Legends of Football is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of bringing together the worlds of football, music and entertainment to raise more than £9 million for music therapy charity Nordoff & Robbins.
Since launching in 1996, the annual event has honoured some of football’s most iconic names, including Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson, Pelé, David Beckham, Arsène Wenger, Emma Hayes, Wayne Rooney and Gary Lineker.
In that time, Legends of Football has become one of the most respected nights in the sporting calendar, celebrating football’s greatest figures while raising vital funds for Nordoff & Robbins.
The 2026 event will take place on Monday 5 October at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London, where Thierry Henry and Karen Carney will become the latest recipients of the prestigious Legends of Football Award.
The Story Behind Legends of Football
Legends of Football began with a simple idea and a shared love of football and music.
In 1995, HMV UK Managing Director Brian McLaughlin attended a football dinner alongside colleague Glen Ward at the invitation of Les Gold, a Director of Enfield FC. Inspired by the evening and looking for a meaningful way to support Nordoff & Robbins, they recognised an opportunity to bring together two worlds with a natural connection: football and music.
Together with Jim Peal and Steve Knott, they formed The Starlight Committee and launched the first HMV Football Extravaganza at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel in March 1996. Despite initial concerns that the venue would be too ambitious, more than 500 guests attended, with Jimmy Greaves appearing as guest speaker, helping raise £50,000 for Nordoff & Robbins.
A year later, the event introduced what would become its defining centrepiece, the Legends of Football Award, with Welsh football icon John Charles named as its first recipient. Attendance grew to more than 1,000 guests, laying the foundations for what would become one of the most celebrated nights in the football calendar.
Les Gold’s connections within the football world proved invaluable to the event’s early success, and he remained an ambassador for the dinner throughout its 30-year history. Credit is also given to Gary Farrow of Sony Music, who introduced Brian McLaughlin to Richard Keys and Geoff Shreeves, both of whom presented the event and generously gave their services free of charge.
Over the three decades that followed, Legends of Football continued to grow in scale and stature, raising more than £9 million for Nordoff & Robbins while celebrating some of the most influential figures in football history.
As Legends of Football marks its 30th anniversary, those connected with the event have reflected on its lasting impact.
Peter Leathem OBE, Legends of Football Chairman commented,“Thirty years ago, nobody could have imagined what Legends of Football would become. What started as a fundraising dinner has grown into one of football’s most celebrated annual events, bringing together generations of players, managers, supporters and partners in support of Nordoff & Robbins. We’re incredibly proud of the funds raised, the lives changed through music therapy and the remarkable individuals who have been honoured along the way.”
Geoff Shreeves, Legends of Football Global Ambassador and Presenter said, “I can’t believe I’ve been involved in this event for 30 years. It’s been fantastic to be part of something that has brought together two of my biggest passions, football and music, whilst raising funds for such a wonderful cause. Here’s to the next 30 years.”
Past recipients have also paid tribute to the event’s lasting impact.
Alan Shearer, 2006 winner: “Thierry & Karen, I just wanted to say congratulations to you and Legends of Football for 30 years. I’m proud to have played a small part back in 2006. It’s a great event; everyone looks forward to it and the work you do for it is amazing.”
Jill Scott, 2025 winner: “Football has an incredible ability to bring people together and Legends of Football has been doing exactly that for three decades whilst supporting the life-changing work of Nordoff and Robbins.”
In celebration of the 30th anniversary, fans will also have the chance to win a signed Arsenal Premier League shirt through a special online raffle supporting Nordoff & Robbins.
Henry and Carney join a distinguished roll call of recipients spanning three decades, from football’s most iconic players and managers to trailblazers of the modern women’s game.
The final two tables for the 2026 event remain available. For further information and bookings, please click here.
As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, Freenow by Lyft will support the event as official taxi partner, helping guests travel to and from one of football’s most prestigious annual fundraising occasions.