Roy Hodgson CBE, who managed Crystal Palace F.C., in the Premier League over two spells, has received the Freedom of the City of London at Guildhall, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to football.

He was nominated for the Freedom by elected Members of the City of London Corporation, Alderman Gregory Jones KC, and Alderman Sir David Wootton.

Croydon born-and-raised and a Crystal Palace fan since childhood, Hodgson began his playing career with the club before eventually managing them.

Over the course of a career spanning nearly 50 years, starting in 1976 when he managed Halmstads BK in Sweden, Hodgson has managed 22 domestic teams - including Liverpool, Watford, Inter Milan, and FC Copenhagen - in eight countries.

At international level, Hodgson managed England at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, World Cup 2014 in Brazil, and Euro 2016 in France. He also managed Switzerland, qualifying for the 1994 World Cup in the USA, and Euro 1996 in England.

Hodgson speaks five languages fluently and has worked as a television pundit in many of the countries in which he has coached teams.

Speaking after his Freedom ceremony, Roy Hodgson said:

“It is wonderful to be awarded the Freedom of the City of London. I am very proud of the city in which I was born and, although I am lucky enough for my career to have taken me to many corners of the world, London will always be my home. 

“It is a proud honour for myself and my family, and one for which I am very grateful.”

Alderman Gregory Jones KC said:

“Few people associated with the beautiful game have done so much, and with as much success as Roy Hodgson, so it was a pleasure to welcome him and his guests to Guildhall to watch him being admitted to the Freedom of the City of London.

“Drawing on so much experience, not just as a former player, but also a hugely respected manager, it is not surprising that this multi-lingual legend of football is often called upon to offer his views on the game, emerging talent, and established players.”

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.

As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.

Ebony Rainford-Brent, Roland Butcher, Michael Holding, Eoin Morgan, and most recently, Harry Kane, are among leading figures in sport who have received the Freedom. Last year, it was announced that the entire England Women’s Football Team will be awarded the Freedom of the City of London, following its 2-1 win over Germany in the European Championship Final at Wembley.

ENDS

Notes to editors

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer (Arts, Culture, Heritage, Licensing), City of London Corporation / 07795 333060 / andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK –  www.cityoflondon.gov.uk