Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has been awarded an MBE for services to football, charity and young people.
The Reds' left-back has been recognised for his career in the professional game, which has seen him rise through the ranks in Scotland before establishing himself as one of the world's best in his position since making the move to Anfield in 2017.
Robertson recently broke the record for the most Premier League assists recorded by a defender (54), surpassing former Everton left-back Leighton Baines, and has been a central figure in the Jurgen Klopp era that has resulted in claiming the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Community Shield and FIFA Club World Cup.
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Among those to feature in the New Year Honours list, the 28-year-old has received this accolade for his outstanding achievements within the game and community work. MBE winners are described as having had a long-term, significant impact as well as standing out as an example to others.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said this year's New Year Honours list underlines the "outstanding contributions made by Scots to the life of the nation". He added: "It's great to see recognition of our men's football captain Andy Robertson, not just for his efforts on the pitch but for his work with young people."
Robertson launched the AR26 charity in a special Q&A with the ECHO in November 2020, which aims to provide young people in Scotland with equal access to training, support, job opportunities and free football coaching.
The Reds' No.26 is the latest of many serving Liverpool players to receive an MBE, with Jordan Henderson awarded an MBE for services to charity last year and James Milner following suit earlier this year. Other Liverpool stars to mirror this achievement include Kenny Dalglish - who was later knighted in 2018 - in 1985, Ian Rush (1996), Gary McAllister (2002) and Steven Gerrard (2007), while managers Bob Paisley (1977) and Bill Shankly (1974) were awarded the OBE. Another Liverpool boss, Gerard Houllier, received on honorary OBE in 2003.
Other notable former Liverpool players to receive an MBE are David James (2012), Ian Callaghan (2009), Roger Hunt (2000), John Barnes (1998), Peter Beardsley (1995), Ray Clemence (1987), John Toshack (1982), while Kevin Keegan (1982) and Emlyn Hughes (1980) were awarded the OBE.
Also featuring in the New Year Honours List 2023 is ex-Everton CEO Robert Elstone, who spent over a decade in this role at Goodison Park before leaving in 2018, and four members of the England women's football team which became European champions in the summer.
Team captain Leah Williamson, who lifted the Women's Euro trophy after a 2-1 victory over Germany at Wembley in July, has been made an OBE while her team-mates Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead and Ellen White all become MBEs. The team's Dutch head coach Sarina Wiegman has been made a CBE on the Overseas List.
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