Football Black List 2024: Sterling, James, and Top Black Influencers in British Football

Historic Recognition for Black Football Leaders

The Football Black List 2024 highlights the outstanding contributions of black individuals in British football, from players to coaches and executives. This year’s list includes Premier League stars Raheem Sterling (Arsenal/England), Lauren James (Chelsea/England), and Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa/England), alongside rising talents and behind-the-scenes changemakers.

Standout Honorees

• Players: Sterling, James, Mings, Richarlison (Tottenham/Brazil), and Kasha Petit (QPR).
• Coaching: Nuno Espirito Santo (Nottingham Forest), Ashley Cole (England U21s), and Watford Women’s Renee Hector.
• Grassroots Heroes: Betty Mayaya (Black Footy Babes), Tara Tewarie (Tottenham Hotspur Foundation).

Why It Matters

Founded in 2008, the Football Black List combats underrepresentation by spotlighting black excellence beyond the pitch. Panelists from the Premier League, PFA, and Kick It Out curate the list across eight categories:

1. Players & Coaching
2. Administration & Commercial
3. Community Grassroots
4. Media & LGBTQI+ Advocacy

“This list reminds us of black communities’ vital impact on football, but also the urgent need for more inclusion in leadership,” says co-founder Leon Mann.

Full Category Highlights

Media Trailblazers:

• Mayowa Quadri (Versus)
• Darren Lewis (Sports Journalists Association)

Ones to Watch:

• Kelechi Okorie (UEFA social media)
• Helena Scotland (England futsal)

LGBTQI+ Honoree:

• Jahmal Howlett-Mundle (Sevenoaks Town FC)

Explore the full list to discover all 50+ changemakers driving diversity in football.