Graeme Souness (born 6 May 1953) is a former football player, manager and pundit. He has had some significant achievements in his journey through the sport but equally, it has not all been rosy and we discuss some of those personal challenges too. This article details his health news, career highlights, and recent news surrounding him.
Health Update
Graeme Souness was watching a match on television at home in September 2024 when he felt chest pains. He had blockages of the coronary arteries and was treated with an emergency stent placement in which two stents were placed. Souness, who expressed gratitude to the cardiologist in Bournemouth who looked after his heart for 15 years, said: “I feel great post-op.
It isn’t Souness’s first run-in with heart issues, either. He underwent a triple heart bypass when he was 38, for coronary heart disease. Ten years on, he had a stent installed because of another clogged artery. He had a heart attack at home in 2015. These have, however, not slowed him down in his charity work which he continues to do with fervour.
Career Highlights
Throughout Graeme Souness’s footballing career, he has amassed some impressive accolades. As a player, he was Liverpool’s heart as a midfield general and lifted five league titles and three European Cups. The role that he played on the pitch guided Liverpool towards their peak during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Brought in to manage Rangers in 1986, Souness made the step from playing into management. He reinvigorated the club during his time there, which included numerous league titles and domestic cup wins. He went on to manage Liverpool, Galatasaray, Southampton, Torino, Benfica, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United. Both roles highlighted his tactical mind and leadership.
Graeme Souness has been a prominent footy pundit in recent years. His comments and analysis are smart, and have gained a respected voice in sports journalism. He moved into the larger interim 2024 focus team for Euro 2024 with ITV in 2024.
News & Updates
Outside of football, Graeme Souness is heavily involved in charity work. He is VP of DEBRA UK, a charity for people with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a debilitating skin disease. Earlier this month he took part in a 12-hour swim across the English Channel, which raised more than £1.4 million for the charity. His friendship with a girl called Isla Grist, who has EB, is why he does it. Souness calls her an inspiration and has pledged to raise awareness and money for the cause.
Souness was due to take part in a tough challenge in September 2024, which is set to include a double Channel swim and an 85-mile cycle from Dover to London. The incident left the tourist board deciding to push back the event to 2025 — though this had previously been delayed from 2020 following his health scare and poor weather. Souness, however, has not been deterred from finishing the challenge after looking at some of those living with EB, and “what they have to endure”.
Advocacy and Awareness
Graeme Souness actively promotes heart health awareness. He reflected on his experiences today and urged others to get regular health check-ups and be aware of family history with risk factors. His candidness about his struggle with health is intended to encourage others to take care of themselves.
And speaking in June 2024, Souness gave an update on fellow Liverpool great Alan Hansen who had been gravely ill. Souness said Hansen – after talking to him on the phone – was in better spirits, suggesting the change meant he was recovering well. Fans and the football fraternity, in general, welcomed this news.
