Alex Iwobi named on 2025 Football Black List for community impact
Nigeria international Alex Iwobi has been named among five players recognised in the 2025 Football Black List, an annual honour celebrating individuals driving positive change in football and wider society. The list, released on Tuesday, highlighted the 29-year-old Fulham and Super Eagles midfielder for his impact off the pitch, particularly through his community-focused initiatives. Established […]
Nigeria international Alex Iwobi has been named among five players recognised in the 2025 Football Black List, an annual honour celebrating individuals driving positive change in football and wider society.
The list, released on Tuesday, highlighted the 29-year-old Fulham and Super Eagles midfielder for his impact off the pitch, particularly through his community-focused initiatives.
Established in 2008 by UK-based publication The Voice, the Football Black List recognises outstanding Black players, coaches, executives, media professionals and community leaders who are making a difference both on and off the field.
Iwobi was included in the players’ category alongside Eberechi Eze of Arsenal, as well as Jess Carter, Naomi Bedeau and Shakira Waithe.
He becomes the first Nigerian to receive the honour.
The Fulham midfielder earned recognition for founding Project 17, an initiative aimed at empowering young people and supporting underserved communities. Through the project, Iwobi has organised football tournaments, mentorship programmes and outreach efforts such as ‘AleXpress’, all designed to inspire and equip the next generation.
According to the organisers, Iwobi’s selection reflects their belief that he has demonstrated leadership by using his platform “to create lasting social impact and foster positive change in society.”
In the coaching and management category, former Ivory Coast international Kolo Touré—now a first-team assistant coach at Manchester City—was also recognised.
On the pitch, Iwobi has made nearly 400 Premier League appearances across spells with Arsenal, Everton and Fulham, registering 43 goals and 51 assists.