Gareth Southgate Reflects on Life After England Job, Hints at Career Beyond Football
It’s been five months since Gareth Southgate stepped down as England manager, and now the former Three Lions boss is opening up about what might come next. In a surprising twist, Southgate has revealed that his future may not even involve football at all. Yes, you read that right—one of the most recognizable figures in English football is considering a career outside the sport.
In a heartfelt and introspective post on LinkedIn, Southgate shared his thoughts on life after his eight-year tenure as England’s head coach, which spanned from 2016 to 2024. He described his time in the role as one driven by a “higher purpose” that gave his life structure and fulfillment. But now, as he looks ahead, he’s embracing the uncertainty of what’s next.
“This higher purpose kept me on track, gave me structure, made my life more fulfilling and is going to be extremely difficult to replicate,” Southgate wrote on Tuesday. “It’s why I’m not limiting my future options to remaining as a football coach.”
From the Spotlight to Reflection
Southgate’s departure from the England job came after a heartbreaking loss in the European Championship final in July. While his name was briefly linked to the managerial vacancy at Manchester United, the club ultimately chose to hire Ruben Amorim following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag in October. Since then, Southgate has largely stayed out of the public eye, allowing England to move forward under new leadership. Lee Carsley initially took over as interim coach, and starting January 1, the team will be led by Thomas Tuchel.
For Southgate, this period of transition has been about more than just stepping away from the limelight. He’s been focusing on his chosen charities and taking time to reflect on his experiences. In his LinkedIn post, he emphasized the importance of this pause, calling it a period of “exploration.”
“After eight years serving in one of the highest-profile roles in world football, I’m consciously taking time to reflect on what I lived through and thinking deeply about what comes next,” he wrote. “I’m comfortable with this period of ‘exploration’ and not having all the answers.”
Advice for the Next Chapter
Southgate’s message wasn’t just about his own journey—it also carried advice for others who might find themselves at a crossroads. He encouraged people, especially young individuals without a clear career vision, to embrace learning, networking, and new experiences.
“Keep learning, build or explore your network, seek different life experiences and when you decide what’s next, there will be no right or wrong, just one path or another,” he wrote.
What’s Next for Southgate?
While Southgate hasn’t ruled out a return to football, his comments suggest he’s open to exploring entirely new avenues. Could we see him take on a leadership role in another industry? Or perhaps he’ll dedicate more time to his charitable work? The possibilities seem endless, and Southgate appears to be embracing the freedom to choose his next path without pressure or expectations.
For fans of English football, Southgate’s legacy is already cemented. He led the national team to a World Cup semifinal in 2018 and a European Championship final in 2021, bringing a sense of pride and optimism back to the Three Lions. Now, as he steps into this new chapter, it’s clear that his impact extends far beyond the pitch.
Key Takeaways from Southgate’s Post
- Southgate is not limiting his future to football and is open to exploring other industries.
- He’s taking time to reflect on his eight years as England manager and focusing on his chosen charities.
- His advice for others: keep learning, network, and embrace new experiences.
As the football world moves on with Thomas Tuchel at the helm of the England squad, Southgate’s journey serves as a reminder that even the most high-profile careers can lead to unexpected and exciting new opportunities. Whether he returns to football or ventures into uncharted territory, one thing is certain: Gareth Southgate’s story is far from over.
Originally Written by: Adam Davy
