10+ Legendary Football Speakers Ideal for 2024 Events

In our latest post, we take a look at the football speakers famed for their skill, charisma and talent as public entertainers. Each with incredible stories to tell, your audience will be left star-struck by these icons of the 'beautiful game'!

Delivering speeches on topics from peak performance and leadership to success and overcoming adversity, these stars can add something special to your events.

Discover our top pick of football legends to speak at your event in 2024:

Kenny Dalglish

A sensational footballer in his heyday, and a talented manager, Kenny Dalglish is considered one of the best players that Liverpool have ever had.

At a time when the club was dominating the English and European game, Kenny was at the forefront, taking teams to the sword.

Having scored 260 goals for Celtic, Liverpool and Scotland, it is no surprise that King Kenny is lauded as a legend. Such success makes Kenny a popular keynote speaker for sporting events.

Alex Ferguson

Alex Ferguson: the greatest football manager of the past three decades and some would say in the history of world football. One thing that cannot be argued or understated is his impact on the modern game.

Alex famously led Manchester United to a 19th league title, overtaking Liverpool’s record of 18 league titles and more importantly, stealing their status as the biggest name in football.

A legend of the game, Alex is a fascinating football speaker and master of all things sports-related. As a speaker, he teaches audiences the intricacies of football.

Geoff Hurst

Is it possible to make a list of footballing legends without including the hat trick hero in England’s only World Cup win to date?

Geoff Hurst was a key player for West Ham United and spent 13 years with the club. During that time he played an essential role in the England national team and helped them to a historic final in 1966.

An eloquent and interesting man, Geoff is one of the most popular football after dinner speakers.

John Barnes

Liverpool and England legend John Barnes was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2005 - and with good reason.

His haul of 166 goals in competitive football was far from a poor return but John was best known for his extraordinary speed and trickery on the wing for both club and country.

He gained further popularity when he joined New Order to rap the England team’s official song, 'World in Motion', ahead of England’s 1990 World Cup campaign, a song that is still a favourite anthem to this day.

A wonderful personality and sports speaker, John is perfect for events.

Oliver Kahn

Former goalkeeper of Bayern Munich and the German national team, Oliver Kahn is one of the best players from his position in the history of the game. He earned the nicknames ‘King Kahn’ and ‘The Titan’ for his command of a back four.

A quality shot-stopper showing all the hallmarks and technique of a footballing great, Oliver proved his mettle and leadership qualities throughout an impressive twelve seasons in the Bayern goal.

Today, he is a leading speaker, owing to the traits he had as a footballer.

David Beckham

On the field David Beckham was a fearless competitor and leader, making his mark on big games time and time again.

His famous free-kick taking ability, 60-yard piledriving passes and work rate earned him several nicknames in the mainstream media: Golden Balls and Becks among them.

He played for the world’s biggest teams, including PSG and AC Milan, but it was Becks’ time as England captain that made him the name he is today.

As both a footballing legend and high-profile personality, David Beckham is a top choice to add the wow factor to your event.

Harry Redknapp

With over 20 years in management and 20 years spent as a football player, Harry Redknapp has seen it all in the game. For this reason, it comes as no surprise that Harry has hundreds of anecdotes from throughout his illustrious career.

A charming, humorous storyteller, Harry provides the inside track into the trials and tribulations of professional football in a way that few others can replicate.

This plucky Cockney can speak on peak performance, football and maximising success, making him an inspirational and motivational football speaker.

Jimmy Bullard

A passionate leader on the field, Jimmy Bullard's footballing antics are well-known. Since leaving the game, Jimmy has become one of the most entertaining football speakers and pundits.

Jimmy's anecdotes are aplenty, and your audience can expect ample laughs when Jimmy presents at your corporate and sporting events. The charming star has won the hearts of many football and reality television fans, during a career that saw him play for Fulham and appear on ‘I'm a Celebrity’.

Jimmy has a mental toughness that helped him reach the top of the game and his entertaining stories make for great motivational speeches.

Kevin Keegan

Revelations of Kevin Keegan's career have been pouring into the public domain with his autobiography offering a remarkable insight into the career of the former player and manager.

After playing for Liverpool FC, Hamburger SV, Newcastle United and England, where he won the European Cup with Liverpool as well as the European Footballer of the Year accolade twice consecutively, Kevin moved into management.

Able to talk about his pride in both captaining and managing the England team, his impressive stint at Newcastle, as well as themes of management, leadership and European football, Kevin is one of the most knowledgeable football after dinner speakers around.

Garth Crooks

Considered a leading authority on football, Garth Crooks offers a unique and engaging insight into the game. Winning two FA Cups and a UEFA Cup with Tottenham Hotspur, the Jamaican-born television speaker has had a vibrant career.

He was the first Black player to score in an FA Cup final and following his retirement became the first Black chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA).

Known for his regular BBC Football Focus and Match of the Day appearances, passionate pundit Garth Crooks is held in high regard. He is a wonderful addition to your gala dinner or award ceremony.

Rio Ferdinand

A naturally gifted footballer, Rio Ferdinand was arguably the most talented English defender of a generation.

He is best known for his role with Manchester United as their key defender. Winning six Premier League titles, two League Cups and a Champions League trophy during his stint at the club, Rio is a stalwart of the game.

Having overcome adversity both during his career and outside of it, with the tragic loss of his wife, Rio is one of the most loved and inspirational football speakers in the world.

Book a Famous Football Speaker

The biggest names are available to inspire your team today. Book the popular figures above or choose from hundreds of footballing icons on our roster for your corporate entertainment, sports hospitality and sporting events.

Fill in our online form or call us on 0207 1010 553 to book the best football speakers around.