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United Kingdom Neville Southall, MBE, transitioned from a highly acclaimed professional football goalkeeper to a vocal advocate for various social and charitable causes, leveraging his platform for positive impact.
Organises charity takeovers and offers free support to individuals affected by addiction issues.
Involved in a new project in the name of the late Gary Speed, focused on charitable causes.
Shares views on equality and why individuals with a platform should use it for good, specifically addressing trans rights.
Patron of this LGBT campaign group and supporters club, advocating for LGBT awareness.
Patron of Omega, a charity dedicated to supporting caregivers and improving end-of-life care.
Has informally worked as an ambassador and consulted chief executive Noel Mooney on various initiatives, including helping families choosing between food and equipment.
Modeled for the big and tall men's clothing retailer in a stirring advertisement.
Serves as an international officer for his branch of the trade union, demonstrating political activism.
Neville Southall, born on September 16, 1958, in Llandudno, Carnarvonshire, Wales, UK, embarked on his football career later than many, having worked as a binman, waiter, and “hod carrier” in his youth. He began his semi-professional playing career at teams like Llandudno Town and Bangor City. His professional journey began at Bury in 1980, where his talent as a goalkeeper was quickly recognized. In 1981, he joined Everton for a fee of £150,000, where he would go on to achieve legendary status. He made a club-record 751 appearances for Everton, establishing himself as one of the finest goalkeepers of his era. His achievements at Everton include two First Division titles in 1984–85 and 1986–87, two FA Cup wins in 1984 and 1995, and a European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1985. His exceptional performances earned him the FWA Footballer of the Year award in 1985.
After leaving Everton in 1998, Southall continued his playing career with several clubs, including Torquay United, where he played regularly for two years, and even a brief return to the Premier League with Bradford City at the age of 41. He also represented Wales internationally, earning 92 caps between 1982 and 1998, a national record until 2018. Post-playing career, Southall moved into coaching and management roles at clubs like Dover Athletic and Hastings United, and worked with Welsh national youth teams. He also dedicates significant time to charity work and social activism, particularly focusing on supporting disadvantaged children, mental health, LGBT rights, and addiction issues, often using his significant social media presence to amplify these causes.
Southall’s commitment to social causes extended to political activism, endorsing Jeremy Corbyn for the 2017 UK general election and advocating for Welsh independence. His autobiography, ‘The Binman Chronicles,’ released in 2012, detailed his life and career. He is recognized for his shot-stopping ability and meticulous approach to improving his game. Southall was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1996 for his services to football. He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2016, a testament to his lasting legacy in the sport.
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