Sterling and James named on Football Black List

BBC News

01-04-2025

Arsenal's Raheem Sterling and Chelsea's Lauren James have been named on a five-player list recognising the most influential black people in British football.Aston Villa and England's Tyrone Mings, Tottenham and Brazil's Richarlison and QPR's Kasha Petit are also named on the Football Black List for 2024.The annual celebration, which began in 2008, recognises the efforts of black figures working in various areas of the game.Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is among the inclusions in the coaching category.He is joined by Port Vale boss Darren Moore, England Under-21 assistant head coach Ashley Cole, Watford Women's Renee Hector and Arsenal Women's Under-21s coach Carly Williams.The lists are compiled across eight categories, including an 'ones to watch' category to identify talents under 30, are decided by a panel of experts with representatives from the Premier League, Professional Footballers' Association, League Managers' Association, EFL and anti-racism group Kick It Out.Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, said: "The Football Black List once again serves as a reminder of the incredible impact black communities are making in football."It is also vital that while we celebrate the exceptional people on the list, we recognise the ongoing underrepresentation of black people away from playing - in the boardrooms, dugouts and leadership teams across the game. "We must take this challenge on with urgency."
The full list
Players:Raheem Sterling MBE - Arsenal and EnglandTyrone Mings - Aston Villa and EnglandLauren James - Chelsea and EnglandKasha Petit - QPRRicharlison - Tottenham Hotspur and Brazil
Coaching and management:Nuno Espirito Santo - head coach, Nottingham ForestDarren Moore - manager, Port ValeCarly Williams - coach, Arsenal women Under-21Renee Hector - head coach, Watford womenAshley Cole - assistant head coach, England Under-21
Practitioners:Maria Tavares - first-team player wellbeing and support co-ordinator, Manchester UnitedDarren Smith - associate dean and FA course tutor, UCFBMelissa Forde - head chef, WolvesJoel Mannix - chairman, BAM RefAndre Thomas - programme co-ordinator, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation
Administration:Lola Ogunbote - executive director and head of women's football, BurnleyFleur Robinson - chief executive, Burton AlbionMark Esiri - board member, Football AssociationPamela Lubowa - chief operating officer, Fare NetworkPaul Elliott CBE - vice-chair, Charlton Athletic
Commercial:Liam Bowes - managing director, OYS Sports ManagementZeycan Rochelle Yildrim - chief marketing officer, SamsunsporGemma Gallais - senior director of global communications, EA SportsSola Kasali - football partnerships lead, EA SportsConnor Malcolm - founder, Dreamfruit
Community and grassroots:Betty Mayaya - coach, Black Footy BabesKarla Parker - general manager and secretary, Haringey Borough Women FCChid Onokwai - founder, Chidfit Community and GrassrootsMarcia Lewis - founder, No1 Fan ClubTara Tewarie - head of programmes, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation
Media: Mayowa Quadri - head of brand, VersusDarren Lewis - president, Sports Journalists AssociationCourtney Sweetman-Kirk - pundit and co-commentator, Sky SportsKate Scott - presenter, CBS SportsFemi Oridota - floor manager, Sky Sports
LGBTQI+ award:Jahmal Howlett-Mundle - footballer, Sevenoaks Town FC
Ugo Ehiogu Ones to Watch:Kelechi Okorie - social media editor, UefaNakeira Rori Westmaas - presenter and reporter, freelancePaul Gialo - head of academy recruitment, Stevenage FCMina Ibrahim - content creator and reporter, freelanceHelena Scotland - footballer, England women's futsal team