For eight years, Gareth Southgate was the calm at the center of the English football storm. After leading the national team to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final, he stepped down in July 2024 as the most successful England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey.
What is Gareth Southgate Doing Now?
Since leaving the England job, Southgate has purposefully avoided a quick return to management.
Current Status: He is currently on a "managerial sabbatical." In late February 2026, he confirmed on The Football Boardroom podcast that he has "no passion" to simply return to the Premier League for the sake of it.
The Book: He is in the final stages of writing a new book focused on leadership and his eight-year journey with the national team.
Business & Speaking: He has become a sought-after speaker at global sports summits, such as the Aspire Academy Global Summit in late 2025, and maintains several private business interests.
The Man Utd Links: Despite constant rumors linking him to Manchester United, Southgate has distanced himself from the role, stating he is enjoying his "downtime" and a different pace of life.
Why is Gareth Southgate a "Sir"?
On June 25, 2025, Gareth Southgate was officially knighted at Windsor Castle by the King.
The Honor: He received a Knighthood in the 2025 New Year Honours List for his services to association football.
The Legacy: He is the fourth England manager to be knighted, following in the footsteps of Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey, and Sir Bobby Robson.
The Reaction: In typical modest fashion, he joked that while the world might call him "Sir," his family has made it clear his titles at home remain "Dad" and "Husband."
Managerial Career and Ranking
Southgate's record is often debated, but statistically, he ranks among the elite.
England Record: 102 games, 62 wins.
He is the only manager to lead the England men's team to two major tournament finals. Manager Ranking: Within the UK, he remains one of the most popular and respected managers, frequently ranking in the top three for "public favorability" alongside Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp.
Teams Coached: 1. Middlesbrough (2006–2009): His only Premier League club role.
2. England U21 (2013–2016)
3. England Senior (2016–2024)
Personal Life and Net Worth
| Feature | Detail |
| Age | 55 (Born September 15, 1970) |
| Wife | Alison Bird (Married since 1997) |
| Children | Two: Mia (23) and Flynn (19) |
| Home | A £3.75 million Elizabethan manor in North Yorkshire |
| Net Worth | Estimated at £12m – £15m ($15M – $19M) |
His wealth was significantly bolstered by his final England contract, which saw him earn approximately £5 million ($6.3M) per year, making him the highest-paid manager at Euro 2024.
The Middlesbrough Connection
Southgate’s management career began at Middlesbrough, where he famously transitioned directly from captain to player-manager in June 2006.