Former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate delivered a powerful message during the 46th Richard Dimbleby Lecture on March 18, 2025, at the University of London, addressing the alarming influence of toxic online figures on young men. In his lecture titled ‘The Beautiful Game: Building Belief and Resilience in a Younger Generation,’ Southgate critiqued the role of social media influencers who promote harmful narratives, advocating instead for the need of positive role models.
Southgate began by recounting his career, notably the infamous missed penalty during the Euro 1996 semi-final, an experience he described as a turning point that shaped his resilience and belief in himself. He emphasized that such pivotal moments are crucial for personal growth, a concept he believes many young men today are missing due to the pressures of the digital age.
"These are callous, manipulative and toxic influencers, whose sole drive is for their own gain," Southgate said, criticizing figures who mislead young men into equating success with wealth and dominance. He pointed out that many young men feel increasingly isolated, often turning to unhealthy alternatives like gaming, gambling, and pornography instead of seeking out supportive networks.
The stark reality highlighted by Southgate stems from a report released earlier in March 2025, indicating a significant crisis among boys and young men who are not engaged in education, employment, or training. Southgate explained that without real male role models, young men are navigating their formative years alone, facing issues related to masculinity and emotional expression without any guidance.
In his speech, he called to attention the damaging effects social media has on youth today. He claimed, “Today, young people are bombarded by information at all times of the day,” pointing to unrealistic portrayals of success and life that leave many feeling inadequate. He argued that young men are being led astray not only by influencers but by the diminishing presence of parental figures in their lives.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Southgate shared that overcoming his struggles with mental resilience is an essential attribute that young people need to develop. "Not everyone will win trophies, not everyone will be at the top of their field. But everyone can live a life where they can constantly strive to improve," he asserted. He encouraged society to help foster environments where young men can grow emotionally and socially.
The former England manager's candid critique also extended to well-known figures like Andrew Tate, who exploit male insecurities and perpetuate misogyny. Southgate’s concerns align with a broader societal critique, as he pointed to a lack of mentorship leading to a surge in young men gravitating toward harmful online personas.
Moreover, Southgate discussed his efforts since stepping down after the Euro 2024 final defeat, stating he has visited community centers, schools, and even prisons to connect with young people and better understand their challenges. He emphasized the importance of creating a “supportive atmosphere” that thrives on positive reinforcement rather than judgment, where emotions can be expressed freely and openly.
Southgate's speech resonated with many attendees and highlighted the growing recognition of mental health issues among young men, an often-overlooked aspect of public discourse. As he wrapped up, he reiterated the need for a societal shift towards fostering real character and resilience rather than hollow measures of success. “We need leaders to set the right tone. To be role models we want for our young men. We have to show young men that character is more important than status,” he concluded poignantly.
As the lecture aired on BBC iPlayer, it marked not only a critical point in Southgate's ongoing advocacy for better support systems for young men, but it also spotlighted a growing awareness among public figures to tackle issues stemming from toxic societal norms. His addressing of these challenges is timely, as further continues the conversation about improving mental health spaces for the younger generation.
The Richard Dimbleby Lecture is an esteemed event that has been hosted since 1972, celebrating influential speakers who provoke thought and discourse on pressing societal matters. Southgate joins the ranks of various impactful figures whose contributions have helped shape the future discourse surrounding issues important to the youth of today.
