Births on March 17

Lee Dixon, English footballer and journalist

Lee Michael Dixon, born on March 17, 1964, is a name synonymous with defensive resilience and enduring success in English football. This retired professional footballer, widely recognized as a right-back, forged an iconic career primarily with Arsenal, later transitioning into a respected punditry role. His time on the pitch saw him capped 22 times for England, adding international recognition to a distinguished club career.

Early Life and Formative Years in Football

Dixon's football journey began with a childhood allegiance to Manchester City, a testament to his early passion for the sport. He took his first professional steps as a youth player at Burnley, making his senior debut for the club in 1982. This initial experience laid the groundwork for a steady ascent through the ranks of English football. Following his stint at Burnley, Dixon honed his skills at Chester City and then Bury, accumulating valuable experience and demonstrating his burgeoning talent on the field.

The Rise to Prominence: Stoke City and the Arsenal Call

In 1986, Lee Dixon's career trajectory took a significant turn when he joined Stoke City for a fee of £50,000. It was at Stoke that his potential truly began to shine. He quickly established himself as a formidable defender, forming a highly effective and robust partnership with fellow defender Steve Bould. Their combined defensive prowess and impressive performances did not go unnoticed, capturing the attention of top-flight clubs. In January 1988, both Dixon and Bould made a pivotal move, joining Arsenal, affectionately known as the "Gunners," for a combined fee of £765,000. This transfer marked the beginning of an extraordinary era for both players and the club.

The Arsenal Legend: Defining an Era of Success

Dixon’s arrival at Highbury coincided with a period of transformative change under manager George Graham, who was building a team famed for its defensive solidity and tactical discipline. The very next season, as Dixon firmly cemented his place in the starting XI, Arsenal achieved a historic feat, clinching their first league title in eighteen years in one of the most dramatic final games of the season against Liverpool at Anfield. This victory, secured by Michael Thomas’s last-minute goal, etched Dixon’s name into Arsenal folklore almost immediately. He became a defensive mainstay for a highly successful Arsenal team until his retirement in 2002. His tenure at the club was laden with silverware, including an impressive four league championship medals, three FA Cup winner's medals, and a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup medal. His consistent excellence was further acknowledged by his inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year twice, for the 1989–90 and 1990–91 seasons. Dixon’s illustrious playing career concluded on a high note, retiring at the end of Arsenal's domestic double-winning 2001–02 season, marking their second double during his remarkable time at the club. A quirky but enduring fact from his playing days highlights his vast experience: at the time of his retirement, he had played at 91 out of the 92 Football League grounds, with Fulham’s Craven Cottage being the sole exception.

Life After Football: Punditry and Charitable Endeavours

Following his distinguished playing career, Lee Dixon seamlessly transitioned into the world of football punditry and commentary, sharing his deep knowledge and insights with audiences. He began his television career with the BBC, primarily contributing to their flagship programmes such as "Match of the Day" and "Football Focus," where his articulate analysis quickly made him a viewer favorite. In July 2012, he moved to ITV Sport, continuing to offer his expert opinions. A significant chapter in his punditry career began in 2013 when he joined NBC's Premier League coverage in the USA, providing commentary alongside Arlo White. Their engaging and informed analysis has played a key role in popularizing English football across the Atlantic, making the Premier League a cultural phenomenon for American sports fans. Beyond the broadcast booth, Dixon has also dedicated time to charitable work, notably joining fellow sports icon Lawrence Dallaglio in a sponsored bike ride for Sport Relief, an event that successfully raised over £986,000 for the charity, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lee Dixon

Who is Lee Dixon?

Lee Dixon is an English retired professional footballer renowned for his career as a right-back, primarily with Arsenal, and a respected football pundit and commentator.

What teams did Lee Dixon play for?

Lee Dixon played for Burnley, Chester City, Bury, Stoke City, and most famously, Arsenal, where he spent 14 hugely successful years.

What did Lee Dixon win with Arsenal?

With Arsenal, Lee Dixon won four league titles, three FA Cups, and a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.

How many times was Lee Dixon capped for England?

Lee Dixon earned 22 caps playing for the England national football team.

What does Lee Dixon do now?

Since retiring from playing, Lee Dixon has built a successful career as a football pundit and commentator, notably working for NBC Sports' Premier League coverage in the USA.