Newcastle United Legend Alan Shearer Honored with Statue in His Hometown
June 6, 2025
In a heartfelt celebration of one of football’s most iconic figures, Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has been honored with a statue in his hometown of Gosforth. The unveiling ceremony, which took place on a bright Thursday morning, drew hundreds of fans, former teammates, club officials, and local residents eager to pay tribute to the man who became a symbol of pride, passion, and perseverance for the North East.
The life-sized bronze statue stands proudly in Gosforth Central Park, a place close to Shearer’s heart and just a short walk from where he grew up. Depicted in his signature goal celebration pose—right arm raised triumphantly in the air—the statue captures the spirit of a footballer whose impact transcended the pitch.
A Local Hero Who Became a National Icon
Born in 1970 in Gosforth, Alan Shearer rose through the ranks of English football to become its most prolific Premier League goalscorer, with a staggering 260 goals to his name. After successful stints at Southampton and Blackburn Rovers—where he won the Premier League title in 1995—Shearer made his dream move to Newcastle United in 1996 for a then world-record fee of £15 million.
Over the next decade, he would score 206 goals for the Magpies, becoming not only the club’s all-time top scorer but also its beating heart. A powerful striker known for his clinical finishing, leadership, and unwavering loyalty to his boyhood club, Shearer wore the black-and-white stripes with unmatched pride until his retirement in 2006.
Speaking at the unveiling, Shearer was visibly moved as he addressed the gathered crowd:
“To be honored like this in the place I grew up, where my journey began, is deeply humbling. Gosforth shaped who I am. This isn’t just a statue of a footballer—it’s a tribute to everyone who supported me along the way.”
A Day of Celebration
The event began with a procession led by the Newcastle United Foundation, followed by speeches from club legend Peter Beardsley, Gosforth’s mayor Claire Henson, and club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan. Schoolchildren from nearby Gosforth Junior High wore Newcastle kits as they performed a choral rendition of “Local Hero,” Shearer’s iconic entrance song at St James’ Park.
Peter Beardsley, a former teammate and close friend of Shearer’s, praised his legacy both on and off the field:
“Alan wasn’t just a great footballer—he was and remains a great ambassador for Newcastle, for the sport, and for this region. His loyalty, drive, and class made him a hero, and this statue is a fitting tribute to a man who gave everything to the game and his people.”
Crafted for Legacy
The statue was created by award-winning sculptor Andy Edwards, who also designed statues of The Beatles in Liverpool. Edwards spent over eight months working on the project, collaborating closely with Shearer and his family to ensure every detail—from his facial expression to the creases in his shirt—captured the essence of the man.
“It was important that Alan looked powerful but grounded, victorious but humble,” said Edwards. “His raised arm is not just a celebration of goals—it’s a salute to his community.”
The statue was funded through a joint initiative by Newcastle United, the Premier League, and public donations from fans across the globe. A commemorative plaque at the statue’s base reads:
Alan Shearer OBE
Premier League Record Goal Scorer
Newcastle United Legend
Son of Gosforth
A Lasting Impact
While Shearer’s playing days may be long behind him, his presence remains central to Newcastle United’s identity. As a Match of the Day pundit, charity ambassador, and staunch supporter of youth sports in the North East, he continues to give back to the community that shaped him.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan confirmed that Newcastle United will host a special tribute match later this summer in Shearer’s honor. “Alan Shearer is not just part of our history—he is a guiding light for our future,” Al-Rumayyan said. “This statue is a small way to say thank you.”
Mayor Henson also announced that June 6 will now be recognized annually as “Alan Shearer Day” in Gosforth, with community events, youth tournaments, and charity drives held in his honor.
A Moment for the Ages
As the ceremony concluded and fans lined up for photos with the statue, the sense of pride in Gosforth was unmistakable. Children clutched replica shirts with Shearer’s legendary number 9, and elderly supporters recalled the magic of his goals at St James’ Park.
For Alan Shearer, it was a day of reflection, gratitude, and unity.
“I always said I was just a lad from Gosforth who loved football,” he said. “But to see this turnout, to feel this love—it means everything. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
With this statue, Gosforth has not only honored its favorite son but also etched his legacy into the very heart of the community he has always called home.
