Former England football stars Gary Lineker and Jill Scott have been selected as the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Legends of Football Awards, continuing the legacy of excellence celebrated throughout the history of English football. The announcement was made on January 30, 2025, and both recipients are set to receive their honors at a special ceremony to be held at the JW Marriot Grosvenor House in London this fall.
Scoring 48 goals for the England national team, Gary Lineker enjoyed stints with esteemed clubs including Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Barcelona. His incredible skill as a striker has placed him among the greats of the game, joining renowned figures like Pele, David Beckham, and Wayne Rooney as past award winners. On his part, Jill Scott not only led the Lionesses to victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 but has also earned numerous accolades during her illustrious career with Manchester City.
The Legends of Football Awards, founded back in 1996, is not just to honor football legends but is also dedicated to raising funds for Nordoff Robbins, the UK’s leading music therapy charity. Over the years, the event has become known for its charity focus, raising, to date, over £8.5 million for the cause.
Upon receiving the award, Jill Scott expressed her excitement, stating, “I am absolutely thrilled to receive the 2025 Legends of Football award. It’s truly an honour to follow in the footsteps of my former international teammates, Fara Williams and Ellen White, who have also been recognised in recent years.”
She also highlighted the importance of Nordoff Robbins, saying, “The incredible work Nordoff and Robbins do cannot be overstated. Seeing the charity’s incredible impact through its use of music therapy to transform the lives of people with life-limiting conditions has been inspiring. I’m really looking forward to the evening and excited to raise money for Nordoff and Robbins.”
Gary Lineker also shared his sentiments with his fans, stating, “This acknowledgement is an honour and would not be possible without the support of my former managers and teammates. I’m thrilled to be part of an incredible evening.” He added, “Their work is vitally important in transforming lives through the power of music. Music therapy offers an extraordinary means of helping individuals express themselves and connect with others.”
Described by Sir Alex Ferguson as “the best night in the football social calendar,” the Legends of Football event promises to be more than just another awards ceremony. Rather, it will serve to uplift community spirits and inspire those who contribute to and benefit from music therapy.
The Nordoff Robbins charity works tirelessly to provide music therapy, employing music as a key tool for individuals diagnosed with disabilities, living with illness, or dealing with trauma. It aims to help them express themselves and communicate with others more effectively, making it invaluable to many people’s lives.
History shows us just how influential the Legends of Football Awards have been over the years. With its inception dating back to 1996, the ceremony has seen numerous footballing icons receive recognition, with the fundraising efforts supporting millions of lives touched by music therapy. The 2025 ceremony is expected to continue this tradition, showcasing the intersection of sports, charity, and music.
For fans and supporters of football, this year’s ceremony not only celebrates the accomplishments of Lineker and Scott but highlights the significant contributions made through football to touching lives through charitable endeavors. Expect spirits to be high and heartfelt stories to abound as this year brings together past winners and football legends for another memorable night.