England represented in 2025 Football Black List

Written by:

Nicholas Veevers

Individuals from across our England teams honoured in the 2025 Football Black List

ENGLAND MEN'S BLACK PLAYERS

England's Eberechi Eze and Jess Carter and men’s senior coach Justin Cochrane are among the individuals recognised in the 2025 Football Black List, which was announced on Tuesday.

Three Lions attacker Eze and Lionesses’ two-time EURO champion Carter were among the latest list of players, and Cochrane within the coaching list, which has been unveiled ahead of the celebration ceremony in Westminster on 14 April 2026.

And there’s also recognition for former England cerebral palsy international Martin Sinclair for his work with the Disability Football Collective, FA coach developer Peter Augustine within the practitioners category and broadcaster Jessica Creighton who's a member of the FA Women’s National League Board

Founded in 2008 by Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds, the Football Black List is a widely respected initiative celebrating the achievements of Black individuals across all areas of football, from players and coaches to executives, media professionals and grassroots leaders.

And Eze and Carter were joined in this year’s list by Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, who had previously represented England at youth level before becoming a Nigerian international, and Manchester City assistant coach Kolo Touré who also played for the likes of Arsenal, City and Liverpool in the Premier League.

In a historic first, this year’s list features more women than men, marking a significant milestone for representation within the sport.

This year also sees the introduction of the newly-titled Barclays Community and Grassroots category, recognising those who deliver football at a local level—from coaches and volunteers to organisers who inspire their communities. Barclays becomes the first title sponsor of a dedicated category within the Football Black List.

Additionally, the Administration category has been renamed the Lord Herman Ouseley Leaders category, in honour of the pioneering founder of Kick It Out, who passed away in 2024. This category celebrates individuals making an impact in leadership and boardroom roles.

According to the Black Footballers Partnership, 43 per cent of Premier League players and 34 per cent of EFL players are Black.

However, this representation is not reflected across other areas of the game and the Football Black List aims to highlight those leading the way off the pitch, while inspiring the next generation.

A panel of experts from across football and the Black community—including representatives from the FA, Premier League, EFL, League Managers Association, Professional Footballers’ Association, PGMOL, Kick It Out, FARE, BCOMS, and community leaders—independently selects the final list from public nominations.

The Voice Newspaper remains the exclusive home of the Football Black List, helping to celebrate achievements while encouraging important conversations around representation in football.

Leon Mann MBE, co-founder of the Football Black List, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see more women than men on this year’s Football Black List. Black women often face significant barriers in sport and society, so this recognition is a testament to their talent and resilience. I hope their visibility inspires future generations.

“There was a time when featuring a CEO of one of the biggest clubs in the world, alongside elite-level coaches, felt like a distant dream. In 2026, I now expect to see this. However, while progress has been made, there is still work to do to improve representation in leadership and coaching.”

Rodney Hinds, co-founder, added: “Once again, the Football Black List highlights outstanding individuals making a real impact. Congratulations to everyone recognised, as well as those nominated.

“This initiative continues to inspire many, and we are incredibly proud of what it has become. It’s about celebrating the vital role our community plays in the game. I’m looking forward to the celebration event and excited about the future of the Football Black List.”

All honourees will be recognised at the Football Black List celebration event, supported by the Premier League, taking place in Westminster on 14 April 2025.

The 2025 Football Black List

LGBTQ+

Liz Ward, Consultant

PLAYERS

Naomi Bedeau, Oxford United women and Grenada

Jess Carter, Gotham FC and England

Alex Iwobi, Fulham and Nigeria

Shakira Waithe, Enfield Town

Eberechi Eze, Arsenal and England

COACHING AND MANAGEMENT

Carly Williams, Brentford women

Kolo Toure, Manchester City

Justin Cochrane, England men’s team

Nicole Farley, West Ham United

Simon Mesfin, Lillestrom Director of Football

COMMERCIAL

Bree Sesay, Sid Lee Sport

Sechaba Ntsiu, EA Sports

Milena Mesfin, Fredrikstaad FC

David Lynam, Kaizen Ticketing Solutions

Nathan Dyer, Agent

PRACTITIONERS

Celeste Stevens, Reading FC

Martin Sinclair, Disability Football Collective

Kerris Dunn, Premier League

Martin Ingham-Grifith, Foundation 92

Peter Augustine, The FA

UGO EHIOGU ONES TO WATCH

Daniel Jinadu, Beyond Football

Charlotte Akster, Notts County Foundation

Naythan Din-Kiriuki, Aston Villa

Rhianna Blake, Switched On Media

Mia Lazaro, Freelance events consultant

LORD OUSELEY LEADERS

Jessica Creighton, FA Women’s National League Board

Imani Esmaail, Wrexham AFC

Debra Nelson, WSL Board

Omar Berrada, Manchester United CEO

Paul Elliott, Charlton Vice Chair

MEDIA

Sirayah Shiraz, DAZN and PLP

Emerson Bargao, Benchviews TV

Chris Reidy, Sky Sports

Karel Prince, HMRC of Football

Reece Bedford, Arsenal FC

BARCLAYS COMMUNITY AND GRASSROOTS

Jude Geoghegan, Estudiantes (Disability football coach)

Aura Chacon, Leicester City in the Community

Esther Elias, EOE Collective

Cheryl Amatrading, Antoin Akpom Achievements Foundation

Kafele Morgan, Kick Action Academy

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