Iwobi Earns 2025 Football Black List Spot For Off-field Impact

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has earned a spot on the 2025 edition of the prestigious Football Black List, in recognition of his impactful work beyond the game.

The Football Black List announced this year’s honourees in the “Players – Off the Pitch” category via its X account on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old Fulham F.C. star was listed alongside Eberechi Eze of Arsenal F.C. and England/Lionesses defender Jess Carter.

Founded in 2008, the initiative celebrates Black footballers who leverage their influence for social impact, philanthropy, and community development.

Iwobi received the honour for establishing Project 17 in 2021, a platform dedicated to supporting underserved Black youth through football clinics, educational programmes, mentorship initiatives, and competitions such as the P17 Cup.

His efforts have also been recognised with the Baobab Award in Sport, which acknowledges his leadership and positive impact on young people in Nigeria and beyond.

Also named on the 2025 list are Naomi Bedeau (Oxford United Women/Grenada) and Shakira Waithe (Enfield Town/Barbados).

Responding to the recognition, the Nigeria national football team celebrated Iwobi on its X handle, posting: “We are proud of you, Alex @alexiwobi.”

The Football Black List, established by Leon Mann and collaborators, continues to spotlight Black excellence in football, recognising both on-field achievements and off-pitch contributions.