Football Black List 2025: Jess Carter, Eberechi Eze and Alex Iwobi named

- Published 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 - 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." 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. 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