2 days ago
Southgate and Hayes winners of PFA Merit Awards
PA Media/DPA
London
Gareth Southgate and Emma Hayes were named as the recipients of the 2025 Professional Footballers' Association Merit Award, which will be presented at a gala dinner in Manchester on Tuesday evening.
Former England boss Southgate took his side to consecutive European Championship finals in 2020 and 2024 as well as the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
Southgate, who had stepped up from his role with England Under-21s, left after eight years in charge of the senior team following defeat to Spain in Germany last summer.
A statement from the PFA read: 'He is widely credited with breathing new life into the national team by integrating a new generation of young talent.
'He has overseen a period of unrivalled achievement by the men's national team, and has been an outstanding ambassador for the game - forging genuine connection between the country, the supporters, and the players.'
Hayes has also been honoured by the PFA for her contributions to women's football.
As Chelsea manager, Hayes guided the Blues to seven Women's Super League titles - including five in succession - as well as winning the FA Cup five times and the League Cup twice.
Hayes left Chelsea in the summer of 2024 to become head coach of the United States women's team, with her side going on to win gold at the Paris Olympics.
'Beyond on-pitch success, it is Hayes' approach to leadership and relentless innovation that has paved the way for progress in women's sport,' the PFA said.
