Today, 28 October 2026, marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of Arthur Wharton, a true football pioneer who is widely considered to be the first black professional footballer in the world.
As Black History Month comes to an end for 2026, it seems fitting – albeit poignant – that it coincides with such an anniversary. Arthur’s impact on the game was significant, and his memory remains strong to this day, with Arthur immortalised by a statue at St. George’s Park.
In addition to this week marking 160 years since Arthur’s birth, this year also marks the 140th anniversary of him becoming the world’s first official fastest man on the planet. On 3 July 1886, Arthur ran 100 yards at what would become Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge in a record time of 10 seconds flat; a record that stood for over 35 years.
However, it is Arthur’s footballing feats that he is arguably more known for. Born in Jamestown, Gold Coast (now part of Ghana), Arthur moved to England in 1882 aged 19. A goalkeeper, he would play for a number of clubs in the English Football League, commencing with Darlington, before spells with Preston North End, Rotherham Town, Sheffield United and Stockport County among others.
While Arthur established himself as a goalkeeper, it was also known for him to play on the wing for a number of his clubs, adding to his impressive influence on the game.
He also played for the Newcastle and District side and, while playing for Rotherham Town, played in the first-ever Liverpool home game at Anfield on 1 September 1892. Arthur’s final game as a professional was against Newton Heath, now known as Manchester United, in 1901.
Arthur passed away in 1930, although the legacy he left remains strong to this day. Inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003, while a small statue of Arthur is on display at the headquarters of FIFA.
In 2014, the statue of Arthur at St. George’s Park, capturing him tipping the ball over the crossbar, was unveiled to ensure he remains ever present at the national football centre.
