David Moyes wasn’t expecting life to throw him a major honor during a routine family outing.
But that’s exactly what happened. The Everton manager was at his grandson’s nativity play when he got a call that changed everything.
It wasn’t just a typical phone call—it was the Home Office informing him he’d been awarded an OBE for his contributions to football.
And in true Moyes fashion, he wasn’t immediately convinced it was real.
“I thought it might be a hoax,” he admitted, laughing about how the news almost slipped through the cracks because he hadn’t been checking the post.
With his mother-in-law gravely ill, his family had been focused on her care.
“I told my wife to check the mail just in case,” he shared. “We hadn’t opened anything for a while.”
A Proud Day at Windsor Castle
Fast forward to Windsor Castle, and the moment couldn’t have been more special.
Moyes received his OBE from Prince William himself in a formal ceremony.
Surrounded by his family—wife Pam, son David, and daughter Lauren—the day carried an emotional weight beyond the prestige of the title.
“It was a really special day,” Moyes told Everton’s official website. “It’s something we’re all really proud of as a family.
My dad received an MBE, and now I’ve got an OBE—so we’re keeping it in the family.”
Reflecting on the Moment and the People Around Him
While Moyes was honored for his football legacy, he was also moved by the company he shared at the ceremony.
From medical professionals fighting cancer to those working with addiction recovery and charity leaders, he was humbled.
“To stand beside people making such a difference in the world—it really puts things into perspective,” he said.
“Football’s been my life, but I was inspired by what others have achieved in completely different fields.”
A Career That’s Earned Its Flowers
At 62, Moyes has built one of the most enduring careers in Premier League history.
He’s managed 716 games—third only to legends Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson.
His managerial journey includes leading West Ham to their historic Europa Conference League win in 2023—their first major trophy in 43 years—and two separate stints at Everton, the second of which began earlier this year.
This season, he’s already made a mark, earning 31 points from 20 games—a record bettered only by Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea since he returned to the Toffees.
A Chat with a Fellow Football Fan
Meeting Prince William turned out to be another highlight of the day.
The Prince of Wales, a lifelong football enthusiast and Aston Villa supporter, couldn’t help but chat about the sport.
“He’s a proper football fan,” Moyes said with a smile. “We talked about how well Villa have been doing lately—he’s really proud of the team.
And his son is just as into it as he is, which made receiving the award from him even more special.”
A Legacy That Goes Beyond the Pitch
For Moyes, the OBE isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s a nod to decades of dedication, persistence, and passion for the game.
But even with all the accolades, he remains grounded in what matters most: family, tradition, and the game he loves.
From a nativity play to a royal handshake, it’s been a journey full of emotion, humility, and pride—and one Moyes and his family won’t forget any time soon.