Steven Gerrard's Family Chose Bahrain Base During Saudi Management Tenure
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard's managerial spell in Saudi Arabia involved a unique family arrangement, with his wife Alex and their four children living in neighbouring Bahrain. The football icon took charge of Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq in July 2023, a move that came with a substantial £15.2 million annual salary, making him the world's fourth highest-paid manager at the time.
Compromise Between Career and Family Life
Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia's conservative cultural environment presented challenges for some footballers' partners, with restrictions surrounding alcohol consumption and clothing rules. Alex Gerrard, who married Steven in 2007, reportedly had little desire to spend extended periods in the country. The couple therefore reached a compromise that allowed Alex and their children to reside in Bahrain's capital Manama, while Gerrard regularly commuted to his job in Saudi Arabia.
The geographical proximity proved crucial to this arrangement, with Manama located just an hour's drive from Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia, where Gerrard managed Al-Ettifaq. This allowed the former England midfielder to frequently travel along the 15-mile causeway connecting the two countries, despite being provided with a luxury villa in Dammam by his club.
Luxury Living in Bahrain's Exclusive Enclaves
The Gerrard family resided in a substantial six-bedroom villa in the Hamala area of Manama, which commanded a monthly rent of £10,000. The property featured its own swimming pool, tennis courts, and games room, situated within an exclusive gated community populated by Bahrain's elite, including members of the Royal family.
Friends of Alex Gerrard were quoted describing her experience as living her "dream life" in Bahrain, suggesting the arrangement provided a comfortable environment for the family during Gerrard's Middle Eastern tenure. In September 2024, Gerrard addressed rumours about his permanent residence, clarifying that while his family was based in Bahrain, his time was divided between both countries.
Gerrard's Departure and Future Ambitions
Gerrard's tenure at Al-Ettifaq concluded in January 2025 when he left by mutual consent, reportedly waiving approximately £10 million from the remaining portion of his contract. Since departing Saudi Arabia, he has frequently appeared as a pundit for TNT Sports and has expressed his enduring connection to Liverpool Football Club.
In December, Gerrard made comments that excited Liverpool supporters, stating: "I'll be brutally, brutally honest with you: I'd help Liverpool in any department at any minute of every day." He clarified that he doesn't want current manager Arne Slot to lose his job, but would welcome any opportunity to contribute to the club in the future.
The 2005 Champions League winner has previous coaching experience at Liverpool, having worked with the U18s for eighteen months between 2017 and 2018. He has since held senior positions at Rangers and Aston Villa before his Saudi Arabian adventure.
Current Perspective and Family Considerations
Gerrard has indicated that he isn't actively pursuing a return to management immediately, only considering it should the "right project come up." He appears content to bide his time while his family remains settled, stating: "My life's great, my family life's great, I'm enjoying doing [media work], I've got a lot going on."
The football legend also celebrated becoming a grandfather in the middle of last year when his daughter Lilly and partner Lee Byrne welcomed their first child. This family milestone adds another dimension to Gerrard's current life phase, where personal considerations appear to balance alongside his professional ambitions.
Gerrard's Middle Eastern experience highlights the complex decisions football families sometimes face when pursuing opportunities abroad, balancing substantial financial rewards with lifestyle preferences and family wellbeing.
