Robbie Savage

Robbie Savage is a former professional footballer, football manager and one of Britain’s most recognisable sports broadcasters. Best known for his passionate midfield performances and outspoken personality, Robbie built a career defined by leadership, resilience and entertainment. From emerging through Manchester United’s famed ‘Class of ’92’ academy to becoming a Wales international and Premier League regular, he earned a reputation as one of football’s fiercest competitors. Following his retirement from professional football, Robbie successfully transitioned into television, radio and punditry, becoming a familiar voice across BBC Sport and national media. His ability to combine elite sporting insight with humour, honesty and audience engagement makes him a highly sought-after keynote speaker for corporate events, conferences and awards evenings.

Robbie’s football journey began in Manchester United’s academy, where he was part of the legendary youth setup that won the FA Youth Cup and produced some of English football’s greatest talents. He later established himself in senior football with clubs including Leicester City, Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City and Derby County. During his playing career, he won the Football League Cup with Leicester City and later lifted the UEFA Intertoto Cup with Blackburn Rovers. Robbie also represented Wales at an international level following his debut in the mid 1990s and became known for his commitment and determination on the pitch. Towards the latter stages of his playing career, he captained Derby County before retiring from football to concentrate on broadcasting and media opportunities. He later returned to the game in leadership roles, becoming a board member and director of football at Macclesfield FC before taking on his first official first-team managerial position. He then guided Macclesfield FC to a record-breaking championship-winning season and promotion before becoming the first team manager of Forest Green Rovers.

Alongside football, Robbie has enjoyed a hugely successful broadcasting career that has elevated his profile far beyond sport. He became co-host of BBC Radio 5 Live’s football phone-in show ‘606’, where his humour and direct opinions made him one of the station’s standout personalities. His broadcasting talent was recognised with the Sony DAB Rising Star Award. Robbie also reached new audiences as a celebrity contestant on BBC One’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, further showcasing his charisma and natural entertainment value. His media appearances, football analysis and outspoken style have made him one of the UK’s most recognisable sporting personalities.

Robbie is hired as a keynote speaker because he delivers far more than football stories. His talks blend leadership, resilience, teamwork and motivation with humour and honesty, creating an engaging experience for audiences of all sizes. Having succeeded across professional sport, media and football management, Robbie offers unique insight into handling pressure, adapting to change and building winning cultures. His natural wit, confidence and storytelling ability make him equally effective as a keynote speaker, awards host and after-dinner entertainer, ensuring audiences leave both inspired and entertained.

Here are some of the key milestones that define Robbie Savage’s remarkable career:

  • 2025 – Appointed first-team manager of National League club Forest Green Rovers
  • 2025 – Guided Macclesfield FC to a record-breaking Northern Premier League Premier Division championship and promotion
  • 2024 – Stepped into his first official first-team managerial role at Macclesfield FC
  • 2020 – Joined the rebirth of Macclesfield FC as a board member and director of football
  • 2011 – Competed as a celebrity contestant on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing
  • 2011 – Formally announced his retirement from professional playing to focus on media
  • 2011 – Won the Sony DAB Rising Star Award for his broadcasting work on BBC Radio 5 Live
  • 2010 – Took over as a regular co-host on the flagship BBC Radio 5 Live football phone-in show 606
  • 2009 – Appointed club captain of Derby County following his return from a loan spell
  • 2008 – Won the UEFA Intertoto Cup during his final year with Blackburn Rovers
  • 2000 – Won the Football League Cup with Leicester City following a victory over Tranmere Rovers
  • 1995 – Made his international debut for the Wales national football team
  • 1992 – Won the FA Youth Cup as part of Manchester United’s famous “Class of ’92” academy squad