Iwobi earns place on prestigious 2025 Football Black List for community impact

Alex Iwobi, the Fulham and Nigeria midfielder, has been named on the 2025 Football Black List, one of British football’s most respected honours in recognition of his sustained commitment to youth empowerment and community development away from the pitch.

The 2025 list was announced on Tuesday, ahead of a celebration ceremony scheduled to take place in Westminster on 14 April 2026, supported by the Premier League.

Iwobi, 29, was honoured alongside Arsenal playmaker Eberechi Eze and Lionesses European Championship winner Jess Carter, with all three recognised for strong influence beyond football.

Iwobi’s inclusion comes primarily because of his project which supports underserved communities through football tournaments, mentorship programmes and initiatives. Central to that effort is the Project 17 Cup named after his squad number, a tournament he organises during the off-season that gives young players a platform to showcase their talent while also learning discipline, teamwork, and confidence.

In December 2024, Iwobi also opened a temporary shop in east London which gave out free food for local residents for Christmas, reflecting a personal commitment to his community that extends well beyond organised football structures.

The recognition also comes at a special time in his career. In late 2025, Iwobi became the first Nigerian player to reach 300 Premier League appearances, breaking a long-standing record previously held by Shola Ameobi. The former Arsenal man also holds the record for the Nigerian with the highest number of assists in Premier League history.

Iwobi was also part of the Nigerian team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco, where the Super Eagles earned a bronze medal.

Iwobi is not the only Premier League figure honoured. Eze, 27, has been recognised for his foundation dedicated to empowering south London’s youth through education and sport, while Carter, 28, has been described by Football Black List organisers as a powerful advocate for cultural change and accountability, a tribute that follows the racist abuse she endured as England won Euro 2025.

The Football Black List was established in 2008 by Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds as a highly regarded initiative recognising leaders of African and Caribbean descent working and volunteering across all football sectors. A panel of experts from both the football industry and the Black community independently vote on nominations submitted by the general public to decide who makes the list.

The 2025 edition features more women than men for the first time in the initiative’s history, and is compiled across nine categories.

The full 2025 list spans categories including Players, Coaching and Management, Commercial, Practitioners, and the Ugo Ehiogu Ones to Watch category for outstanding individuals under 30, among others.

For Iwobi, born in Lagos, raised in east London, and now a cornerstone of both Fulham’s midfield and the Super Eagles, the recognition underscores a reputation that has grown as much off the pitch as on it.