Premier League stars Eberechi Eze and Alex Iwobi, alongside Lionesses European Championship winner Jess Carter, are among the high-profile names featured in the 2025 Football Black List, announced today.
They are joined by Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada and Manchester City assistant coach Kolo Touré, all recognised for their outstanding contributions and positive influence within the game.
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.
In a historic first, this year’s list features more women than men, marking a significant milestone for representation within the sport.
New and Renamed Categories
This year also introduces 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.
Addressing Representation
According to the Black Footballers Partnership, 43% of Premier League players and 34% of EFL players are Black. However, this representation is not reflected across other areas of the game. 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 Premier League, The FA, 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 am 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.”
Event Details
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.
Categories
The Football Black List recognises individuals across the following categories:
Lord Herman Ouseley Leaders
Coaching & Management
Commercial
Community and Grassroots
LGBTQIA+
Media
Players
Practitioners
The Ugo Ehiogu “Ones to Watch” category also highlights emerging young talent already making an impact within the industry.
Please find the full Football Black List 2025, below:
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
