#8 Arthur Wharton
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In 2012, it was confirmed that just over 32% of footballers plying their trade in England’s top flight were black. Perhaps this doesn’t represent concrete equality in the game but it’s a far cry from Arthur Wharton’s days. Born in Ghana, formerly the Gold Coast, in 1865, Wharton is well-regarded as the first ever black professional footballer.
Influential not only in football, Wharton was an all-round top sportsman, competing at a high-level in cricket and cycling also. Following an appearance for Darlington, Wharton went on to play for a host of clubs at the end of the 19th century, strangely deployed on the wing as well as his preferred position of goalkeeper. He played with athleticism and energy and, although forgotten by many, achieved something, quite frankly, tremendous in the context of the time.
Wharton challenged diversity and although his appearance were often met with anger and hostility, he fought back, simultaneously displaying modesty and pride.
