Carter, Eze and Iwobi named on Football Black List

England defender Jess Carter, Arsenal attacker Eberechi Eze and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi have been included on the Football Black List 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 – this is the 2025 edition – features more women than men for the first time 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.”

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