Football is the most-watched sport in the world, with an estimated global audience of around 3.5 billion people. This is stimulated by international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and continental championships like the Copa América and the Africa Cup of Nations. However, despite its global appeal the breakthrough of Black players in football has been a gradual process that has spanned several decades; their impact has been profound both on and off the pitch. Black players' contributions have been instrumental in shaping the sport’s development, by breaking down racial barriers and inspiring future generations. Here is our list of 10 Black footballers who have changed the game.

Pelé

Edson Arantes do Nascimento more famously known as Pelé, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. An accolade cemented by the FIFA Player of the Century award in 1999. During his career, he won three FIFA World Cups with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970, a record currently unmatched. Pelé is celebrated for his incredible grace and flair and is credited for coining the phrase “the beautiful game.” Pelé’s impact on football transcended the sport; his charisma and engaging personality made him a household name around the world. His influence on the game is reflected in the numerous players who cite him as a major inspiration. He also assumed an ambassadorial role working with the likes of FIFA, to advocate for the sport and its values.

Viv Anderson MBE

Viv Anderson was the first Black player to represent England's senior national team in 1978. He made a huge impact at club level playing a significant role in Nottingham Forest's success under manager Brian Clough, winning two European Cups (1979, 1980), a First Division title, and two League Cups. Anderson later had success at Arsenal and Manchester United where he won the FA Cup. He achieved success whilst playing in the midst of racism being spewed at him, during a time when there were no anti-racism campaigns to support the players. His resilience and love for the game paved the way for greater diversity in English football. Now retired, the legend continues to be a vocal anti-racism advocate and now serves as an ambassador for Kick It Out, an organisation dedicated to challenging discrimination, promoting inclusive practices, and working towards positive change within the sport.

Cyrille Regis MBE

Cyrille Regis was a pioneer in English football and played a significant role in combating racism in the sport. He gained widespread recognition at West Bromwich Albion, where he formed part of the iconic "Three Degrees" trio with Laurie Cunningham and Brendon Batson. The club achieved top finishes in the First Division and reached the UEFA Cup quarterfinals. Regis won the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 1978 and later earned five caps for England. Regis is remembered as a pioneer who inspired future generations of Black footballers. After retiring he transitioned into coaching and later became a football agent. In this role, he managed the careers of professional footballers using his experience to mentor, advise, and support players in making positive career decisions.

John Barnes MBE

Barnes is one of England's most talented and influential footballers, known for his creative play and natural ability. He is one of Liverpool’s most iconic players, winning two First Division titles in1988 and 1990 and two FA Cups 1989 and 1992. Barnes was named PFA Players' Player of the Year in 1988 and FWA Footballer of the Year twice in 1988 and 1990. He earned 79 caps for England, scoring 11 goals one of which was a memorable solo goal against Brazil in 1984. Barnes broke barriers as a leading Black player in English football despite the significant racism prevalent in the sport at the time. Throughout his career, he frequently used his platform to speak out against racism, confronting the prejudices he faced and advocating for change. His openness in addressing these issues played a crucial role in raising awareness. After retiring, Barnes continued this advocacy as a pundit and commentator, using his media presence to tackle racism and inequality. In 2021, he furthered his commitment by releasing a book titled The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism.

Hope Powell CBE

Hope Powell is a former professional footballer having played for Millwall, Fulham, Bromley & Croydon. Powell also earned 66 caps playing for England scoring 35 goals during her time. She later became the Head Coach of the England women's national team from 1998 to 2013, the first woman and the first (and only) Black coach in this role. Under her leadership, England reached the UEFA Women’s Euro final in 2009 and qualified for two FIFA Women’s World Cups. She then went on to become the Technical Director of Birmingham FC in 2023. Powell has also played a key role in developing the women’s game in the UK, advocating for the professionalisation and equity for women.

Ruud Gillet

Ruud Gullit is the iconic Dutch footballer who won the Ballon d'Or in 1987. At AC Milan, he was a key figure in arguably one of football’s greatest teams, winning three Serie A titles and two European Cups (1989, 1990). Gullit also captained the Netherlands to their first major international trophy in the 1988 UEFA European Championship. In 1996, he became the first Black manager of a Premier League team when he became player-manager at Chelsea. He led the team to an FA Cup victory in 1997, becoming the first Black manager to win a major English trophy.

Rachel Yankey OBE

Rachel Yankey is one of the most decorated Black female football players. She was an integral part of the successful Arsenal Ladies squad and won multiple FA Women's Super League titles, FA Cups, and the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2007. Yankey earned 129 caps for England, scoring 25 goals and represented her country in three FIFA Women’s World Cups and two UEFA Women’s Euros. She also received numerous individual accolades, including the FA Women's Player of the Year award in 2002. Her influence transcends her playing career, as she continues to make a positive impact in coaching the next generation. Additionally, she has partnered with CBeebies to teach young learners new football skills through the ‘Footy Pups’ show.

George Weah

George Weah is a legendary Liberian footballer, the first and only African player to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or in 1995. Weah had a successful club career with AC Milan, where he won two Serie A titles. He played for Paris Saint-Germain, winning Ligue 1 and finishing as the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League in 1994-95. Weah also claimed the African Player of the Year award three times. Post his football career, he became a prominent political figure, serving as Liberia's President from 2018 tol January 2024, further cementing his global legacy and global impact.

Ian Wright OBE

Ian Wright is one of English football’s most prolific strikers and commentators. His journey from non-league to topflight football at Crystal Palace and Arsenal is an inspiration. He scored 185 goals for Arsenal, becoming their all-time leading scorer until Thierry Henry surpassed his record in 2005. He won the Premier League title in 1997-98, along with two FA Cups and a League Cup with Arsenal. He also played for England, earning 33 caps and scoring 9 goals. Wright remains a beloved figure in football, known for his infectious personality and his success as one of first prominent Black pundits and broadcasters across BBC & ITV.

Alex Scott MBE

Alex Scott is a former professional footballer who enjoyed a highly successful career with Arsenal, winning multiple league titles, seven FA Cups, and the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2007. Scott earned 140 caps for England and represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics. After retiring she transitioned into broadcasting, becoming one of the first regular Black female pundits across major networks such as BBC and Sky Sports. She has broken many barriers for women and Black people in sports media and continues to inspire as a role model and advocate for gender equality and more recently for LGBTQI+ rights at the Qatar World Cup in 2022.