Who Is Graeme Souness? Age, Biography and Wiki
Graeme Souness was born on May 6, 1953, making him 72 years old as of 2025. A celebrated former player and manager, Souness has made significant contributions to football, both on and off the pitch. He is particularly renowned for his time at clubs like Liverpool and Rangers, as well as his managerial stints across various teams. Souness is now an insightful football pundit, sharing his deep knowledge of the game on television.
| Occupation | Football Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 6, 1953 |
| Age | 72 Years |
| Birth Place | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country |
Popularity
Graeme Souness's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a professional athlete, Graeme Souness was known for his imposing presence on the field. He stands at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and during his playing days, he maintained a weight of around 175 lbs (79 kg). His athletic build and fitness levels were key to his successful career in football.
A final World Cup appearance came in 1986 in Mexico, at a time when Souness had already been appointed Rangers player-manager. Souness played in defeats to Denmark and West Germany. He later said he had performed poorly in those matches, having struggled with the high altitude and losing a significant amount of weight and power.
Souness was omitted by caretaker manager Alex Ferguson for Scotland's final match against Uruguay. Souness claimed in his autobiography, The Management Years, and press interviews that this was the only time in his whole career he had been dropped.
Souness also stated Ferguson was unusually apologetic and was very respectful and diplomatic in his conversation with Souness at night when he broke the news to him, as he held Souness in high regard. His international career ended after the 1986 World Cup. He had made 54 appearances in almost 12 years, scoring four goals.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Graeme Souness's relationship status is quite private. He was previously married to his first wife, which ended in divorce, and later married Karen Souness. The couple has been spotted together frequently and shares a strong bond. Souness is known to be reclusive about his personal life, often choosing to keep family matters away from the media spotlight.
Although Souness had been hugely successful in his time at Ibrox, his time in charge had not been without controversy. A significant act was the signing of Mo Johnston in 1989. Rangers, historically a team supported by Protestants, had for most of the 20th century a policy of refusing to sign Roman Catholics.
Although there had been many Rangers players of Catholic faith, particularly before the sectarian divisions hardened after World War I, none of them were as high-profile as Johnston. He had previously played for Celtic, and had looked set to rejoin them from Nantes until Souness made an offer to sign him.
Johnston publicly announced he would return to Celtic in a press conference at Celtic Park, but days later he signed for Rangers. Souness stated that religion was not an issue for him; his first wife was a Catholic and the children from that marriage were baptised Catholic.
His main consideration was that Johnston was a good player, but he also believed that the signing would damage Celtic. He was also responsible for ordering a picture of Queen Elizabeth II be hung in the Rangers dressing room, a tradition Rangers continued.
Net Worth and Salary
Graeme Souness has built a substantial net worth throughout his career, estimated to be around $24 million in 2025. His earnings come not only from his time as a professional footballer but also from his career as a manager and a television pundit. His involvement in various football-related activities has allowed him to maintain a steady income and invest in other ventures, contributing to his overall net worth.
A string of major signings for Rangers from English clubs began to be termed the "Souness Revolution". Significantly, this reversed the historic pattern of Scotland's most able footballers playing in England.
His first signings included Terry Butcher, captain of Ipswich Town and an established England international, and Chris Woods of Norwich City, England's second-choice goalkeeper. Subsequent seasons saw the arrival of other English internationals, such as Trevor Steven, Gary Stevens, Trevor Francis and Ray Wilkins.
Souness was able to offer the lure of European club competition, at a time – 1985–1990 – when English clubs were banned from Europe in the wake of the Heysel Stadium disaster.
Rangers profited from this by embarking upon a signing policy which drew on their relative wealth to compete, for the first time, directly with England's most powerful clubs.
Career, Business and Investments
Souness’s football career spans several decades. As a player, he won numerous titles with Liverpool and Rangers, cementing his status as one of the game's greats. Transitioning into management, he has led various clubs, including Southampton, Torino, and Blackburn Rovers, to varying degrees of success. Beyond football, Souness has invested in various businesses, including sports commentary and analysis, further diversifying his portfolio and enhancing his financial standing.
Souness' career began as an apprentice at Tottenham Hotspur under Bill Nicholson. He signed professional forms as a 15-year-old in 1968. Frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities, the teenage Souness told Nicholson he should be selected for the first team. Souness made one first-team appearance for Spurs, in a UEFA Cup tie as a substitute.
Social Network
Graeme Souness is active on social media platforms where he shares insights into the game, personal anecdotes, and interactions with fans. He maintains a respectable presence on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, allowing fans to connect with him and stay updated on his work and perspectives on contemporary football.
Souness' tenacious style began to garner acclaim during his time at Middlesbrough. His first season saw Middlesbrough finish fourth, two places and 14 points short of promotion. Jack Charlton was appointed Middlesbrough manager, his first managerial post, in May 1973.
One of Charlton's first signings was experienced former Celtic midfielder Bobby Murdoch, a fellow Scot whom Souness later cited as an important influence in the development of his playing style. Promotion as champions of the Second Division followed in 1973–74.
Souness' influence was demonstrated when he scored a hat-trick in the season's final fixture, an 8–0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
Education
Souness’s formal education details are less documented; however, his extensive experience in football management and playing certainly highlights a practical education through direct involvement in the sport. His contributions to football analysis and commentary suggest a self-taught understanding of sports dynamics, making his insights highly valued within the football community.
In summary, Graeme Souness remains a prominent figure in the football world as of 2025. His life, while infused with public interest, exemplifies the journey of a dedicated sportsman navigating both the highs and lows of a stellar career. Whether through analysis, management, or personal endeavors, Souness continues to influence the sport we all love.
