Who Is Neville Southall? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on September 16, 1958, Neville Southall is a celebrated Welsh footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport. With an illustrious international career that spanned nearly two decades, Southall earned a reputation for his outstanding shot-stopping abilities and leadership on the field. As of 2025, he is 66 years old and remains active in football commentary and charity work, contributing to the sport beyond his playing years.
Occupation | Autobiographer |
---|---|
Date of Birth | September 16, 1958 |
Age | 66 Years |
Birth Place | Llandudno, Wales |
Horoscope | Virgo |
Country |
Popularity
Neville Southall's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Neville Southall is known for his commanding presence in goal, standing at a height of 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm). Throughout his playing career, he maintained an athletic build, weighing approximately 198 lbs (90 kg). His impressive height and solid frame made him a formidable opponent in the penalty area.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
In terms of his personal life, Southall has been relatively private. He was previously married, but details regarding his current relationship status are not widely published. Reports indicate that he values his family life, often sharing moments with his loved ones on social media. As of 2025, it appears that he remains single and focuses largely on his commitments to football and charitable activities.
Though Everton had won a place in the European Cup, English clubs were banned from European competitions following the Heysel Stadium disaster. Southall remained bitter, blaming UEFA for the tragedy and stating that the ban was a convenient way to break up English dominance of European competitions.
Limited to domestic competitions, Everton won the FA Charity Shield with a 2–0 win over Manchester United; during the celebrations, Southall wore a T-shirt saying "I Love My Wife" as a symbolic gesture following tabloid stories of an alleged affair.
After getting sent off against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in October, Kendall criticised Southall in the press by saying he "let the lads down". Despite this setback, he agreed to sign a six-year contract in December, which was then the longest contract the club had ever issued.
However, he twisted his ankle ligaments on international duty with ten league games left to play. In his absence, his deputy Bobby Mimms took his place, and Everton lost both the league title and the 1986 FA Cup final to Liverpool.
Net Worth and Salary
Neville Southall's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $2 million. His earnings stem not only from his successful football career but also from various business ventures, sponsorships, and media roles. As a well-respected figure in football, he reportedly receives a comfortable salary from his commentary and speaking engagements.
Southall's performances attracted the attention of Bury and Wigan Athletic, and he was convinced to sign with Bury after he was personally approached by manager Dave Connor. Bury paid Winsford £6,000 and would later pay another £25,000 after he was sold on.
However, he never played for Connor as he was replaced by Jim Iley before the start of the 1980–81 season; despite this managerial change he was still seen as the future replacement to club stalwart John Forrest. He received specialist goalkeeping coaching from Wilf McGuinness.
He made his first-team debut against Wigan Athletic on 20 September, in a 2–1 victory. The "Shakers" had an indifferent league campaign in the Fourth Division, though they managed to reach the Third Round of the FA Cup and beat Newcastle United in the League Cup.
Southall kept 15 clean sheets after conceding 50 goals in his 44 domestic appearances, and was named as Bury's Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year.
Career, Business and Investments
Southall's football career began in the late 1970s and saw him play for top clubs such as Everton and the Welsh national team. He enjoyed substantial success, winning numerous league titles and cups. After retiring, Southall transitioned to coaching and sports commentary, where he has continued to influence the game.
In addition to his football pursuits, Southall is known for his involvement in various businesses and investments, particularly in initiatives that support young aspiring athletes. His commitment to mentorship and philanthropy further cements his legacy beyond the pitch.
Born and raised in Llandudno to Fred and Rose Southall, he was the middle child of three boys. Southall played youth football for his school team and the Llandudno Swifts, where he played alongside Joey Jones. He was educated at Ysgol John Bright, though left without any qualifications at age 16.
At age 14, he toured Germany with the Llandudno Swifts and was offered a chance to play for the youth team of Bundesliga club Fortuna Düsseldorf, but decided against the move to Germany.
The Swifts were a poor side that were regularly beaten heavily, though the near-constant barrage of shots he faced enabled Southall to improve on his shot-stopping skills.
Social Network
Neville Southall is active on various social media platforms, where he shares insights about his life, career, and important causes. His Twitter and Instagram accounts have a substantial following, allowing fans to engage with him directly. His candidness about mental health and social issues has made him a notable figure, not just in sports but in broader societal discussions.
He had spells as coach with all youth Wales national teams from U16 to U19, but quit his post from Wales U19 in November 2004, claiming he was treated with "a total lack of respect" and that the coaching was compromised because "...as always, it's about money." FAW management committee chairman Ken Tucker issued a rebuke, saying: "Nev is making com
ments on things he knows little about.
It is sad when people make comments without any knowledge of the finances of the FAW."
Education
While specific details about Southall's education are not widely documented, it is known that he developed his football skills in local clubs before being scouted for professional play. His experiences in the sport have made him a passionate advocate for education and youth engagement in athletics.
In conclusion, Neville Southall remains a revered figure in the world of football as of 2025, with a rich legacy that continues to inspire many. From his impressive career to his engagement in various ventures, he exemplifies the spirit of dedication and resilience both on and off the field.