Refresh Events Delivers Powerful Football Black List Celebration at Emirates Stadium
Refresh Events proudly delivered the highly anticipated Football Black List – an annual celebration of Black excellence in football in partnership with the Premier League.
Now firmly established as a key fixture in the football calendar, the Football Black List, founded by Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds, honours the achievements and impact of Black individuals across all areas of the game. From grassroots to the elite level, the event champions those who are breaking barriers, creating change, and inspiring future generations.
Refresh Events was honoured to bring this celebration to life, delivering an unforgettable evening that reflected the spirit, ambition, and vibrancy of the initiative.
Hosted by ESPN’s Alexis Nunes and comedian Eddie Kadi, the evening was brimming with energy and inspiration. Football icons Ashley Cole and Yaya Touré were among the many distinguished guests, presenting awards and celebrating with this year’s honourees.
Reflecting on the event’s purpose, co-founder Leon Mann MBE stated:
“The Football Black List is a celebration of Black people working across the game. There is underrepresentation in key areas such as the dugout and the boardroom, and our goal is to amplify the brilliant people breaking barriers and showing the pathways into the game.”
Rodney Hinds acknowledged the game-changing support from the Premier League:
“When the Premier League started supporting us, many couldn’t believe it—the biggest league in the world backing us. Without that support, we wouldn’t have moved as quickly as we did.”
A standout moment of the evening was a moving tribute to Lord Herman Ouseley, founder of Kick It Out. A short film honoured his immense contributions to football, and the renaming of the ‘Administration’ category to the Lord Ouseley Leaders award cemented his legacy.
Hollywood actor and activist Idris Elba was presented with the prestigious Keith Alexander Award for his dedication to social impact through football, including his efforts to tackle knife crime and his involvement in Arsenal’s ‘No More Red’ campaign.
“Football is so important in this country; it’s the one time everyone is unified,” Elba shared in his speech.
The event also celebrated players making a difference off the pitch. Chelsea and England star Lauren James, QPR’s Kasha Petit, and Premier League players Tyrone Mings, Richarlison, and Raheem Sterling MBE were recognised for their community work and advocacy.
Manchester City and Jamaica striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw received the Cyrille Regis Award for her bravery in standing up against racist abuse, while the Coaching and Management category honoured Renée Hector (Watford Women), Carly Williams (Arsenal Women U21), and Ashley Cole (England U21).
Trailblazer Mary Phillip, the first Black captain of the England Women’s team, was celebrated for her pioneering influence in the women’s game.
The Ugo Ehiogu ‘Ones to Watch’ awards recognised rising stars Helena Scotland, Kelechi Okorie, Mina Ibrahim, Nakeira Westmaas, and Paul Gialo—future leaders set to shape football’s future.
Jahmal Howlett-Mundle received the LGBTQIA+ award for championing inclusivity in football, and Martin Sinclair was honoured for advancing disability representation in the sport.
The evening concluded with a touching tribute to the late Kevin Campbell. His legacy was honoured with a heartfelt award presentation to his family by former Leicester City captain Wes Morgan.
The celebration was energised by live music, opening with a performance by rapper and singer Enny, who delivered a rousing rendition of “Peng Black Girls.” Fittingly, the night closed with Bashy’s powerful performance of “Black Boys,” creating a full-circle tribute to Black identity and achievement. Mimi Rich and DJ AG provided the evening’s musical backdrop with live sets as guests networked and celebrated achievements.
Since its inception in 2008, the Football Black List has grown into a vital platform celebrating Black achievement in football. Refresh Events is proud to have delivered this remarkable event and looks forward to continuing to deliver future events for the Football Black List.
