Steven Gerrard's Anfield Return Amid Family-Focused Saudi Chapter
Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard is set to make an emotional return to Anfield this weekend, participating in a legends clash against Borussia Dortmund. This appearance comes after a tumultuous period in his post-playing career, marked by a high-profile managerial stint in Saudi Arabia that was shaped by significant family considerations.
A Compromise in the Gulf
The 45-year-old former England captain accepted the managerial position at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq in July 2023, a move that stunned the football world. However, this career decision necessitated a major compromise with his wife, Alex, whom he married in 2007. Reports indicate that Alex had no desire to live extensively in Saudi Arabia, leading the Gerrard family to base themselves in Manama, the capital of Bahrain.
This arrangement allowed Gerrard to commute across the border, utilizing a 15-mile causeway that connects Bahrain to Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia, where his club was located. Despite being provided with a luxury villa in Dammam by Al-Ettifaq, Gerrard split his time between his work and his family's residence in Bahrain.
Luxury Living and Financial Details
The Gerrard family resided in a lavish six-bedroom villa in the Hamala area of Manama, costing approximately £10,000 per month. This exclusive property featured a private swimming pool, tennis courts, and a games room, situated within a gated community frequented by Bahrain's elite. Financially, Gerrard's Saudi adventure was lucrative, with an annual salary of £15.2 million, ranking him as the fourth-highest-paid manager globally at the time, behind only Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, and Diego Simeone.
His tenure with Al-Ettifaq concluded in January 2025, with Gerrard reportedly waiving around £10 million from the remaining portion of his contract by departing on mutual terms. Since then, he has been active as a pundit for TNT Sports, maintaining a presence in the football media landscape.
Future Prospects and Liverpool Connections
Amid Liverpool's struggles under current manager Arne Slot, some fans have speculated about Gerrard potentially stepping in to assist the club. In a candid interview with Ally McCoist on TNT Sports towards the end of last year, Gerrard expressed his unwavering loyalty to Liverpool. He stated, "I’ll be brutally, brutally honest with you: I’d help Liverpool in any department at any minute of every day. I’d help them with anything."
However, he clarified that he is not actively seeking a managerial role, emphasizing his contentment with family life and media work. Gerrard added, "My life’s great, my family life’s great, I’m enjoying doing [media work], I’ve got a lot going on. My life’s good, I’m fine. If the right football project comes up, the hunger’s back, it’s there."
This weekend's legends match serves as a poignant reminder of Gerrard's enduring legacy at Liverpool, while his recent comments fuel ongoing discussions about a possible future involvement with the club. His Saudi experience, underscored by family priorities, highlights the personal sacrifices often made in high-stakes football management.
