Steven Gerrard facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids
Steven Gerrard
MBE
Personal information
Gerrard as Rangers manager in 2018
Full name	Steven George Gerrard
Date of birth	(1980-05-30) 30 May 1980 (age 45)
Place of birth	Whiston, Merseyside, England
Height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Position(s)	Midfielder
Team information
Current team	Al-Ettifaq (head coach)
Youth career
1989–1998	Liverpool
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1998–2015	Liverpool	504	(120)
2015–2016	LA Galaxy	34	(5)
Total		538	(125)
International career
1999–2000	England U21	4	(1)
2000–2014	England	114	(21)
Managerial career
2017–2018	Liverpool U18/U19
2018–2021	Rangers
2021–2022	Aston Villa
2023–	Al-Ettifaq
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Steven George Gerrard (born 30 May 1980) is a famous English football manager and former player. He is currently the head coach for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq. Many people think Gerrard is one of the best players Liverpool has ever had. He is also seen as one of the greatest midfielders of all time.

Gerrard spent most of his playing career as a central midfielder for Liverpool and the England national team. He was the captain for both Liverpool and England. He won nine trophies with Liverpool, including the UEFA Champions League in 2005. He also won two FA Cups and three League Cups. He was named "Man of the Match" in the 2005 Champions League final. In that game, Liverpool came back from being 3-0 down to win against AC Milan. He also won the "Man of the Match" in the 2006 FA Cup final. This game is often called The Gerrard Final because of how well he played. Even with all his cup wins, he never won the Premier League title.

Gerrard played 114 games for England between 2000 and 2014. He was captain 38 times and scored 21 goals. He played in three UEFA European Championships and three FIFA World Cups. He played for Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy for two years before retiring in 2016.

After retiring as a player, Gerrard started managing football teams. He first coached Liverpool's youth teams. In 2018, he became the manager of Scottish Premiership club Rangers. In his third season, his team won their first league title in ten years without losing a single game. In November 2021, he became the manager of Aston Villa. However, he was let go after just eleven months because of poor results.

As a player, Gerrard won many individual awards. These include UEFA Club Footballer of the Year in 2005 and PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2006. He was also added to the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2021. As a manager, he was named Manager of the Year in 2021 by PFA Scotland.

Early Life and Football Dreams

Steven George Gerrard was born on 30 May 1980 in Whiston, Merseyside, England. He started playing football for his local team, Whiston Juniors. Liverpool scouts noticed him when he was young. He joined the Liverpool Academy when he was nine years old in 1989.

As a child, his football heroes were Liverpool players John Barnes and Ian Rush. He also looked up to England's Paul Gascoigne. Gerrard tried out for different clubs when he was 14. He even tried out for Manchester United. He later said this was to make Liverpool offer him a contract. He signed his first professional contract with Liverpool on 5 November 1997.

Playing Career at Liverpool

Starting Out and Winning Trophies (1998–2004)

Gerrard played his first game for Liverpool on 29 November 1998. He came on as a substitute in a Premier League match. He played 13 games in his first season. He often filled in for the injured captain, Jamie Redknapp. Gerrard said he was nervous and felt out of place at first. But Liverpool's coaches believed in him.

In the 1999–2000 season, Gerrard played regularly in midfield. He scored his first goal in a 4–1 win against Sheffield Wednesday. He also got his first red card in a game against Everton. During this time, he had many back and groin injuries.

The 2000–01 season was a big one for Gerrard. He played 50 games and scored 10 goals. He helped Liverpool win three major trophies: the FA Cup, the Football League Cup, and the UEFA Cup. He scored in the UEFA Cup final. His fellow players voted him PFA Young Player of the Year.

In March 2003, Gerrard scored in the League Cup final. Liverpool beat Manchester United 2–0. In October 2003, Gerrard became Liverpool's captain. Manager Gérard Houllier said he saw Gerrard's leadership skills early on.

After the 2003–04 season, Gerrard thought about leaving Liverpool. Chelsea offered him a lot of money. But Gerrard decided to stay with Liverpool. He wanted to win trophies with his home club.

Champions League and FA Cup Wins (2004–2007)

The Gerrard plinth outside Anfield inscribed with 86 minutes (the time of his strike against Olympiacos) and "Oh, you beauty!! What a hit son! What a hit!"

In the 2004–05 season, Gerrard scored a very important goal. It was in the 86th minute of a Champions League game against Olympiacos. This goal sent Liverpool into the next round. He called it his most important goal for Liverpool.

The 2005 Champions League final was amazing. Liverpool was losing 3–0 to AC Milan at halftime. Gerrard scored the first goal for Liverpool in the second half. Liverpool then scored two more goals to tie the game 3–3. They won the match on penalties. This game is known as the Miracle of Istanbul. Gerrard was named "Man of the Match". He also won the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year award.

After this big win, Gerrard signed a new contract with Liverpool. He said he would rather win one Premier League title with Liverpool than many with Chelsea. He scored 23 goals in the 2005–06 season. In April, he was voted PFA Players' Player of the Year.

Gerrard playing for Liverpool in the Premier League in 2007

He scored two goals in the 2006 FA Cup final against West Ham United. One of his goals was a 35-yard shot in injury time to tie the game. Liverpool won the FA Cup on penalties. This made him the only player to score in the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup, and Champions League finals. Liverpool reached the Champions League final again in 2007, but lost to AC Milan.

Continued Success and Milestones (2007–2012)

Gerrard played his 400th game for Liverpool in October 2007. He scored in that game against Arsenal. In December 2007, he scored in seven straight games. This was the first time a Liverpool player had done that since 1989.

Gerrard celebrates after scoring a hat-trick in the Merseyside derby in 2012

He played his 300th Premier League game in April 2008. He finished the season with 21 goals. Gerrard was chosen for the PFA Team of the Year. He also reached 100 goals for Liverpool in a Champions League game against PSV in 2008.

In March 2009, Gerrard played his 100th European club game for Liverpool. He scored twice in a 4–0 win against Real Madrid. A few days later, he scored against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Three-time FIFA World Player of the Year Zinedine Zidane said Gerrard might be the best player in the world. On 22 March 2009, Gerrard scored his first Premier League hat-trick against Aston Villa.

He won the FWA Footballer of the Year award in 2009. On 5 December 2009, Gerrard played his 500th game for Liverpool. He ended the 2009–10 season with 12 goals and 9 assists.

Gerrard before Jamie Carragher's testimonial in 2010

In the 2010–11 season, Gerrard scored a hat-trick against Napoli in the Europa League. He missed part of the 2011–12 season due to injury. He later said he turned down a chance to join Bayern Munich. He wanted to help Liverpool get back into the Champions League.

Gerrard helped Liverpool reach their first cup final in six years in 2012. They beat Manchester City in the semi-finals. Gerrard scored penalties in both games. Liverpool won the 2012 Football League Cup final against Cardiff City on penalties. In his 400th Premier League game, Gerrard scored a hat-trick against Everton.

Final Seasons with Liverpool (2012–2015)

Gerrard during his testimonial in August 2013

On 15 July 2013, Gerrard signed a new contract with Liverpool. In August 2013, Liverpool played Olympiacos for Gerrard's charity match. Gerrard is a founding partner of Alder Hey Children's Charity. The match raised £500,000 for the charity. On 5 October, Gerrard scored against Crystal Palace. This made him the first Liverpool player to score in 15 straight league seasons. In October 2013, he became Liverpool's longest-serving captain.

On 19 October 2013, Gerrard scored his 100th Premier League goal. It was a penalty against Newcastle United. On 16 March 2014, he scored two penalties against Manchester United. He is Liverpool's highest goalscorer in games against Manchester United.

In April 2014, Gerrard had a tough moment in the 2013–14 Premier League season. He slipped while receiving a pass, which led to Chelsea scoring. Liverpool lost the game and ended up finishing second in the league. Gerrard later called this period "the worst three months of my life".

Gerrard in August 2014. The 2014–15 season was his last for Liverpool.

On 1 January 2015, Gerrard announced he would leave Liverpool at the end of the season. He said he would have stayed if a new contract had been offered earlier. His goal against Basel was his 30th in the Champions League, a club record. On 5 January 2015, he scored two goals in an FA Cup game against AFC Wimbledon. This was his first game after announcing his departure.

On 4 February 2015, he played his 700th game for Liverpool. On 22 March, Gerrard was sent off just 38 seconds after coming on as a substitute against Manchester United. He made his 500th league appearance for Liverpool on 25 April. His last game for Liverpool at Anfield was on 16 May. His final game for the club was on 24 May against Stoke, where he scored Liverpool's only goal.

Playing for LA Galaxy and Retirement

Gerrard playing for LA Galaxy in 2015

On 7 January 2015, Gerrard signed an 18-month contract with the LA Galaxy in the Major League Soccer (MLS). He joined the team in July. On 17 July, he made his MLS debut. He scored one goal and helped his former Liverpool teammate Robbie Keane score a hat-trick.

After the 2015 season, Gerrard thought about retiring. He found the long journeys for away games in the United States difficult. He played his last game for the Galaxy on 6 November 2016. He scored in a penalty shootout, but his team lost. He announced his retirement from professional football on 24 November 2016, at age 36.

International Career with England

First Games and World Cup Debut (2000–2006)

Gerrard played his first game for England on 31 May 2000. He was part of the UEFA Euro 2000 squad. He scored his first international goal in a famous 5–1 win over Germany in September 2001. England qualified for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, but Gerrard missed it due to injury.

Gerrard warming up for England at UEFA Euro 2012

He played regularly in UEFA Euro 2004. He scored one goal in a 3–0 win against Switzerland. England was knocked out by Portugal in the quarter-finals. Gerrard played in his first 2006 FIFA World Cup in 2006. He scored two goals in the group stage. England again lost in the quarter-finals on penalties to Portugal. Gerrard was England's top scorer in the tournament.

Captaincy and Retirement (2010–2014)

Gerrard became vice-captain of the England team. He helped England qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He scored two goals in a 5–1 win against Croatia. Before the 2010 World Cup, Gerrard was made captain because Rio Ferdinand was injured. He scored in England's 1-1 draw against the USA. England was knocked out of the tournament by Germany.

Gerrard (second from left) shaking hands with Uruguay's Luis Suárez at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, 19 June 2014

In August 2010, Gerrard scored twice in a friendly game against Hungary. He was later named permanent captain by new coach Roy Hodgson for UEFA Euro 2012. He provided three assists and won two "man of the match" awards. England reached the quarter-finals but lost to Italy on penalties. Gerrard was the only England player named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament. On 14 November 2012, Gerrard played his 100th game for England.

For the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Gerrard captained England. They were knocked out in the group stage after losing to Italy and Uruguay. On 21 July 2014, Gerrard announced he was retiring from international football. He played 114 games for England and scored 21 goals.

How Steven Gerrard Played

Gerrard powerfully striking the ball.

Many experts and famous footballers think Gerrard was one of the best players of his time. Zinedine Zidane and Pelé even said he might be the best in the world in 2009. He was known for being able to play in many different positions. Gerrard was a hardworking player who could run all over the field. He usually played as a central midfielder. But he also played as a second striker, a defensive midfielder, or an attacking midfielder.

Gerrard started his career playing on the right side of the midfield. As he got older, he became a defensive midfielder. He was good at winning the ball back. Later, he became a "box-to-box" midfielder. This meant he was good at both attacking and defending. He was known for making late runs into the penalty area to score.

Gerrard wore number eight for most of his career.

Gerrard was right-footed and could score amazing goals from far away. He scored many important long-range goals in his career. As he got older, he scored more goals from free kicks and penalty kicks. He was also very smart on the field. He could understand the game well and stop the other team's attacks.

Besides his skills, Gerrard was known for his leadership and determination. Former Liverpool teammate Fernando Torres said Gerrard was the best player he ever played with. He said Gerrard was as creative as Xavi but also had energy, toughness, and leadership. Former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini called Gerrard a "complete player." He said Gerrard had personality, technique, could set up plays, defend, and score goals.

Managerial Career

Coaching at Liverpool Academy

In January 2017, Gerrard became a youth coach at Liverpool. He impressed the club with his hard work and knowledge. In April, it was announced he would coach the Liverpool Under-18 team. He also managed the Under-19 team in the 2017–18 UEFA Youth League.

Managing Rangers

Gerrard managing Rangers in 2018

In April 2018, Gerrard started talking about becoming the manager of Scottish Premiership club Rangers. On 4 May, Rangers announced that Gerrard would be their new manager starting 1 June. He signed a four-year contract. His first game as a senior manager was on 12 July. Rangers won 2–0 in a UEFA Europa League game.

Under Gerrard, Rangers went 12 games without losing at the start of the season. On 29 December, Gerrard led Rangers to their first win over rivals Celtic since 2012.

The 2020–21 season was a record-breaking one for Rangers under Gerrard. They won back-to-back games against Celtic. On 7 March 2021, Rangers won the Scottish Premiership title. They did not lose a single league match and got 102 points. This was Gerrard's first trophy as a manager.

Coaching Aston Villa

On 11 November 2021, Gerrard became the head coach of Premier League club Aston Villa. He signed a three-and-a-half-year contract. Villa paid Rangers about £4 million to release him. His first game in charge was a 2–0 home win against Brighton & Hove Albion. The team finished the season in 14th place.

After winning only two of their first 12 league games in the 2022–23 season, Gerrard was dismissed by Villa on 20 October 2022.

Managing Al-Ettifaq

On 3 July 2023, Gerrard became the manager of Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq. In January 2024, he signed a two-year contract extension with the club. His contract now ends in 2027.

Life Outside Football

Family and Awards

Gerrard signing autographs in 2006

Steven Gerrard's cousin, Anthony Gerrard, also became a professional footballer. They played against each other in the 2012 Football League Cup final. Steven's Liverpool beat Anthony's Cardiff City in a penalty shootout. Another cousin, Bobby Duncan, played for Liverpool's Academy.

Gerrard married Alex Curran on 16 June 2007. They have four children together. In 2006, Gerrard was made a Freeman of the Borough of Knowsley. He was also made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2007 for his services to sport. In 2008, he received an honorary award from Liverpool John Moores University.

In 2018, Amazon made a documentary called "Make Us Dream." It showed Gerrard's life from childhood to becoming a Liverpool youth coach.

Books and Charity

In September 2006, Gerrard published his first autobiography, Gerrard: My Autobiography. It won the Sports Book of the Year award. His second autobiography, My Story, was published in 2015. In this book, he talked about his cousin, Jon-Paul Gilhooley. Jon-Paul was killed in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. He was 10 years old and the youngest victim. Gerrard said seeing his family's reaction pushed him to become the player he is today.

Gerrard released another book in 2012, Steven Gerrard: My Liverpool Story. In his latest autobiography, he named the four best players he played with. They were Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres, Luis Suárez, and Wayne Rooney.

Sponsorships

Gerrard has had many sponsorship deals. These include deals with Adidas, Jaguar Cars, and Lucozade. In 2014, Forbes estimated his income from football and sponsorships at $17.2 million. He has worn Adidas boots for most of his career. He has appeared in many Adidas commercials with other famous players.