9000-lives-logo

9000 Lives

Nine successful people who are dyslexic role models

Text reads Nine Dyslexic Role Models, with sepia dictionary in background.

Do not wait to aim high for dyslexic pupils… You can start today. This article features dyslexic role models who use their strengths to fly high. It can be used in newsletters, displays, and lessons.

There’s also tips on dyslexia terminology (in case you worry about saying the wrong thing) and four dyslexic pro-footballers.

1. Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver

Dyslexia didn’t stop Lewis becoming one of the most successful F1 drivers in history.

2 & 3 Kiera Knightley and Orlando Bloom, Actors

Both of these world famous actors have dyslexia. Orlando encourages children to see it as their superpower, whilst Kiera’s love of acting helped to motivate her to read more (as she needed to read scripts).

4. Beatrice, Princess

Both Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo, are dyslexic. She says talking about dyslexia is her favourite thing. By a princess talking about it, even more people in the UK understand even more about dyslexia.

5. Chris Robshaw, Rugby Player

Chris Robshaw, a dyslexic role model, in front of an England flag

Before becoming a rugby pro, Chris says that he had to try twice as hard at school because of his reading difficulties. However, those difficulties didn’t stop him from becoming England Captain, and captain of his own club – Harlequins.

6. Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Scientist

Shows profile image of Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a dyslexic scientist, infront of a starry night sky. In front of some of the night sky is Maggie's book "Am I made of Stardust?"

Maggie has been such a successful scientist that Mattel, the toy maker, have made a special barbie figure of her. She’s also been invited to present TV shows to explain space to children and adults. She’s written a book about the moon (writing books is not something many people associate with dyslexia). On top of that, she’s also helped to invent new telescopes, detect landmines and shoot down enemy missiles.

Maggie is a great communicator of science and finds interesting ways to explain ideas. For example, she once showed how things travel in space by chasing geese around a paddling pool!

In March 2024, Maggie was made a Dame.

All in all, she’s an amazing human being!

7. Peter Kyle MP, Minister for Science and Technology

The official parliamentary photo of the Dyslexic role model, Peter Kyle MP. Adapted with a Westminster background and used under creative commons licence.

Peter is a Labour MP who became a Cabinet Minister after the 2024 general election. He describes himself as extremely dyslexic, but despite this has gone on to do well at university… His full title is Dr Peter Kyle MP – as he gained a PhD.

Despite struggling with reading, Peter was made Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. In 2025, he became Secretary of State for Business. This reminds us that there should be no limits to how high people with dyslexia can climb.

8. Adelle Tracey, Athlete

Whilst she struggled with dyslexia at school, there was no stopping her on the running track.

Adelle says that, when reading, she sometimes needs to read things three or four times to understand the text. However, when it comes to the running track, Adelle has hit speeds faster than almost every other woman on earth!

9. Tommy Hilfiger, Businessman

And finally, from the US, Tommy Hilfiger struggled with dyslexia at school. He was always a positive person who kept going and never gave up. He designed clothes and ended up with people wearing his clothes on every continent of the world.

Are there any dyslexic professional footballers?

Yes, although not as many as you might expect. Here are four dyslexic footballers who have reached the top flight of the game:

  • Lucy Bronze – She’s a Barcelona player but more importantly, as a Lioness, Lucy won the world cup. Lucy talked about her dyslexia for England Football team’s video on mental health (from 0.29 onwards). In March 2025, she talked about also being diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
  • Steven Naismith – Scottish pro footballer who played for Glasgow Rangers and Everton. Also won 51 caps for the Scotland national team.
  • Rachel Yankey – Once the most ever capped England player, Rachel had massive success at Arsenal. Rachel has since become a coach.
  • Kelle Roos – Aberdeen goalie until July 2024.

There’s no evidence for claims that former England captain Rio Ferdinand is dyslexic.

Shows four soccer players: Lucy Bronze (England), Steven Naismith (Scotland), Rachel Yankey (Arsenal), Kelle Roos (Aberdeen) All four are dyslexic and pro footballers.

How to talk about dyslexia & dyslexic role models

The British Dyslexia Association use the following terms & phrases:

  • Is dyslexic, e.g. Lewis Hamilton is dyslexic.
  • Has dyslexia, e.g. Lucy Bronze has dyslexia.
  • Is diagnosed with dyslexia, e.g. Adelle Tracey is diagnosed with dyslexia.
  • A dyslexic person, e.g. Orlando Bloom is a dyslexic person.
  • Your dyslexia, e.g. How does your dyslexia affect you?
  • My dyslexia, e.g. My dyslexia makes school tricky at times.

So, if you’re talking about dyslexia (or any dyslexic role models) using these terms, you’re on fairly safe ground. That said, if you are speaking to an individual, it’s normally best to use the terms that they use (and it’s ok to ask what they prefer).

Back to top

Help for dyslexia & adults

A good source for information about dyslexia is the British Dyslexia Association (BDA). As well education and employment advice, they also cover interesting topics like learning to drive and living with a dyslexic partner. Check them out at www.bdadyslexia.org.uk.

British Dyslexia Association (BDA) webpage showing advice sections for adults and employers.

Help for dyslexia & children

Image of free Dyslexia week resources (from Twinkl) to support work on dyslexic role models.

Twinkl provide resources if you want to teach children about dyslexia.

They also have a guide for parents on how to support their dyslexic child. Most resources are free – you just need to register. The resources are typically aimed at primary and special schools.

If you are interested in finding out more about Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Twinkl have turned her life into a PowerPoint.

If you are a parent, our guide to SEND terms explains jargon in plain English and is much easier to read that a typical guide. That’s good news for both parents or staff to read – including those who have dyslexia.

How valid are our claims about the dyslexic role models?

Some online claims about dyslexic celebs are not credible. The dyslexia claims on this page can be verified via reputable news sites or interviews with the person. This assures you that this page is as reliable as possible (e.g. avoiding an unverified claim that Einstein was dyslexic).

More interesting reads…

Nine Successful People who are Autistic Role Models
Football Banning Orders: Young Men and Safety on the Terraces
Write accessible documents for people with dyslexia or visual impairment

Image credits – Dyslexic role models

  • Peter Kyle: Parliamentary photo / Unsplash
  • Chris Robshaw: Chris Robshaw / Unsplash
  • Maggie Aderin-Pocock: Mombooks / Lovelight Photography / Unsplash

Need help with inclusion in your council, trust or school?

Keep up to date with SEND from 9000 Lives

Contact us!