English footballer and right-back who became a cornerstone of Arsenal's defence, winning multiple Premier League titles and earning 22 England caps during the 1
Lee Michael Dixon was born on 17 March 1964 in Manchester, England, the son of Roy Dixon, a former goalkeeper with Manchester City. He began his career at Burnley as an apprentice in 1980, before a well-travelled early career took him to Chester City, Bury, and Stoke City, where he formed a defensive partnership with centre-back Steve Bould that would prove hugely significant. Arsenal manager George Graham was impressed watching Dixon and Bould during a League Cup tie against Stoke in November 1987, and signed Dixon for £375,000 two months later, with Bould following to Highbury five months after that. Dixon quickly established himself as first-choice right-back, and in his first full season, 1988-89, Arsenal won a dramatic, last-minute title decider at Liverpool to claim their first league championship in 18 years. Dixon went on to spend 14 years as a defensive mainstay of Arsenal's famous back four, alongside Bould, Tony Adams, and Nigel Winterburn — one of the most celebrated defensive units in English football history. He won four league championships, three FA Cups, and the 1994 European Cup Winners' Cup during his time at the club, retiring in 2002 having made over 600 appearances. Dixon earned 22 caps for England between 1990 and 1999, and after retiring built a prominent career as a football broadcaster and pundit, drawing on his experience as part of one of the Premier League era's most iconic defensive lines.
Being part of Arsenal's legendary back four defense
He was part of Arsenal's famous back four — alongside Adams, Bould and Winterburn — which was so well-drilled it became a byword for defensive excellence.
Did You Know?How They Played
Solid, reliable defender with excellent crossing ability and strong attacking contributions from right-back
Lasting Impact
One of the finest right-backs in English football history and key member of Arsenal's most successful teams
Career Honours
- League Championship 4x
- FA Cup 3x
- League Cup 1x
- European Cup Winners' Cup 1994
- Premier League 1989
- Premier League 1991
- Premier League 1998
- Premier League 2002
- FA Cup 1993
- FA Cup 1998
- FA Cup 2002
- League Cup 1993
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burnley | 1982–1984 | 4 | 0 |
| Chester City | 1984–1985 | 57 | 1 |
| Bury | 1985–1986 | 45 | 6 |
| Stoke City | 1986–1988 | 71 | 5 |
| Arsenal | 1988–2002 | 458 | 24 |
 England | — | 22 | — |