Sir Gareth Southgate To Deliver 48th Richard Dimbleby Lecture

BBC Factual has announced that former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate will deliver the 48th Richard Dimbleby Lecture.

The Richard Dimbleby Lecture with Sir Gareth Southgate will broadcast in March on BBC One and iPlayer, produced by BBC Studios.

In one of the highest profile roles in the country, Southgate forged a unique management style, combining calm empathy with mental resilience, emotional intelligence and strong accountability. His leadership at England propelled the national team to its most sustained success in fifty years, reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup Semi Final and the UEFA Euro 2020 and 2024 Finals. In the process, Southgate revitalised and reshaped the England team's footballing identity, and inspired the nation.

In the lecture he will explore the concept of belief, examine the power of unity, and highlight the importance of resilience, especially for young people in a fast 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, said: "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 transmission details of the Lecture will be announced soon.

Sir Gareth is joining an illustrious group of academics, artists, entrepreneurs, and members of the Royal Family who have delivered the annual lecture since its inception in 1972, in memory of the veteran broadcaster who died in 1965.

www.bbc.co.uk