FORMER Swansea City midfielder and Wales international Joe Allen has been honoured by Gorsedd Cymru at the National Eisteddfod in Llantwd.

The Narberth-born footballer admitted he felt more nervous taking part in the colourful ceremony than he had before any World Cup match.

“In a football match I know what to expect and what to do but this ceremony is completely new to me,” he said.

“I didn't expect to be invited and it was a bit of a shock but it's a great honour and I'm very grateful.”

Allen was recognised not only for his achievements on the football field but also for his work as an ambassador for the Welsh language, promoting it as a modern and relevant language for young people.

Born in Carmarthen and raised in Narberth, Allen is a fluent Welsh speaker and a former pupil of Ysgol y Preseli. He emerged through Swansea City's youth system and made his first-team debut at the age of 16.

A gifted midfielder, he played a key role in Swansea's rise from League One to the Premier League.

In 2012, Allen joined Liverpool in a £15 million move, reuniting with former Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers. During four seasons at Anfield he made more than 130 appearances and featured in Liverpool's Premier League title challenge, as well as League Cup and Europa League finals.

After six years with Stoke City, Allen returned to Swansea in 2022 before bringing his playing career to a close in 2025.

On the international stage, he earned 77 caps for Wales between 2009 and 2025 and became one of the country's most respected players. He was a key member of the side that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and was named in UEFA's Team of the Tournament.

Allen also represented Wales at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, helping the nation end its 64-year wait to appear at football's biggest tournament.