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Give them their flowers

Before the Premier League, before the cameras, before anyone said sorry — these players opened the doors. This is where we say thank you.

9 flowers given so far

Viv Anderson MBE On 29 November 1978, Anderson made history by becoming the first Black footballer to play for the senior England men’s national team

1856–1921 Andrew Watson The first Black international footballer

1958-2018 Cyril Regis Cyril Regis (1958–2018) was one of the defining figures in the story of Black players in English football. He was a powerful, graceful centre-forward who faced…

1888–1918 Walter Tull Footballer, soldier, officer

1901–1988 Jack Leslie The England cap he was denied

1940–2022 Pelé Three World Cups. One name.

1942–2014 Eusébio The Black Panther

1865–1930 Arthur Wharton The first Black professional footballer

1951– Clyde Best West Ham's trailblazer

Missing someone who opened doors in your country or your club? Tell us at the bottom of any pioneer's page and we'll research them for the hall.