Will Still is a Belgian-born, English football manager whose unconventional path to the top of European football has made him one of the most intriguing figures in the sport. From coaching youth teams at 17 to leading Ligue 1 sides, his career is closely tied to the video game Football Manager and a record-breaking unbeaten run at Reims.
Born in Belgium to English parents, Still’s journey defies the traditional mold of a professional manager. He never played the game professionally, yet by 2026 he had managed clubs in Belgium, France, and England, including Southampton and Auxerre. His story is as much about tactical intelligence as it is about a passion for football that began on a computer screen.
Who is Will Still? The Football Manager Story to Professional Management
Will Still, full name William Still, was born on 14 October 1992 in Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium. His decision to pursue coaching at the age of 17 set him on a unique trajectory, one that would eventually see him take charge of clubs in Europe’s top leagues. A significant part of his formation came from playing the simulation game Football Manager, which he has credited with sparking his tactical curiosity.
Will Still’s coaching career began in 2016 with a youth role at Reims, following early work in Belgian football at Lierse and Beerschot. He became head coach of Reims in October 2022 at the age of 29, making him one of the youngest managers in Europe’s top-five leagues.
Key Insights into Will Still’s Rise:
- Still became head coach of Reims at age 29, one of the youngest top-flight managers in Europe.
- He started coaching at 17, after deciding to pursue management instead of playing professionally.
- His unbeaten run with Reims in Ligue 1 made him a global talking point.
- He has managed in Belgium, France, and England, adapting to different football cultures.
- His connection to Football Manager distinguishes his background from most peers.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 14 October 1992 |
| Place of Birth | Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium |
| Nationality | English |
| Coaching Start | 2016 (youth coach at Reims) |
| First Head Coach Role | Reims (October 2022) |
| Unbeaten Run | 17 league matches with Reims (2022–23) |
| Current Position | Head Coach of Auxerre (appointed June 2026) |
Will Still’s Unconventional Path: The Role of Football Manager
The Football Manager game is central to Will Still’s story. Multiple sources, including his Wikipedia page and GiveMeSport, report that he has spoken about how the game influenced his decision to pursue coaching. The game’s detailed tactical and analytical elements helped shape his interest in football strategy.
This background has been widely covered by football media, adding a unique layer to his reputation. One article on footyroom even described him as a “30-year-old manager trained in Football Manager” who had not lost in Ligue 1 for three months. This early recognition stemmed from his first few months in charge of Reims.
Why Did He Choose Coaching Over Playing?
Will Still’s decision to move into coaching at just 17 was deliberate. Rather than continuing a playing career, he saw a future on the sidelines. He first gained prominence in Belgian football, working with Lierse in 2017 and later with Beerschot, before his breakthrough in Ligue 1 with Reims.
What Was His Time at Reims Like?
Still took over as head coach of Stade de Reims in October 2022. His tenure was marked by an extended unbeaten run that captured global attention. Pantheon and other sources highlight this period as a defining moment in his career. He led Reims on a 17-match unbeaten streak in Ligue 1, making him one of the most talked-about young managers in Europe.
Will Still’s Personal Life: Wife, Brother, and Emma Saunders
Aside from his professional achievements, there is significant public curiosity about Will Still’s personal life. The most public detail is his relationship with Emma Saunders, a Sky Sports reporter. According to his Wikipedia page, they are in a relationship, though this is not officially confirmed by either party.
Details about a wife or spouse are not reliably available in the public domain. No official sources confirm a marriage, and it would be speculation to assume one. Similarly, there is no verified information about a brother in management, a question that often arises due to the presence of another “Still” in football.
Information about Will Still’s marital status and family members, such as a brother, is not established by official sources. Any claims in this area should be treated as unverified, and as of now, no reliable public information confirms these details.
Who is Emma Saunders?
Emma Saunders is a Sky Sports reporter and presenter. Her relationship with Will Still became public and is often mentioned in media coverage of his career, adding a personal dimension to his public profile.
Will Still’s Managerial Career: Reims, Lens, and Southampton
After leaving Reims in 2024, Will Still’s career continued with a move to Lens. His time there, reported by sources like GiveMeSport, was part of his ongoing rise in French football. Following his stint at Lens, he accepted the Southampton job in May 2025.
Why Did Will Still Join Southampton?
Will Still’s appointment at Southampton marked his first job in English football. His official first interview as Southampton manager was published on YouTube. The move was significant, bringing his data-driven and man-management-focused style to the Championship.
What Happened at Southampton?
According to available results, his tenure at Southampton was short. He was dismissed in November 2025. After this, he returned to France, where he was named head coach of Auxerre in June 2026. This move is corroborated by sources on French Wikipedia.
Will Still’s career includes roles at Lierse (2017), Beerschot, Reims (2022), Lens (2024), Southampton (2025), and Auxerre (2026). His 17-match unbeaten run at Reims remains a career highlight, demonstrating his ability to build resilient teams quickly.
Career Timeline: From Youth Coach to Ligue 1
A chronological look at Will Still’s path highlights the rapid nature of his ascent.
- : Born in Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium to English parents.
- 2009: Began coaching at 17, deciding to pursue a managerial career.
- 2017: Rose to prominence in Belgian football with Lierse.
- 2021: Served as assistant coach at Standard Liège (per Transfermarkt).
- October 2022: Appointed head coach of Stade de Reims at age 29.
- 2022–2023: Led Reims to a 17-match unbeaten run in Ligue 1.
- 2024: Left Reims and managed Lens.
- May 2025: Accepted the Southampton job.
- November 2025: Dismissed from Southampton.
- June 2026: Named head coach of Auxerre.
What is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain?
Some details are well-documented, while others remain unclear. The table below summarises the current state of knowledge.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Name, date of birth, and nationality are well-documented. | Current club: Southampton vs. Auxerre timelines are confusing. |
| The Football Manager story is widely reported and verified. | Marital status; no official confirmation of a wife. |
| Unbeaten run at Reims is a verified achievement. | Brother’s identity or involvement in football is not verified. |
| He is a manager in a top-5 European league (Ligue 1). | Exact contract durations at clubs are not consistently reported. |
Will Still’s Place in Modern Football
Will Still represents a modern archetype of football manager, one who leveraged data and gaming into a real-world career. His rise challenges traditional pathways that required extensive professional playing experience.
His popularity in search terms like “Will Still wife” and “brother” indicates strong curiosity about his personal life. This area of his biography remains underrepresented and unverified, which is a gap in the public record.
The rapid pace of managerial changes sometimes leads to conflicting reports; official club announcements remain the most reliable source for current roles.
Sources and Key Statements on Will Still
“The 30-year-old manager trained in Football Manager and has not lost in Ligue 1 for three months.”
— Footyroom on his initial impact at Reims
Will Still’s profile on Transfermarkt provides statistical data for his career, while Ligue 1’s official site and Southampton FC offer primary insights into his club roles.
What is the Summary of Will Still’s Career?
Will Still’s journey from a youth coach to Ligue 1 manager is a testament to his tactical intelligence and unconventional preparation. With a new role at Auxerre, his career continues to evolve, and the footballing world will be watching to see if he can replicate the success of his Reims tenure. For more on this, see our piece on Football Manager: The Game That Changed Coaching.
Frequently Asked Questions About Will Still
How old is Will Still?
Will Still was born on 14 October 1992, making him 33 years old as of 2025.
What nationality is Will Still?
He is English, even though he was born in Belgium to English parents.
Did Will Still play football professionally?
No, he never played as a professional. His career has been entirely in coaching, beginning with youth teams.
What is Will Still’s managerial style?
He is known for intense man-management, detailed analytics, and a tactical approach informed by simulation games.
Is Emma Saunders his wife?
Not officially confirmed. She is often cited as his partner, but there is no verified information about a marriage.
Does Will Still have a brother who is also a manager?
No verified information exists. The question may stem from confusion with another football family with the surname Still.
What was Will Still’s unbeaten run?
He led Reims to 17 league matches without defeat in Ligue 1, starting from his appointment in October 2022.
What is Will Still’s current role?
As of June 2026, he is the head coach of Auxerre, having been appointed after a short stint at Southampton.
Sophie Kendall is Culture & Events Editor at DailyCity.co.uk, covering restaurants, nightlife, theatre, exhibitions, festivals and city life.