The Liverpool midfielder will be awarded for services to football and charity during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Manchester City forward will be awarded for services to racial equality in sport. Jordan Henderson rallied the Premier League captains to donate to charities during lockdown last season. Raheem Sterling has spoken out on racial issues and barriers in the game. Former Crystal Palace and England manager Roy Hodgson has also been awarded for his services to football with a CBE.
An MBE is the honorific title of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was set up by King George V in 1917, with the honours handed out by Queen Elizabeth II.
Henderson said “My family and I feel greatly humbled to be recognised in this way, more so given the reason for it. There are many privileges that come from playing professional football, but having a platform to promote a charitable cause such as Players Together and NHS Charities Together is as big a privilege as any.”
Sterling said “Receiving this honour is a fantastic feeling and a proud moment – not just for myself but for my family and friends. I am grateful to have been recognised but my priority is to try to help to educate society and myself. If it doesn’t start from within, then there’s no way you can help others. I’m learning every day. My motivation for racial equality is to get people to understand the difficulties people from diverse backgrounds face and create an environment where everybody is equal.”
