He is an esteemed figure in Scottish football, a former Scotland manager and footballer who has been recognised for his exceptional contributions both on and off the field.
During his illustrious playing career, McLeish became a household name, achieving nearly 700 appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson’s highly successful Aberdeen side in the 1980s. His zenith moment came when he lifted the European Cup Winners Cup with the team. The OBE was awarded not only for his football prowess but also for his commendable charity work.
Expressing his gratitude, McLeish said, “I am immensely honored and humbled to receive this OBE in recognition of my career in football and my charitable work. This is a proud moment for myself and my family, and I’m grateful to the Honours Committee for this fantastic award.”
As a stalwart of the national team, McLeish earned 77 caps for Scotland and represented the country in three World Cups (1982, 1986, and 1990). Beyond his playing days, he managed Rangers from 2001 to 2006 and had two spells as the head of the Scottish national team. In 2011 as Manager of Premier League Birmingham City FC, he guided them to win the League Cup Final in a famous victory over Arsenal.
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Notably, McLeish has been a driving force in philanthropy, raising over £200,000 for Crohn’s and Colitis UK. He serves as an ambassador for the Catherine McEwan Foundation, passionately contributing to fundraising efforts and raising awareness about Crohn’s and Colitis.
Additionally, McLeish has played a pivotal role in supporting Linn Moor VSA, an organization providing specialist assistance to young people with additional support needs on the outskirts of Aberdeen.
As a leading online soccer coaching platform, Cupello is honored to be associated with Alex. His unwavering commitment to the sport and its community exemplifies the values that Cupello holds dear - Alex, we salute you.
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