'Le God' Le Tissier turns to Christ

Southampton icon Matt Le Tissier – once beloved by fans as “Le God” during his storied football career – has opened up about a dramatic personal transformation: discovering faith in Christ.

Le Tissier says the turning point came in 2023, when he attended the funeral of the wife of a close friend – long-time youth team manager Dave Merrington.

As he entered the church that day, he recalled: “I had the most amazing feeling… I felt this warmth… and I had this feeling that I belong here.”

Over the following weeks he began attending the local Baptist church in Southampton, meeting regularly with Merrington and the church pastor.

“They were incredibly supportive and informative. I just wanted to know more about Jesus.”

By Christmas 2023, Matt said he felt sure of what God was calling him to do.

“I want to be a Christian, I want to follow Jesus, and I declared that day that it was what I was going to do.”

His baptism followed in September, symbolising a new chapter in his life – one no longer defined by goals and adulation, but by worship and purpose.

Since then, he’s thrown himself into the Christian community. On a recent podcast, he said he now feels his life has a meaning beyond the football pitch.

For many, Le Tissier’s journey will come as a surprise. He remains one of the most gifted talents ever produced by Southampton F.C. – a midfielder with almost uncanny technique, and a goalscorer whose astonishing penalty record and creative flair earned him near-mythical status among fans.

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