Gareth Southgate to deliver 'resilience' lecture on BBC One.
The BBC today announced that former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate will deliver the 48th Richard Dimbleby Lecture
BBC Factual has announced that former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate will deliver the 48th Richard Dimbleby Lecture. The lecture, featuring Sir Gareth Southgate, will air in March on BBC One and iPlayer, produced by BBC Studios.
As one of the most high-profile figures in the country, Southgate developed a distinctive management style, blending calm empathy with mental resilience, emotional intelligence, and strong accountability. His leadership of England led the national team to its most successful period in fifty years, reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the finals of both UEFA Euro 2020 and 2024. Along the way, Southgate revitalised and redefined the England team's footballing identity, inspiring the nation.
In the lecture, he will discuss the concept of belief, explore the power of unity, and emphasise the importance of resilience, particularly for young people navigating a rapidly changing and challenging world.
Gareth Southgate, who was knighted in the New Year Honours for his services to football, and has recently become a visiting lecturer at Harvard Business School, says: “After stepping down as England manager following eight very special years, I’ve been reflecting on what I have lived through and what I have learned. I was extremely humbled and honoured when the BBC asked me to deliver the Dimbleby Lecture, especially given the esteemed list of past speakers. I consider it a true privilege to be offered such a prestigious platform to talk about what I believe in and what I care about.”
Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events, says: “We are delighted that Sir Gareth Southgate has agreed to deliver this year's Dimbleby Lecture. His extensive career in football, unwavering dedication and leadership have not only brought great achievements on the field, but they continue to inspire new generations. In an era of increasing division, it is more important than ever to address how resilience and unity can help us all navigate a challenging world. It’s an honour to have him share his insights and experiences with our audience.”
The lecture will be recorded in front of an invited audience and will be introduced by David Dimbleby.