Evertonians Saluted In Black List

A quartet of Evertonians have been saluted in the latest Football Black List.

Everton’s first black captain – the late Kevin Campbell – Alan Johnson, who was a pioneer of Race Equality at Everton and in the Premier League; Ben Osu, Everton's current Head of Equity and Inclusion, and Everton Under-10s Academy Coach Lionel Djagba were all Award Winners at the latest FBL celebration.

The Black List celebrates black excellence in football and pays tribute to individuals who make a difference within the community and at the grassroots level of the game. It is supported by The FA, Premier League, the PFA, English Football League, PGMOL, LMA and Kick It Out.

Kevin Campbell's sister, Lorna, said: “Kevin would have been so honoured to receive this award. He didn’t just embrace Everton Football Club, he embraced the city of Liverpool. He was always a man of the people and I know he enjoyed helping out with community initiatives.

"He was always one for giving something back and it’s so nice that he’s been acknowledged in this way, alongside other people who have done similar work.”

Lorna Campbell, sister to Everton icon Kevin Campbell


Everton’s Head of Equity and Inclusion, Ben Osu, attended the celebration event at Anfield, the first time Black List has been held in Liverpool. Accepting his award he said: "There's an old saying, if you want to go fast, go on your own, if you want to go far, go as a group.

"I think that's really important to remember. We're all here because we're trying to tackle racism and discrimination and we won't do that any time soon unless we do it as a collective group.

"This is evident at Everton as my colleagues are the ones this award truly belongs to. I would like to say a big thank you to the people across the business who support me in working to make Everton a truly inclusive club - without them this work would not be possible."

Previous Black List celebration events have been held at Wembley Stadium, the House of Lords and the London Olympics HQ.

Alan Johnson, who also attended the event at Anfield and became Everton's First Race Equality Manager in the 1990s, said: "I was incredibly proud to be recognised for my work at Everton, but I couldn't have done it without the support of everyone at the Club. That includes the managers, the players, the staff, the coaches, my old colleague Ted Sutton, absolutely everybody. They all helped make my time there one of the most fulfilling periods in my life."

Alan Johnson was a pioneer for race equality at Everton


Lionel Djagba was born in Togo, West Africa and moved to Liverpool when he was 11 years old in 2005.

Released by Liverpool FC at 17, he started a career in coaching, launched his own soccer school alongside part-time work at Liverpool before becoming Head of Football at Scarisbrick Hall private school in Ormskirk at just 26 years old.

He initially joined Everton part-time, enjoyed a two-year Premier League placement at Leeds Beckett University as part of their Coaching Inclusion Diversity Scheme and has been a full-time coach at Finch Farm ever since.

He said: “I am incredibly proud and humbled to be recognised by the Football Black List for my contribution to the game as an Everton Academy coach.

"For me, coaching is about so much more than developing players technically, it’s about helping young people grow in confidence, character, and belief in themselves.

"Representation matters and I hope this recognition inspires the next generation of black coaches and players to see that there’s a place for them in football at every level.

"I am grateful to my colleagues, the Academy and especially the young players who trust me to guide them - they inspire me every day.”

The latest Black List event included a moving tribute honouring the late Campbell, who made history as Everton’s first black captain.

Affectionately known as “Super Kev”, the striker was celebrated for both his achievements on the pitch and his mentorship off it. His sister, Lorna Campbell, accepted the award and shared heartfelt reflections on his legacy.

Campbell was widely respected for helping keep Everton in the Premier League and for guiding a young Wayne Rooney, leaving a lasting mark on the Club and city.

Everton’s Head of Equity and Inclusion, Ben Osu


Kevin continues to advance the lives of children and young people in the form of the Kevin Campbell Foundation, created by his family following his tragically early passing. Visit Kevincampbellfoundation.com for more information.

Also recognised by the FBL was World In One City, a grassroots football project founded by Imad Ali in 2021. Based on a World Cup-style format, the initiative brings together teams representing different nations and backgrounds, using football as a vehicle for unity, inclusion, and community building. It is now seen as a vital part of Liverpool’s sporting and cultural landscape.

The night concluded with a special Q&A featuring Howard Gayle, Liverpool FC’s first black player.

Award winner, Comfort Etim, who founded local football team, ‘Comfort Angels’ for women seeking asylum and providing a safe space and peer support, was also recognised for her work supporting women in football.

Rodney Hinds, co-founder of the Football Black List, said: “Seeing the local community in Liverpool come together to celebrate Black excellence in football was truly inspiring.

“The energy in the room showed just how powerful this movement has become. Leon Mann and I are humbled by the support and remain committed to spotlighting those making a difference, and lighting the path for the next generation.”


Everton Under-10s Academy Coach Lionel Djagba