Former Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has been awarded a CBE in the United Kingdom’s New Year Honours list (h/t The Athletic).
The 63-year-old led Spurs for almost a quarter of a century from 2001 until his departure in September.
Levy said he was humbled by the honour and paid tribute to the people he worked alongside during his time with Tottenham.
In a statement, he praised the extraordinary efforts to create genuine, lasting change in the local area.
The CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) is one of the highest civilian honours in the UK, ranking above an OBE and MBE and sitting just below a knighthood or damehood.
Levy’s award primarily reflects Tottenham’s extensive community work during his tenure.
The club established the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation in 2006, which has led outreach programmes in education, employment, health and social inclusion.
The opening of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April 2019 was also cited as a catalyst for regeneration, bringing jobs, investment and major events to the area.
Levy said Tottenham had always been more than a football club to him, adding that he hoped his legacy would be measured not only by trophies or infrastructure but by the positive impact on people’s lives.
Tributes followed from figures across sport and the community.
Former sports minister Tracey Crouch said Levy deserves the honour for transforming the club and significantly improving the local area.
Jan Balon, headteacher of the London Academy of Excellence Tottenham, credited Levy’s vision with giving thousands of young people life-changing opportunities.
Levy’s 24-year reign ended abruptly earlier this season, but his influence on Tottenham’s infrastructure, community engagement and standing within English football is widely acknowledged.
