Former England international Paul Stewart has revealed how his decision to speak publicly about the childhood abuse he suffered ultimately saved his life, crediting the move with ending years of personal turmoil and empowering hundreds of other victims to come forward.
A Courageous Decision That Changed Everything
The 61-year-old football star, who was recently honoured with the Football Association's Sir Bobby Charlton award for his services to the sport, explained that his groundbreaking 2016 interview with the Mirror proved to be a pivotal moment. Hundreds of victims contacted him following the publication, many sharing their own experiences of abuse within football for the very first time.
Stewart received his award in front of 74,289 fans during half-time at England's 2-0 victory over Serbia at Wembley. He dedicated the honour to his late father, Bert, who had proudly watched his son's England debut at the same stadium and was a devoted admirer of Sir Bobby Charlton.
"I was brought up in Wythenshawe and am a Man Utd fan and my dad moreover was a big Sir Bobby Charlton fan, he was one of his heroes," Stewart said. "So I am honoured and this means so much to me and my family."
An Award That Means More Than Footballing Glory
Stewart was frank about the shadow his childhood ordeal cast over his successful career, which included playing for clubs like Tottenham, Liverpool, and Manchester City. The trauma meant he "probably did not enjoy my footballing career as much as I could have done."
This profound context made the recognition especially meaningful. He stated, "So this award means more than England caps, the FA Cup winners' medal, all the goals and great nights put together. And the fact it is named after Sir Bobby makes it all the more special."
He stressed that he was accepting the award on behalf of all the victims who found the courage to speak out after he broke his silence. He became a voice for those who had suffered abuse as children, a role he continues to embrace.
A New Life Dedicated to Safeguarding
Stewart's decision to go public was not made lightly. He revealed it took him years to build up the courage, a period of immense internal struggle. The personal cost of his silence was severe; by the time he signed for Liverpool from Spurs for £2.5 million in 1992, he was using cocaine daily and was in what he describes as "self-destruct mode," even being drunk when he received his first England call-up.
He recalls the difficult journey in 2016 to tell his parents, Joyce and the late Bert, about the abuse he suffered at the hands of his coach, Frank Roper, who died in 2005 without facing justice.
Since sharing his story in his autobiography, 'Damaged', Stewart has launched a second career in safeguarding. He now advises young players at clubs across the country, raising awareness of the evolving dangers in modern society, including those amplified by technology and AI.
His method after giving talks is telling: he packs up slowly, making space for victims to approach him. "There are so many people who come up to me and will disclose their own experiences for the first time," he explained. "That takes real courage so I want to give them the time to do it. And then I help them as much as I can."
Reflecting on the life-altering impact of his decision, Stewart was unequivocal: "I don't think that I would be here now if I hadn't made that decision. You cannot live like that, I think it would have killed me."
Stewart was honoured alongside FA Hope Award winner Chris Brown, a Norfolk coach who supports families and young players dealing with childhood cancer. FA Chair Debbie Hewitt MBE praised both, saying the awards "recognise those who use football as a force for good."
