Retiring MK Dons star Dean Lewington honoured with Freedom of the City of Milton Keynes

MK Dons captain Dean Lewington has been honoured with the Freedom of the City of Milton Keynes by MK City Council.

At an event on Friday (09/05) to honour the 40-year-old after he announced his retirement from playing, Milton Keynes City Council announced he was receiving the award in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to both MK Dons and the greater Milton Keynes community.

The gesture sees Lewington become only the second individual person to receive the honour, which was previously bestowed upon England women’s football captain Leah Williamson in 2023.

Milton Keynes City Council added that they will announce the date of a special meeting to formally grant the award later this year.

Lewington played for MK Dons in every season since the club’s founding in 2004, having also been a part of the Wimbledon squad that first moved to the city in 2003. He made over 900 competitive appearances for the club in a career that includes three promotions, a league and cup double in 2007-08, victory in the EFL Trophy at Wembley in 2008, and playing in the famous 4–0 win over Manchester United in the League Cup in 2014.

In his time with the club, Lewington was also part of the squad that secured promotion to the Championship in 2015 and since 2021, he has stepped in as interim manager multiple times.

Upon his retirement, MK Dons confirmed during the celebration of Lewington event that he would be staying with the club as a coach in a development role.

Leader of Milton Keynes City Council Cllr Pete Marland said, “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.”

Cllr Jane Carr, Opposition Group Leader, added, “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.”