Steven Gerrard

In 2007 the Queen named Steven Gerrard a Member of the Order of the British Empire - a high honor bestowed upon him for his contributions to the sport. Other accolades include being named the PFA Player of the Year in 2006 and the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2001. The English midfielder is captain of Liverpool Football Club, joining the youth side when he was eight years old and staying loyal to the club ever since. Born in Whiston, England, Steven Gerrard debuted with the England national football team in 2000 and became the team's vice captain in 2006. Gerrard's early career was marked by recurring back and groin injuries that were finally treated during the 1999-2000 season. He is the only player to have scored in all four major cup finals that England-based players can take part in: the 2006 FA Cup, 2003 League Cup, 2001 UEFA Cup and 2005 European Cup. He is often remembered for his key role in the "greatest comeback of all time" during the 2005 UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul. Down 3-0 at half-time, Liverpool FC would come back to beat AC Milan in a penalty shootout, an effort led by Gerrard's headed goal in the 54th minute. Gerrard was named the UEFA Champions League Most Valuable Player that season.