |
| Nat Lofthouse | 1994-Jan | OBE | For services to Association Football. | [184][185] |
| Sam Longson | 1977-Jan | OBE | President and chairman, Derby County Football Club. | [186] |
| Des Lynam | 2008-Jan | OBE | For services to Sport. | [187] |
| Ally McCoist | 2024-Jun | OBE | For services to Association Football and to Broadcasting. Also appointed MBE in 1994-Jun for services to association football. | [188][189][190] |
| Peter McCormick | 2000-Jan | OBE | For charitable services. | [191] |
| Alex McLeish | 2024-Jan | OBE | For services to Charity. | [192] |
| Bertie Mee | 1984-Jan | OBE | For services to Association Football. | [193] |
| Joe Mercer | 1976-Jan | OBE | For services to Association Football in England. | [3][194] |
| Bobby Moore | 1967-Jan | OBE | Captain, England Association Football World Cup Team. | [41][195] |
| Trevor Morris | 1976-Jan | OBE | Secretary, The Football Association of Wales; also awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) in May 1945. | [196][197] |
| John Motson | 2001-Jun | OBE | For services to Sports Broadcasting. | [198][199] |
| David Moyes | 2025-Jan | OBE | For services to Association Football. | [200] |
| Bill Nicholson | 1975-Jan | OBE | Manager, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. | [201] |
| Martin O'Neill | 2004-Jan | OBE | For services to Football. Also appointed MBE in 1983-Jan for services to association football. | [202][203] |
| Willie Ormond | 1975-Jan | OBE | Manager, Scottish football team. | [204] |
| Bob Paisley | 1977-Jun | OBE | Manager, Liverpool Football Club. | [205] |
| Tony Pawson | 1988-Jun | OBE | For services to angling. | [206] |
| Don Revie | 1970-Jan | OBE | Manager, Leeds United Football Club. | [3][207] |
| Bryan Robson | 1990-Jan | OBE | For services to Association Football. | [3][208] |
| Frank Rothwell | 2025-Jun | OBE | For charitable services to Dementia Research. | [209] |
| Andy Roxburgh | 1993-Jun | OBE | For services to Association Football. | [210] |
| Dave Sexton | 2005-Jun | OBE | For services to Football in England. | [211] |
| Bill Shankly | 1974-Jun | OBE | Manager, Liverpool Football Club. | [212] |
| Walter Smith | 1997-Jun | OBE | For services to Association Football. | [213] |
| Gordon Strachan | 1993-Jan | OBE | For services to Association Football. | [214] |
| Mike Summerbee | 2022-Jun | OBE | For services to Association Football and to Charity. | [133] |
| Gordon Taylor | 2008-Jan | OBE | For services to Sport. | [215] |
| Graham Taylor | 2002-Jan | OBE | For services to Association Football. | [216] |
| Jack Taylor | 1975-Jan | OBE | Football Referee. | [201] |
| Geoff Thompson | 2007-Jun | OBE | For services to Sport. | [217] |
| Roy Torrens | 2009-Jun | OBE | For services to Cricket and Football in Northern Ireland. | [218] |
| Bert Trautmann | 2004 | OBE (honorary) | [219] | |
| Clive Tyldesley | 2026-Jan | OBE | Broadcaster. For services to Sports Broadcasting and to Charity. | [220] |
| Vinai Venkatesham | 2024-Jan | OBE | Chief Executive Officer, Arsenal Football Club. For services to Sport. | [221] |
| Dale Vince | 2004-Jan | OBE | Chairman, Forest Green Rovers FC. For services to the Environment and to the Electricity Industry. | [222] |
| Tommy Walker | 1960-Jun | OBE | For services to Scottish Association Football. | [223][224] |
| Arsène Wenger | 2003 | OBE (honorary) | ||
| Howard Wilkinson | 2024-Jan | OBE | Chairman, League Managers Association. For services to Association Football and to Charity. | [221] |
| Bob Wilson | 2008-Jan | OBE | For charitable services through the Willow Foundation. | [225] |
| Ian Wright | 2023-Jun | OBE | For services to Association Football and to Charity; also appointed MBE in 2000-Jan for services to Association Football. | [226][227][228][229] |
| Rachel Yankey | 2014-Jan | OBE | Also appointed an MBE in 2006-Jan. | [230][231][232] |
| Gianfranco Zola | 2004 | OBE (honorary) | [233] | |
| Tony Adams | 1999-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [3][234] |
| Eniola Aluko | 2023-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football and to Charity. | [226] |
| Ivor Allchurch | 1966-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football in Wales. | [235] |
| Rachel Anderson | 2016-Jun | MBE | For services to Gender Equality in Football. | [236] |
| Viv Anderson | 2000-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [3][237] |
| Ken Aston | 1997-Jun | MBE | Referee. For services to Association Football in the USA. | [238] |
| Alan Ball Jr. | 2000-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [237] |
| Debbie Bampton | 1998-Jun | MBE | For services to Women's Association Football. | [239][240][241] |
| Noel Bailie | 2013-Jun | MBE | For services to Football in Northern Ireland. | [242][243] |
| Gareth Bale | 2022-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football and to Charity. | [133] |
| John Barnes | 1998-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [3][239] |
| David Bascome | 2003-Jun | MBE | For services to sport and young people in Bermuda. | [244] |
| Ted Bates | 2001-Jan | MBE | For services to Southampton Football Club. | [130][245] |
| Peter Beardsley | 1995-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [246][247] |
| Jen Beattie | 2023-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football and to Charity. | [120] |
| Sheila Begbie | 2001-Jan | MBE | For services to Women's Football. | [248] |
| Colin Bell | 2005-Jan | MBE | For services to the community in Manchester. | [3][249] |
| Francis Benali | 2020-Jan | MBE | Former Southampton F.C. player; for services to Cancer Patients in the UK. | [250] |
| Gary Bennett | 2022-Jan | MBE | For services to Anti-Racism in Football. | [251] |
| John Beresford | 2017-Jun | MBE | For services to education. | [252] |
| Clyde Best | 2006-Jan | MBE | For services to football and the community in Bermuda. | [232][253][254] |
| Billy Bingham | 1981-Jun | MBE | Manager, Northern Ireland Association Football Team. | [7] |
| Alan Birchenall | 2003-Jan | MBE | For Charitable Services to the community in Leicestershire. | [255] |
| Tony Bloom | 2024-Jan | MBE | Chairman, Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club. For services to Association Football and to the community in Brighton. | [256] |
| Billy Bonds | 1988-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [41][257] |
| John Bowler | 2015-Jan | MBE | Chair, Crewe Alexandra Football Club. For services to Football. | [258] |
| Tom Boyd | 2002-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [259] |
| Bill Bratt | 2009-Jun | MBE | Chairman, Port Vale Football Club. For services to Sport. | [260] |
| Lucy Bronze | 2023-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [261] |
| Steve Bull | 2000-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [3][262] |
| Ian Callaghan | 1975-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [263] |
| Marissa Callaghan | 2025-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football and to the community in Northern Ireland. | [264] |
| Tony Carr | 2010-Jun | MBE | For services to Football. | [265][266] |
| Len Casey | 1993-Jun | MBE | Former Chelsea FC footballer. Training Officer, Telephone Cables Ltd. For services to Training. | [267] |
| Charlie Clapham | 2011-Jun | MBE | For services to Manufacture and to Football in Merseyside. | [268] |
| Ray Clemence | 1987-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [3][269] |
| George Cohen | 2000-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [3][270] |
| Joe Corrigan | 2025-Jan | MBE | For services to Charitable Fundraising. | [271] |
| Gillian Coultard | 2021-Jan | MBE | For services to Welsh Football. | [272] |
| George Courtney | 1991-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [273] |
| Norman Creek | 1943-Jun | MBE | Military Division; also awarded the Military Cross in 1918. | [3][274][275] |
| Carlyle Crockwell | 1977-Jun | MBE | Bermudan referee (awarded for work in the prisons service.) | [276] |
| Alan Curtis | 2021-Jan | MBE | For services to Football. | [272] |
| Hugh Dallas | 2003-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [277] |
| Rachel Daly | 2025-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [278] |
| Barry Davies | 2005-Jan | MBE | For services to Sports Broadcasting. | [279] |
| Kerry Davis | 2026-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football and Diversity in Sport. | [280] |
| Steven Davis | 2017-Jun | MBE | For services to Football. | [281] |
| David Dein | 2019-Jan | MBE | Vice Chairman, Arsenal Football Club and the Football Association. For services to Football and to voluntary work in Schools and Prisons. | [282] |
| Jimmy Dickinson | 1964-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [283] |
| Derek Dooley | 2003-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [284] |
| Loren Dykes | 2020-Jan | MBE | For services to Women's Football in Wales. | [285] |
| Robbie Earle | 1999-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [286] |
| Mary Earps | 2024-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [287] |
| Mohammad Anwar Elahee | 1970-Jan | MBE | For services to sport. | [288] |
| David Elleray | 2014-Jun | MBE | For services to Football. | [289] |
| Robert Elstone | 2023-Jan | MBE | Former CEO, Everton FC. For services to Sport. | [290] |
| Jonny Evans | 2023-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [291] |
| Barry Ferguson | 2006-Jun | MBE | For services to Sport. | [292] |
| Jess Fishlock | 2018-Jan | MBE | For services to Women's Football and the LGBT community. | [293] |
| Julie Fleeting | 2008-Jun | MBE | For services to Women's Football. | [294] |
| Ron Flowers | 2021-Jan | MBE | For services to Football. | [295] |
| Tony Ford | 2000-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [296] |
| Amy Fearn | 2023-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [291] |
| Les Ferdinand | 2005-Jun | MBE | For services to Sport. | [297] |
| Paul Fletcher | 2007-Jan | MBE | For services to Sport and to Charity. | [298] |
| Cheryl Foster | 2024-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football and to Women's Sport. | [299] |
| Steven Gerrard | 2007-Jan | MBE | For services to Sport. | [3][300] |
| Shaun Goater | 2003-Jun | MBE | For services to Sport and young people, Bermuda. | [301][302] |
| Sylvia Gore | 2000-Jan | MBE | For services to Girls' and Women's Association Football. | [303] |
| [304][305] | ||||
| Eddie Gray | 1983-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [306] |
| Jimmy Greaves | 2021-Jan | MBE | For services to Football. | [307] |
| Alex Greenwood | 2026-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football | [308] |
| Alan Hansen | 2025-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football and to Broadcasting. | [309] |
| George Harkus | 1949-Jun | MBE | Military Division; for keeping up morale in the forces whilst stationed in the Middle East. | [310] |
| Eric Harrison | 2018-Jan | MBE | For services to Football. | [311] |
| David Healy | 2008-Jun | MBE | For services to Football and to the community in Northern Ireland. | [312] |
| Lauren Hemp | 2024-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [313] |
| Jordan Henderson | 2021-Jun | MBE | For services to Football and Charity, particularly during the COVID-19 Pandemic. | [314] |
| Debbie Hewitt | 2011-Jan | MBE | Chairwoman of the Football Association. For services to Business and to the Public Sector. | [315] |
| Alan Hodgkinson | 2008-Jan | MBE | For services to Football. | [316] |
| Steve Holland | 2022-Jan | MBE | Assistant manager, England National Football Team. For services to Association Football. | [317] |
| John Hollins | 1982-Jun | MBE | For services to Football. | [318] |
| Steph Houghton | 2016-Jan | MBE | For services to Football. | [319] |
| Aaron Hughes | 2020-Jan | MBE | For services to Football. | [320] |
| Roger Hunt | 2000-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [3][321] |
| Mike Ingham | 2010-Jun | MBE | For services to Sports Broadcasting. | [322] |
| Leslie Irvine | 2024-Jan | MBE | International Refereeing Assessor, Irish Football Association. For services to Association Football. | [323] |
| Gordon Jago | 2006-Jun | MBE | For services to the promotion of international youth football. | [324] |
| David James | 2012-Jun | MBE | For services to Football and Charity. | [325][326] |
| David Jeffrey | 2021-Jun | MBE | Manager, Ballymena United. For services to Association Football and Community Relations in Northern Ireland. | [327] |
| Chris Kamara | 2023-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football, to Anti-Racism and to Charity. | [328] |
| Harry Kane | 2019-Jan | MBE | Captain, England Football Team. For services to Association Football. | [329] |
| Kevin Keelan | 1980-Jun | MBE | For services to Norwich City Football Club. | [330] |
| Shelley Kerr | 2019-Jun | MBE | For services to Football. | [331] |
| Anna Kessel | 2016-Jun | MBE | Sports Journalist and co-founder, Women in Football. For services to Journalism and Women's Sport. | [332] |
| Alan Knight | 2001-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [333][334] |
| Kwok Ka Ming | 1978-Jun | MBE | For services to Sport in Hong Kong. | [335] |
| Henrik Larsson | 2006 | MBE (honorary) | For services to Football. | [336] |
| Brian Lee | 2016-Jan | MBE | Chair, Football Conference Trust and President, Football Conference. For services to Football. | [337] |
| Jim Leighton | 1998-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [338][339] |
| Jim Leishman | 2007-Jun | MBE | For services to Sport. | [340] |
| Bobby Lennox | 1981-Jan | MBE | For services to the Glasgow Celtic Football Club. | [341] |
| Kim Little | 2023-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [342] |
| Sue Lopez | 2000-Jun | MBE | For services to Women's Association Football. | [343] |
| Jayne Ludlow | 2019-Jun | MBE | Manager, Wales Women's football. For services to Women's Football in Wales. | [344] |
| Gary Mabbutt | 1994-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [3][345] |
| Malky Mackay | 2015-Jan | MBE | For services to Football in Glasgow. | [346] |
| Mo Marley | 2005-Jun | MBE | For services to Sport. | [347] |
| David Marsh | 2011-Jan | MBE | Former Chairman, Everton FC. For voluntary service to amateur golf. | [348] |
| Sian Massey-Ellis | 2017-Jan | MBE | For services to Football. | [145][349] |
| Gary McAllister | 2002-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [350] |
| Gareth McAuley | 2019-Jan | MBE | For services to Football in Northern Ireland. | [351] |
| Danny McGrain | 1983-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football in Scotland. | [203] |
| Jimmy McIlroy | 2011-Jan | MBE | For services to Football and to Charity. | [352] |
| Sammy McIlroy | 1986-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [353] |
| Frank McLintock | 1972-Jan | MBE | Captain, Arsenal Football Club. | [354] |
| Lawrie McMenemy | 2006-Jan | MBE | For services to Sport and to Charity. | [232][355] |
| Billy McNeill | 1974-Jun | MBE | Captain, Glasgow Celtic Football Club. | [356] |
| Paul McStay | 1997-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [357] |
| Beth Mead | 2023-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [358] |
| Roy Millar | 2010-Jan | MBE | For services to Youth Football in Northern Ireland. | [359] |
| Willie Miller | 1991-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football in Scotland. | [360] |
| Mick Mills | 1984-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [361] |
| James Milner | 2022-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football and to Charity. | [133] |
| Willie Morgan | 2023-Jun | MBE | For services to Charity. | [362] |
| Alan Mullery | 1976-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [363] |
| Nathan Munson | 2016-Jan | MBE | For services to Counterterrorism. | [364] |
| David Narey | 1992-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football in Scotland. | [365][366] |
| Billy Neill | 1997-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football and charitable services. | [238] |
| Jacqui Oatley | 2016-Jan | MBE | For services to Broadcasting and Diversity in Sport. | [367] |
| Michael O'Neill | 2017-Jan | MBE | For services to Football and the community in Northern Ireland. | [145][368] |
| Terry Paine | 1977-Jan | MBE | Player Coach, Hereford United Football Club. | [369][370] |
| Sheila Parker | 2022-Jan | MBE | For services to Women's Football and to Charity. | [371] |
| Stuart Pearce | 1999-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [372][373] |
| Steve Perryman | 1986-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [374] |
| Martin Peters | 1978-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [41][375] |
| Aslie Pitter | 2011-Jan | MBE | For voluntary service to Stonewall FC. | [376] |
| Chris Powell | 2024-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [377] |
| Ivor Powell | 2008-Jan | MBE | For services to Sport. | [378] |
| Linvoy Primus | 2015-Jan | MBE | For services to Football and Charity in Portsmouth. | [379] |
| Niall Quinn | 2003 | MBE (honorary) | For outstanding services to international football and his contributions to charities. | [380] |
| Chris Ramsey | 2019-Jan | MBE | For services to Football and Diversity in Sport. | [381] |
| Marcus Rashford | 2020-Oct | MBE | Footballer, England and Manchester United. For services to Vulnerable Children in the UK during COVID-19 | [382] |
| Cyrille Regis | 2008-Jun | MBE | For services to the Voluntary Sector and to Football. | [383] |
| Rose Reilly | 2020-Jan | MBE | For services to Women's Football. | [384] |
| Pat Rice | 2013-Jan | MBE | For services to Sport. | [385][386] |
| Jason Roberts | 2010-Jan | MBE | For services to Sport. | [387][388] |
| Andrew Robertson | 2023-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football, to Charity and to Young People. | [389] |
| Jawahir Roble | 2023-Jan | MBE | Referee and Volunteer, Football Beyond Borders. For services to Association Football. | [389] |
| Leroy Rosenior | 2019-Jan | MBE | Vice President, Show Racism The Red Card. For services to Tackling Discrimination in Sport. | [390] |
| Alan Rough | 2022-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football and to Charity in Scotland. | [133] |
| Ian Rush | 1996-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [391] |
| Jack Russell | 1996-Jun | MBE | Goalkeeping coach, Forest Green Rovers. For services to Cricket. | [392] |
| Peter Schmeichel | 2001 | MBE (honorary) | [393] | |
| Jill Scott | 2020-Jan | MBE | For services to Women's Football. | [394] |
| Alex Scott | 2017-Jan | MBE | For services to Football. | [145][395] |
| David Seaman | 1997-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [396] |
| Albert Sewell | 2005-Jun | MBE | Football journalist and statistician. For services to Sport. | [397] |
| Harold Shepherdson | 1969-Jun | MBE | Trainer of England association football team. | [398] |
| Teddy Sheringham | 2007-Jun | MBE | For services to Football. | [399][400] |
| Colin Slater | 2001-Jun | MBE | For services to services to the community in Nottingham. | [401] |
| Alex Smith | 2005-Jun | MBE | For services to Sport in Scotland. | [402] |
| Kelly Smith | 2008-Jun | MBE | For services to Football. | [403] |
| Tommy Smith | 1977-Jun | MBE | Footballer, Liverpool Football Club. | [404][405] |
| Davie Sneddon | 2014-Jun | MBE | For services to Kilmarnock Football Club and the community in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. | [406] |
| Alan Snoddy | 2020-Oct | MBE | World Cup Finals Referee. For services to Football. | [407] |
| Neville Southall | 1996-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [408][409] |
| Marieanne Spacey | 2016-Jun | MBE | For services to Football. | [410] |
| Gary Speed | 2010-Jun | MBE | For services to Football. | [411] |
| Georgia Stanway | 2026-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football | [412] |
| Jeff Stelling | 2024-Jan | MBE | Broadcaster, Sky Sports. For services to Sport, to Broadcasting and to Charity. | [413] |
| Raheem Sterling | 2021-Jun | MBE | For services to Racial Equality in Sport. | [414] |
| Nobby Stiles | 2000-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [3][415] |
| Casey Stoney | 2015-Jun | MBE | For services to Football. | [416] |
| Manisha Tailor | 2017-Jan | MBE | For services to football and diversity in sport. | [417] |
| Clare Taylor | 2000-Jun | MBE | For services to Cricket, Association Football, and to Hockey. | [418] |
| Geoff Thomas | 2021-Jun | MBE | For services to the NHS and Charity. | [419] |
| Craig Thomson | 2020-Jan | MBE | Founder, Craig Thomson Scholarship Award. For services to Football and to Charity in Scotland. | [394] |
| Ella Toone | 2026-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football | [412] |
| John Toshack | 1982-Jan | MBE | Manager, Swansea City Association Football Club. | [420] |
| Troy Townsend | 2024-Jan | MBE | Head of Player Engagement, Kick It Out. For services to Diversity and Inclusion in Association Football. | [421] |
| John Trollope | 1978-Jun | MBE | Footballer, Swindon Town Football Club. | [422] |
| Anwar Uddin | 2022-Jun | MBE | Fans For Diversity Campaign Manager, The Football Supporters' Association. For services to Association Football. | [133] |
| Arjan Veurink | 2024-Mar | MBE (honorary) | Assistant Coach, England Women's National Football Team. For services to Association Football. | [423] |
| Keira Walsh | 2026-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football | [412] |
| Howard Webb | 2011-Jan | MBE | For services to Football. | [424] |
| Ellen White | 2023-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [261] |
| Faye White | 2007-Jan | MBE | For services to Sport. | [425] |
| Ray Wilkins | 1993-Jun | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [426] |
| Bert Williams | 2010-Jun | MBE | For services to Football and to Charity. | [427] |
| Charlie Williams | 1999-Jan | MBE | For charitable services to the community in Yorkshire. | [428] |
| Fara Williams | 2016-Jan | MBE | For services to Women's Football and charity. | [429] |
| Ray Wilson | 2000-Jan | MBE | For services to Association Football. | [3][227] |
| John Bain | 1988-Jan | BEM | Service Engineer, Product Support Group, Ferranti Defence Systems Ltd., and founder of Ferranti Thistle. | [430] |
| Neil Baldwin | 2019-Jan | BEM | Kit man, Stoke City. For services to the community in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. | [431] |
| Stephen Baxter | 2019-Jan | BEM | For services to Football in Northern Ireland. | [432] |
| Dick Campbell | 2023-Jun | BEM | Manager, Arbroath Football Club. For services to Association Football and to the community in Angus. | [433] |
| Alex Hastings | 1981-Jun | BEM | For services to Association Football. | [434] |
| Jimmy Montgomery | 2015-Jun | BEM | For services to Football. | [435] |
| Julie Nelson | 2021-Jun | BEM | For services to Women's Football. | [436] |
| Pat Partridge | 2014-Jun | BEM | For services to Football. | [437] |
| Norman Rimmington | 2017-Jan | BEM | For services to Football and the community of Barnsley. | [438] |
| Carol Thomas | 2022-Jun | BEM | For services to Association Football and to Charity. | [133] |
| Phil Wallace | 2020-Oct | BEM | Chairman, Stevenage Football Club. For services to Football and the community in Hertfordshire. | [439] |
| Noel White | 2013-Jun | BEM | Chairman, Liverpool Football Club. For services to Football. | [440] |
| Curtis Woodhouse | 2021-Jan | BEM | For services to Football and Boxing. | [441] |
| Brian Mawhinney | 2005-May | Peerage | Chairman of The Football League; also appointed a Knight Bachelor in 1997-Aug and a Privy Counsellor (PC) in 1994-Jan. | [442][443][444] |
| George Latham | 1919 | MC & Bar | For gallantry. Received the Military Cross in 1917. | [445][446] |
| Denis Hill-Wood | 1943 | MC | Chairman, Arsenal Football Club (1962–1982). In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East. | [447] |
| Samuel Hill-Wood | 1921-Jan | Baronetcy | Chairman, Glossop North End AFC (until 1914) and Arsenal Football Club (1929–1949). For local services. | [448][449] |
Revocation of honours
In August 2023, Dario Gradi was formally stripped of the MBE he had been awarded in the 1998 New Year Honours, after he was "effectively banned for life" by The Football Association for his part in the United Kingdom football sexual abuse scandal.[305][450]
Individuals who have declined honours
In August 2016, former Liverpool player Howard Gayle, the first black footballer to play for the club, revealed he had turned down an MBE for his work with Show Racism the Red Card, stating that it would be "a betrayal to all of the Africans who have lost their lives, or who have suffered as a result of Empire."[451]