Arthur Wharton - Footballer

Arthur Wharton was the first Black professional football player ever – that’s not only in the UK but in the whole entire world. And, his firsts didn’t end there. He was also the first Black professional to play in the Football League. Wharton was born in 1865 in Ghana, his father was Grenadian and his mother Ghanaian. At age 19 Wharton travelled to the UK to study at a Methodist Missionary, however he changed paths and chose to pursue sports instead.

He began his career playing amateur football with Darlington, he then went on to join Preston North End where he helped the team reach the 1886 – 87 FA cup semi-finals.

Wharton wasn’t just a footballer, he also played cricket and rugby and was a talented athlete – Wharton broke records as a sprinter.

The last team he played for was Stockport County where he retired from football in 1902. Once his career was over Wharton worked as a labourer.

Arthur Wharton passed away in 1930.

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