Rashford Honoured As Football Black List 2020 Is Announced

Manchester United and England star Marcus Rashford has been named on the Football Black List – an initiative celebrating the most influential Black people in the British game – in recognition of his campaigning work to raise awareness of child food poverty. 

Founded in 2008 by sports journalists Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds, the Football Black List highlights positive influencers from the Black community in the sport, which is housed on media outlet The Voice – the UK’s only national Black newspaper.

A panel of experts from the Black community and football industry vote independently on nominations made by the public to determine who makes the list. This year’s panel included representation from the likes of the Premier League, The FA, The LMA, EFL, BCOMS and Kick It Out. 

The 2020 list has also seen a number of other footballers join Rashford in a players section, named after Cyrille Regis, include Crystal Palace women’s goalkeeper, Chloe Morgan, for raising awareness of both Black representation and LGBT+ inclusion in the women’s game; Aston Villa and England defender, Tyrone Mings, and Watford striker, Troy Deeney, for using their platforms to challenge racial injustice; and Palace and Ivory Coast forward, Wilfried Zaha, for his efforts to support nurses during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The list also includes Edleen John, The FA’s newly-appointed Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Director, Aston Villa Women’s Sporting Director, Eni Aluko, and QPR Director of Football, Les Ferdinand.

A new addition to the list in 2020 is the inaugural LGBT+ Award, which was given to Football v Homophobia Education Lead, Annette Nelson.

“The global Black Lives Matter protests have made the game reflect on its own diversity and relationship with Black communities,” said Football Black List Co-Founder Leon Mann.

“The Football Black List provides a snapshot of the wonderful contribution the Black community makes to the national sport. We hope it inspires the next generation of Black leaders to follow those listed and the initiative helps encourage the football industry to put diversity at the top of the agenda – where it needs to be to make much needed progress in this area.”

Rodney Hinds, Mann’s fellow Co-Founder added: “Yet again the Football Black List has unearthed many in the community that are doing great work.

“The efforts of Marcus Rashford deserve acclaim alongside the others on the list who go about their business for the good of others.

“The Voice is happy to be home of the Football Black List and after a year of challenges it is great to be provided with inspiration.”