The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has extended heartfelt congratulations to former Reggae Boy Ricardo ‘Bibi’ Gardner on news that he’ll be conferred with the Order of Distinction (OD) in the rank of Officer on Heroes Day in October.

The news was announced on Wednesday by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen.

Gardner earned 110 caps for Jamaica between 1996 and 2012 and was a key member of the team that historically qualified for the 1998 World Cup in France. The country’s first and only time to date.

Gardner will be officially recognised at the National Honours and Awards Ceremony on Heroes Day, October 20, 2025.

The Jamaica Football Federation joins the nation in saluting Ricardo Gardner for his enduring legacy and this well-deserved national honour.

Acting General Secretary of the JFF, Roy Simpson, had high praise for Gardner. “Gardner is a national treasure. He has served Jamaica with distinction, both on and off the pitch. His pride, professionalism, and passion have inspired generations,” said Simpson. “This national recognition is a fitting tribute to a football icon who continues to contribute meaningfully to the development of our sport. We are immensely proud of him.”

Gardner, who represented Wolmer’s Boys and Harbour View, represented Jamaica in four CONCACAF Gold Cups (1998, 2000, 2003, 2009) and was an integral part of the historic squad. Notably, he delivered the assist for Jamaica’s first-ever World Cup goal against Croatia on June 14, 1998.

Gardner was snapped up as a teenager by English club Bolton Wanderers, where he spent 14 years— three seasons in the second tier and 11 in the Premier League. His 251 Premier League appearances remain the highest by any Jamaican-born Reggae Boy.

Among his many memorable moments was his goal against German giants Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup (now UEFA Europa League), scored at the Allianz Arena.

In 2024, Gardner contributed to the Senior Men’s National Team as a mentor during their successful CONCACAF Nations League Finals campaign, where the team secured the bronze medal.

In December 2015, Gardner was appointed as coach of Jamaica’s U-20 team and later coached at Harbour View FC and Portmore United.