Adam Wharton was the first black man to play professional football
The Premier League has paid tribute to Adam Wharton, who was the first black man to play football professionally.
Adam Wharton was born on October 28, 1865, at Jamestown in Accra, Ghana. His father, Henry Wharton, was a missionary from Grenada, while his mother, Annie Florence Egyiriba, was a Fante.
Adam Wharton’s footballing career started in 1882 when he moved to England to further his education.
Adam Wharton’s football career commenced at Darlington FC. He went on to play for English clubs such as Preston North End (PNE), Rotherham Town, Sheffield United, Stockport County, Stalybridge Rovers, and Ashton North End.
An all-round athlete, Adam Wharton was also a sprinter and cyclist and set a record in cycling in the UK.
He retired from football in 1902 and died in 1930.
He was buried in an unmarked grave in Edlington until the Arthur Wharton Foundation provided a headstone in 1997.
@premierleague The incredible story of Arthur Wharton, the first black professional footballer in England. #NoRoomForRacism ♬ original sound – Premier League
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