Wakefield Council has awarded ‘local and national legend’ Chris Kamara MBE a Freedom of the City for his services to the area and to charity.
The ex-footballer and former pundit has supported charities including Show Racism the Red Card, Marie Curie and has raised awareness about apraxia since being diagnosed with the condition in 2022.
More locally to Wakefield, in West Yorkshire, he supports Wakefield Hospice, Andy’s Man Club and Pinderfields Hospital.
Kamara said: ‘I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded Freedom of the City of Wakefield.
‘It’s been an absolutely unbelievable day!’
During his 20-year football career, Kamara played for nine English professional clubs, making a combined 641 appearances and scoring 71 goals.
He went on to manage Bradford City and Stoke City, leading Bradford to promotion in 1996, and was a much-loved presenter and football analyst on Sky Sports for more than 20 years.
Kamara was appointed MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours list for services to football, anti-racism and charity.
Council leader Josie Pritchard said: ‘Chris is a local and national legend and an inspiration to so many people.
‘We are absolutely delighted to have given him the highest honour we can bestow – Freedom of the City.’
