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Media caption,Abuse totally devalues you as a human being - Carter
- Published56 minutes ago
England defender Jess Carter, Arsenal attacker Eberechi Eze and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi have been included on the Football Black List, external in recognition of their off-field contributions to the game.
The annual celebration, which began in 2008, recognises efforts and achievements of black figures working across football.
Carter was the target of racist abuse as England won Euro 2025, and the 28-year-old has been described by Football Black List organisers as "a powerful advocate for cultural change and accountability".
Eze, 27, has been recognised for his foundation which is dedicated to empowering south London's youth through education and sport.
Iwobi, 29, has his own project which supports underserved communities through football tournaments, mentorship programmes and initiatives.
The Football Black List features more women than men for the first time this year, and is compiled across nine categories.
Consultant and broadcaster Liz Ward, Oxford United captain Naomi Bedeau, coach and development co-ordinator Shakira Waithe and former BBC Sport journalist Jessica Creighton are also among the women included.
Co-founder Leon Mann said: "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."
Former Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City defender Kolo Toure, ex-Premier League player Nathan Dyer and Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada also make the list.
"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," said Mann. "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."
The list is selected from nominations by a panel of experts, including representatives from the Premier League, Football Association, EFL, League Managers Association, Professional Footballers' Association, refereeing body PGMOL and anti-discrimination campaign group Kick It Out.
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Football Black List 2025 in full
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
