By Saheed Oyelakin
Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has been recognised on the prestigious Football Black List 2025 for his outstanding contributions beyond the pitch.
Football Black List announced the winners in the “Players – Off the Pitch” category on its X handle on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old Fulham player was named alongside Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze and England/Lionesses defender Jess Carter.
The annual list, founded in 2008, highlights Black footballers who use their platform for social good, philanthropy, and community development.
Iwobi was specifically honoured for founding Project 17 in 2021.
The initiative empowers underserved Black youth through football clinics, education workshops, mentorship programmes, and annual tournaments such as the P17 Cup.
His work has also earned him the recent Baobab Award in Sport, recognising his leadership and positive influence on young people in Nigeria and beyond.
Other notable inclusions in the 2025 list include Naomi Bedeau (Oxford United Women/Grenada) and Shakira Waithe (Enfield Town/Barbados).
Reacting to the news, the Super Eagles team celebrated the milestone on its X account, posting: “We are proud of you, Alex @alexiwobi.”
Established by Leon Mann and others, the Football Black List annually shines a light on Black talent and activism in football, both on and off-pitch leadership.
