Full Name: Steven George Gerrard
Date of Birth: 30 May 1980
Place of Birth: Whiston, England
Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Position: Midfielder
Former Club: Liverpool, LA Galaxy (Retired)
As the curtain closed on the 2014/15 season on the 24th of May, we bid farewell to Liverpool, England, and Premier League legend Steven Gerrard, widely acknowledged as a remarkable footballer. His legacy persists as it is written in the annals of football history.
No matter where your loyalties lie, his class and talent in the middle of the park could not be denied. He remains a much-missed figure around the league, particularly at Anfield, where he spent 17 years in the heart of their midfield, playing alongside and against some of the best players in the world.
While he famously never lifted the Premier League trophy (despite coming agonisingly close in the 2013-14 season), Stevie G relished an immense amount of success at Liverpool and departed the club with countless fantastic memories. Additionally, he was a longstanding presence in the England setup, emerging as a leader and serving as the team's captain for several years.
Having been the linchpin at one of England’s biggest clubs for many years, Gerrard was never far from the public eye. Despite this, he was not a player who made headlines for the wrong reasons; instead, he was and still is renowned for being a class act both on and off the pitch. Serving as a positive role model for youngsters aspiring to enter the game, he continues to be an important figure for both Liverpool and England.
Here Are 10 Interesting Facts About The Liverpool Legend Steven Gerrard
1. His Career Was Nearly Over Before It Began
During a kickabout with friends as a youth, Gerrard sustained a freak accident that nearly cost him his career. After the ball got stuck in a hedge, he went to kick the ball out but instead kicked a garden fork. This went through his shoe and into his big toe. One doctor said that his toe would need amputation, but the doctors at Liverpool FC decided that it would heal with treatment, which it fortunately did.
2. His Path To Stardom Started At The Age of 9
Gerrard originally started playing for his hometown team, the Whiston Juniors. Here he was spotted by Liverpool scouts, and he would join their academy at the age of 9. He had tryouts at a few different teams, including Manchester United, but he would eventually sign his first professional contract with Liverpool in 1997. He made his first-team debut on the 29th of November 1998, coming on as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers. It would mark the beginning of a long and storied career in England, which comes to a close on the 24th of May over 700 appearances later.
3. His Cousin, Jon-Paul Gilhooley, Was Killed In The 1989 Hillsborough Disaster
The impact of the Hillsborough tragedy in 1989 is still felt around the league, and nowhere more so than Anfield. All of Liverpool are deeply affected by the tragedy, particularly skipper Steven Gerrard. Gerrard was just 8 years old at the time, and his 10-year-old cousin, Jon-Paul Gilhooley, was killed in the disaster and is the youngest of the 96 victims. Gerrard ended his autobiography with the powerful message “I play for Jon-Paul”.
4. He Has Accumulated Dozens of Trophies In His Career
In his distinguished career, Steven Gerrard has secured numerous honors, including FA Cups in 2000–01 and 2005–06, Football League Cups in 2000–01, 2002–03, and 2011–12, FA Community Shield in 2006, UEFA Champions League in 2004–05, UEFA Cup in 2000–01, and UEFA Super Cup in 2001 with Liverpool. Individually, the midfielder has won dozens of awards, including PFA Young Player of the Year, PFA Players’ Player of the Year, UEFA Club Footballer of the Year, and FWA Player of the Year, including Goal of the Season plus dozens more. These numerous triumphs reflect Gerrard's exceptional skill and leadership, solidifying his status as one of the most decorated footballers of his time.
5. He Is Married To Fashion Journalist/Model Alex Curran & Has 3 Daughters
After dating fashion journalist/model Alex Curran for 5 years, the couple got married in 2007. Curran has launched her own fashion line, written a fashion column for the Daily Mail, and has experience in modelling. The couple have 3 daughters, Lilly-Ella (2003), Lexie (2006), and Lourdes (2011).
6. He Was Awarded an MBE in 2006
In 2006, Steven Gerrard was awarded an MBE in the New Years’ Honours List. This was for services to sport and followed Liverpool’s stunning come-from-behind Champions League Final victory over A.C Milan where they overturned a 3-0 deficit to win the game on penalties. Upon receiving the award, Gerrard stated “I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured to receive this recognition for playing a game I’ve loved all my life”.
7. He Knocked Down a 10-Year-Old with His Bentley in 2007
Gerrard was involved in an unfortunate, low-speed collision in 2007 when schoolboy Jamie Hellawell stepped into the road in front of the Liverpool skipper’s car, resulting in minor fractures. Gerrard stayed with the boy until the ambulance arrived, he apologised to the family and visited the boy in the hospital. Upon finding out that the boy’s favourite team was Man United, Gerrard got in touch with England teammate Wayne Rooney and got him to sign a pair of boots. He then stayed behind to sign autographs for the other patients.
8. He Is 4th on England’s All-Time Appearances List
Gerrard has an impressive 114 caps to his name, putting him 4th on the all-time appearance list. He became the 6th player to earn 100 caps back in 2012, and although England have not enjoyed a huge amount of success, Gerrard has been a solid fixture in the setup for over a decade and has been a terrific leader. He has appeared in the 2000, 2004 and 2012 Euros, as well as the 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups (captaining the team in 2010 and 2014).
9. He Scored 186 Goals in 710 Appearances for Liverpool
Gerrard has been a constant goalscoring threat for the Reds, regardless of where he is playing on the pitch. As well as the ability to score from open play, he has scored dozens of unforgettable free-kicks and he is also an assured penalty taker. He scored 186 goals, with 120 of them coming in the league, placing him in the 21st spot on the English top flight all-time list. Pretty impressive stuff from a midfielder, with Frank Lampard being the only midfielder to top this. He is also Liverpool’s 5th highest scorer of all-time, having recently overtaken Robbie Fowler.
10. He is the 3rd player to make 500 or more Premier League appearances for 1 club
Loyalty is not too common in the modern game, but Steven Gerrard has stayed with Liverpool his entire career and enjoyed a long and successful career there. On the 25th of April 2015, Gerrard became just the 3rd player to make 500 more Premier League appearances for 1 club. He joins Ryan Giggs of Manchester United and his former teammate Jamie Carragher.
Bonus: He Balanced Academics and Leadership on the Pitch
Achieving a balance between academics and leadership on the pitch, former footballer Steven Gerrard demonstrated his unwavering determination to excel by securing a mix of one C, six Ds, and two Es in his GCSE exams.
Steven Gerrard Net Worth
Steven Gerrard's net worth, estimated at £71 million ($90 million) in 2023, is a testament to his enduring success both on and off the football pitch. From his early days with Liverpool to a strategic move to MLS side LA Galaxy in 2015, Gerrard's financial journey reflects a combination of playing prowess and astute career decisions. His managerial roles at Rangers, Aston Villa, and his current position as Al-Ettifaq's manager contribute significantly to his wealth. With a reported annual salary within the range of £15 million, along with lucrative endorsements, Gerrard firmly solidifies his position among football's financial elite.
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