Manchester, Aug 20 (NationPress) Former England men's national football team coach Gareth Southgate and USA women's national team manager Emma Hayes have been honored as the recipients of the 2025 PFA Merit Award, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to the sport and their remarkable achievements.

Taking the reins as England manager in November 2016, Southgate concluded his tenure as one of the nation's most successful coaches. He is among just three managers to have overseen 100 matches, guiding the Three Lions to four consecutive major tournaments, which included the finals of EURO 2020 and EURO 2024.

Before advancing to the senior team, Southgate played an essential role in nurturing future talent as the manager of England's U21s. He is well-regarded for revitalizing the national team by incorporating a new generation of young players, having given debuts to 42 players—nearly double that of any other England manager.

His leadership has heralded an era of unprecedented success for the men’s national team, and he has served as an exemplary ambassador for football, fostering a genuine connection among the country, its supporters, and the players.

Meanwhile, Hayes earned the PFA Merit Award for her significant influence on women’s football throughout a distinguished career in England.

Celebrated as one of the sport's most powerful figures, Hayes has a remarkable 12-year legacy with Chelsea, profoundly impacting the Women’s Super League (WSL) and the global women’s game.

As the manager of the Blues, she led the team to an astonishing seven Women’s Super League titles—five of which were consecutive—along with five FA Cups and two League Cups. Hayes is also a two-time recipient of the Best FIFA Football Coach award and a six-time winner of the WSL Manager of the Season.

Setting the benchmark in women’s football, both on and off the field, her legacy continues with the historic US Women’s National Team in the very country where her coaching journey began over two decades ago.