MK Dons legend, Dean Lewington will be awarded the Freedom of the City in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to both the football club and community for more than two decades.
Lewington, who will retire at the end of the current season, has become a true icon of the club with more than 900 appearances for the Dons, making him the club’s all-time appearance record-holder. In 2023, he set a new English Football League record for the most league appearances for a single club.
He was surprised with the announcement of the award at a Gala Dinner being held in his honour on Friday evening with over 400 guests present.
Lewington has been a prominent figure since the club’s formation, achieving some outstanding accolades along the way, including three promotions, a league and cup double in 2007-08, victory in the EFL Trophy at Wembley in 2008, and the famous 4–0 win over Manchester United in the League Cup in 2014. He was also part of the squad that secured promotion to the Championship in 2015 and has stepped in as interim manager multiple times.
The Freedom of the City is the highest honour the city council can bestow. It recognises individuals who have provided exceptional service or are considered people of great distinction. While the award does not carry any formal privileges, it reflects the high esteem in which the recipient is held by the city.
Milton Keynes City Council will announce the date of a special meeting to formally grant the award shortly.
Dean Lewington will become the second individual recipient of the Freedom of the City since Milton Keynes was granted city status in 2022, following the Lionesses’ Captain Leah Williamson’s award in 2023.
“Dean Lewington’s loyalty to MK Dons and to Milton Keynes is truly remarkable. His commitment, leadership and contribution both on and off the pitch make him an outstanding ambassador for our city and it’s a real pleasure to be able to recognise his contributions with this honour.”
“It is proper and fitting that Dean is being proposed for this award and I look forward to the Special Council Meeting to celebrate his achievements.”