Newcastle striker Alan Shearer today received an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
In a glittering career which has saw him captain his country and win the Premiership with Blackburn Rovers, Shearer returned to the norh-east in 1996 for a then British record £15m.
The 30-year-old last year bid farewell to the international game after captaining England in the 2000 European Championships.
After hearing the news Shearer said: "In the past year I have captained the England football team, watched my son being born, and now I have been awarded this honour by the Queen. I realise I am a very fortunate man."
Honours also went to motor racing legend Jackie Stewart, who was awarded a knighthood, whilst John Charles received recognition for his contribution to football with a CBE and BBC Match of the Day commentator John Motson was awarded an OBE.
There are also MBEs for round-the-world yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur, and former Wimbledon favourite Christine Janes, better known as Christine Trueman.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article