Who Is Gordon Strachan? Age, Biography and Wiki
Gordon Strachan, born on February 9, 1957, in Edinburgh, Scotland, is a celebrated figure in the world of football, known for his illustrious career as both a player and a manager. As of 2025, Strachan is 68 years old. He played as a midfielder for notable clubs including Aberdeen, Manchester United, and Coventry City, before transitioning to a coaching role where he managed several teams, including Southampton, Celtic, and the Scottish national team. His tactical mind and leadership have made him a respected figure in Scottish football history.
| Occupation | Football Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 9, 1957 |
| Age | 68 Years |
| Birth Place | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country |
Popularity
Gordon Strachan's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Gordon Strachan stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and typically weighed around 165 pounds (75 kg) during his playing days. While specific current measurements are not publicly documented, he is known to maintain a fit physique that reflects his active lifestyle and commitment to football even in retirement.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gordon Strachan has been married to his wife, Lesley, for many years. The couple has four children together, showcasing a strong family unit that has supported his career through ups and downs. As of 2025, there are no public indications of any significant changes to their relationship status, and they continue to enjoy a loving partnership.
Strachan was named as FWA Footballer of the Year for the 1990–91 season while at Leeds. He was also named Manager of the Year in Scotland several times by writers and players while at Celtic. In 2007, Strachan was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame. He is the father of Craig Strachan and Gavin Strachan and the grandfather of Luke Strachan, all of whom were also footballers.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Gordon Strachan's estimated net worth is around $10 million. This wealth is attributed to his extensive career in professional football, both as a player and a manager, along with his involvement in various football-related media endeavors. His salary as a manager has fluctuated throughout his career but has been substantial, particularly during his time with clubs like Celtic.
In August 1984, Manchester United spent £500,000 to take Strachan to Old Trafford. However, because Strachan had previously signed a pre-contract agreement with Bundesliga side 1.
FC Köln, United paid £75,000 compensation to resolve the row – teammate Mark McGhee had also signed a contract with Hamburger SV on the understanding that Strachan would also be playing in Germany.
Strachan opened the 1984–85 campaign with four goals in seven matches, though the "Red Devils" could only manage a fourth-place finish in the First Division.
He featured at Wembley Stadium in the 1985 FA Cup Final, as United ran out 1–0 winners over Everton; his lung-bursting run off-the-ball helped Norman Whiteside to find the space for his extra-time winner.
Career, Business and Investments
Strachan's career is marked by several successful coaching stints. After retiring as a player, he turned to management, where his expertise quickly became evident. He has also invested in soccer-related ventures, including participation in coaching clinics and sports commentary. His tactical prowess has established his reputation in the football community.
In club football, Strachan played 635 league games, scoring a total of 138 goals, playing 21 of 25 career seasons in either the English or Scottish top-flight. In international football Strachan earned 50 caps, scoring five goals and played in two FIFA World Cup final tournaments, Spain 82 and Mexico 86.
Strachan retired from playing in 1997 at age 40, setting a Premier League record for an outfield player.
Social Network
Gordon Strachan maintains a presence on social media platforms, where he connects with fans and shares insights on football, life, and his family. His Twitter account is particularly active, where he interacts with followers and comments on current football events and trends.
Strachan began his career with Dundee, having decided to sign with the Scottish club at age 14. In joining the club, he rejected an approach from Manchester United, reasoning he had a better chance to establish himself in the first team at Dens Park.
His natural talent was immediately apparent, and he quickly earned a reputation as an outstanding player in the second team, twice winning the Scottish Reserve Player of the Year Award. He made his mark as an 18-year-old when he outplayed Alan Ball in a friendly with Arsenal in August 1975; The Sunday Post compared him to a young Billy Bremner.
Strachan became a regular player in the 1975–76 season, the inaugural season of the Scottish Premier Division, featuring in 17 of the club's 36 league matches; however, David White's "Dee" were relegated on the last day of the season after rivals Dundee United edged ahead on goal average with an unlikely draw with champions Rangers.
Education
While specific details about Gordon Strachan's formal education are limited, his coaching expertise indicates a significant dedication to understanding the game. He has likely attended numerous coaching certification courses and clinics to refine his knowledge and skills, cementing his status as a respected football educator.
Strachan won his first cap for Scotland on 16 May 1980, in a British Home Championship defeat to Northern Ireland at Windsor Park. Strachan helped Scotland qualify for the 1982 FIFA World Cup and scored a crucial goal in qualifying by scoring the only goal against Sweden at the Råsunda Stadium in Stockholm.
He did not feature in the 1982 British Home Championship, as Jock Stein wanted to rest him for the World Cup, held in Spain. The Scots cruised to a 5–2 victory over New Zealand at La Rosaleda Stadium, Málaga; Strachan was named Man of the Match. Scotland then lost 4–1 to a world-class Brazil side at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, Seville.
In the third match, a 2–2 draw with the Soviet Union back in Málaga saw Scotland exit the tournament on goal difference. Scotland also qualified for the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
However, shortly after the draw with Wales at Ninian Park on 10 September 1985, Jock Stein died of a heart attack, and his assistant Alex Ferguson took charge for the World Cup campaign. To complete their qualification, they had to beat Australia in a play-off.
Strachan played in the first leg at Hampden Park, but did not travel to Melbourne for the second leg. The Scots faced a tough draw in Mexico and lost their opening match 1–0 at the Estadio Neza 86 in the Mexico City suburb of Nezahualcóyotl to the unseeded – but highly fancied – Denmark.
Strachan then scored in a 2–1 defeat to West Germany at the Estadio Corregidora in Queretaro; his goal celebration was memorable, as he tried to climb the advertising hoardings, but was thwarted by his short stature and so merely rested his leg on the hoarding before he was joined by his teammates.
In the third and final group match back in Nezahualcóyotl, Scotland drew 0–0 with Uruguay despite their opponents going down to ten men after less than a minute of play when José Batista attempted to take Strachan out of the game.
