Nowadays, Steven Gerrard is a household name for every football fan, not only within the UK but also internationally. He was one of the most influential midfielders of his era and was instrumental not only to England's success but especially to Liverpool's success in the early 2000s.
Born on May 30, 1980, in Whiston, England, Gerrard's love for football began at a young age when he started playing for his hometown team, Whiston Juniors. It wasn't long before he caught the eye of Liverpool scouts, and he joined the Liverpool Academy at the age of nine, setting him on the path to greatness.
After spending an impressive nine seasons honing his skills at Liverpool's youth academy, Steven Gerrard finally made his much-anticipated first-team debut in 1998. Initially deployed on the right wing, he struggled to make a significant impact.
It wasn't long before Gerrard found his true calling in central midfield, where he formed a formidable partnership with Jamie Redknapp. Unfortunately, his promising young career was hampered by recurring back and groin injuries during the 1999/00 season.
Nevertheless, Gerrard bounced back the following season, showcasing his talent and netting an impressive 10 goals across various competitions. His consistent performances played a crucial role in Liverpool's triumph in both the FA Cup and the UEFA Cup that season.
Recognizing his immense potential and leadership qualities, the club named Gerrard as their captain at the beginning of the 2003/04 season. However, despite his newfound responsibility, the season ended without silverware, prompting Gerrard to contemplate a potential departure for the first time in his career.
In a pivotal moment of his career, Gerrard decided to trust in his team and their newly appointed coach, Rafael Benitez, rejecting a tempting £20 million offer from Chelsea. This decision proved to be a stroke of genius as Liverpool went on a remarkable journey to the 2005 Champions League final, where they faced the formidable AC Milan.
Trailing 3-0 at halftime, Liverpool staged a breathtaking comeback within a remarkable six-minute period, with Gerrard scoring the opening goal. The team ultimately emerged victorious in a thrilling penalty shootout, etching their names in football history with an unforgettable triumph in Istanbul.
The subsequent season saw Gerrard continue to shine, amassing an impressive tally of 23 goals in 53 games. This outstanding form earned him the prestigious PFA Player of the Year award, highlighting his immense impact on the pitch.
Additionally, he played a crucial role in Liverpool's conquest of the 2006 FA Cup, with a memorable brace against West Ham United in the final. Regrettably, this proved to be the last major trophy of Gerrard's illustrious career. Despite his consistent excellence, the coveted Premier League title eluded him during his time at Liverpool.
Following a heart-wrenching near-miss in the 2013/14 season, where a slip against Chelsea derailed Liverpool's title hopes, Gerrard found himself considering his options once again.
During his time at Liverpool FC, Gerrard won an incredible array of trophies, including two FA Cups, three League Cups, one UEFA Cup, one UEFA Champions League, and one UEFA Super Cup. He also scored an impressive 120 goals in 504 Premier League appearances, cementing his status as a true Liverpool legend.
In 2015, he bid farewell to Liverpool and embarked on a new chapter of his career with LA Galaxy. However, his time in the United States did not reach the same heights as his legendary tenure in England, and he ultimately hung up his boots in November 2017, retiring from professional football.
Gerrard later revealed that his ex-England team-mate and 'hero' David Beckham had inspired him to to sign for MLS side LA Galaxy, after seeking advice from the football legend Becks.
On the international stage, Gerrard proudly represented his country, earning 114 caps for England. Despite boasting an abundance of talent, the English national team consistently fell short on the grandest stages of global football. Gerrard participated in three World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014) and three European Championships (2000, 2004, 2012), but England failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals.
Gerrard's autobiography, Gerrard: My Autobiography, is a must-read for any football fan, offering a fascinating insight into the mind of a true sporting great.
After retiring from professional football in 2016, Gerrard turned his attention to coaching, initially working as a youth coach at Liverpool FC before being appointed as the manager of Scottish Premiership club Rangers FC in May 2018.
His exceptional managerial skills saw him lead Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title in ten years during the 2020-21 season, cementing his status as one of the most talented and successful managers in the game.
Despite being sacked by Aston Villa in 2022 after a disappointing start to the season, Gerrard's passion for the game remains undimmed. He has since secured his first job since being sacked, taking up a role as a "brand ambassador" for online gambling site M88 Mansion while he waits for his next challenge in football management.
Steven Gerrard is married to model, fashion columnist, and television personality Alex Curran, also known as Alex Gerrard. Alex and Steven Gerrard tied the knot on June 16, 2007, in a lavish ceremony held at Cliveden House in Berkshire, England. Steven Gerrard's net worth is estimated at $90 million (£67m).
