Abused England star Jadon Sancho, soon to sign for Manchester United, recommended for freedom of home borough, Southwark

England star Jadon Sancho, who was today having a medical ahead of a move to Manchester United, has been recommended for Southwark’s Freedom of the Borough.

Southwark’s Mayor Barrie Hargrove announced his intention, if formally agreed, for England footballer Jadon Sancho to be awarded the highest civic award the authority can give to an individual.

This is in recognition of his exceptional contribution to sport, and for his role in bringing the England team into the final of a major football tournament for the first time in 55 years.

He has spoken out, and acted, before on racism, and exemplifies the values that Southwark Council holds in highest regard.

Jadon Sancho was born in Camberwell and represented Southwark at the 2011 London Youth Games team, where they won the under-11s football tournament.

The scheme was designed to encourage young people to take up fun, competitive sports and activities for free in their local area and celebrated its 40th birthday in 2017.

As he grew up, the young sporting star rose through the ranks of professional football. Sancho was part of the England youth team that won the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup and made his debut for the senior team in 2018. Now 21 years old, He was at Watford for eight years until 2015 and then Manchester City for two years. He is acknowledged now to be one of the best players in Europe, playing as a winger for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga last season and for England in Euro 2020 this summer.

Councillor Barrie Hargrove, Mayor of Southwark, said: “Watching Jadon play in the Euro tournament was incredible, I felt, like many residents, that he is a diamond in Southwark’s crown and we could not be more proud of him and what he achieved for this country – the team brought everyone together and gave us hope and joy when we needed it most. This is why I am recommending that he be considered for Freedom of the Borough, the highest accolade we can give.”

Councillor Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council, said: “Jadon is one of the best sportspeople this country has, and that he is home-grown talent from this borough should be celebrated. He is an incredible role model to our young people and we want him to know that he did us proud. Like many others, I was deeply saddened and angry to see the racism players suffered after the final match – outrage that was echoed by Southwark’s residents. However it was fantastic to see the outpouring of affection and solidarity with our players. There is no place for racism – Southwark is a place which nurtures everyone, and that is why we have such exceptional talent playing for our country. Jadon exemplifies our Southwark Stands Together values and deserves the highest honour we can give.”