The National Football Museum is thrilled to announce that the 2025 application window for its prestigious Hall of Fame opened on Tuesday 7 January. Football fans, communities, and clubs across the country are invited to nominate the players, coaches, contributors and key figures in football who have made an extraordinary impact on the game.
Since its inception in 2002 (making it the original English football Hall of Fame), the National Football Museum has inducted 200 people into its halls.
The Hall of Fame celebrates and highlights the achievements of those who have made an outstanding contribution to the national game, and in 2019 made a commitment to achieve equal representation across men and women’s football.
Among the 2024 honourees were Steph Houghton, a forerunner in women’s football; Rebecca Welch, the first female referee to officiate in the English Football League; Mary Phillip, the first Black woman to captain England; Jack Greenwell, an early innovator in coaching who’s impact spread globally; Brendon Batson, a pioneer and key advocate for diversity in football; and Frank Soo, the first player of Chinese heritage to represent England.
2024’s group of inductees exemplify the Hall of Fame’s commitment to honouring achievements both on and off the pitch and celebrate English football in its entirety, as it’s more than just a game.
Tim Desmond, CEO of the National Football Museum, said: “The Hall of Fame is a platform to celebrate the achievements of those who have made an outstanding impact on the game of our lives. Legacies and stories that inspire us and unite us through football. We’re proud to boast a Hall of Fame that celebrates not only exemplary careers on the pitch, but also individuals that have changed the game for the greater good.
“Nominations are open to the public as of Tuesday 7 January and I strongly encourage fans, clubs, communities and everything in between to get involved and play their part in celebrating someone’s legacy and making history.”
People are encouraged to nominate any, players, managers, staff, or figures that have:
- Achieved significant success with a Club, League and/or the English national programme – including considerable competitive achievements in elite English football as a Coach, Manager, Player, Referee and/or Support Personnel; or
- Changed the game for the greater good – significantly contributed to the ongoing development of English football, acting with integrity to enhance the diversity, inclusivity and positive impact of the game; or
- Pioneered or championed inclusion and/or diversity (directly or indirectly) – actively advocated for football to be diverse, inclusive and accessible for all.
The application window will close on Monday 31 March 2025. Submit your application via our Hall of Fame page by clicking below.