All you need to know about Viv Anderson: Was he the first black footballer to represent England?

Viv Anderson is among the unsung heroes of English football. He played professionally during an era when racism dominated the football scene in England. However, his focus and commitment, coupled with the support of his former coach, helped him rise above the challenges to become one of the best in his time. Here's all you need to know about the former athlete.

Who was the first black footballer to represent England? Previously, they were unpopular on the football pitch, and fans opposed and jeered them during matches. This phenomenon has changed over the years, with interracial athletes taking up and thriving in professional football. Here is the story of Viv Anderson, one of the players who changed the tide in English football.

Viv Anderson's profile summary

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How old is Viv Anderson?

Viv Anderson (aged 67 years old in 2023) was born on July 29, 1956. He is a retired football player and coach who was a defender for numerous clubs worldwide, including Manchester United and Arsenal.

Career

Anderson started playing as a young boy, attracting the attention of several partners. At 15, he earned a place in Manchester United's youth program but did not make the final cut. He temporarily gave up his dream of becoming a footballer and worked as a silk screen printing assistant.

When he turned 18, he joined Nottingham Forest as a starting player. In 1977, his team progressed to the First Division in the local league and won the title the following year. The win was recognized as one of the most historic rises of an underdog team in British soccer history.

In 1978, Viv made history when he became the first black player to ever play on the England national team. Viv Anderson's England debut was on November 29, 1978, in a game against Czechoslovakia at the Wembley Stadium. Viv Anderson's position as a defender earned him the nickname 'Spider' because of his ability to tackle the ball from an opposing player.

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The English footballer played with Arsenal F.C (1984-1987), Manchester United (1987-1991), Sheffield Wednesday (1991-1993), and Bansley (1993-1994). He retired in 1994 and became an assistant manager for Middlesbrough F.C. Some of his career stats include:

• He won five senior trophies with Nottingham Forest, including the 1978/79 and 1979/80 European Cup.
• Anderson became a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1999.
• He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

What is Viv Anderson’s net worth?

According to several online sources, Viv Anderson is worth approximately $6 million. He earned a significant portion of his fortune from his professional career. He also makes money from TV and radio, regularly appearing as a pundit.

After retirement, Viv founded PlayonPro, a sports agency that helps retired professional athletes adjust to life after their careers. The idea was triggered by the rising rates of divorce, bankruptcy, suicide, and imprisonment among sports personalities after retirement. The agency helps them fill the void that comes with the transition.

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Brand endorsements

Anderson worked with several brands during his career. One of the notable ones is a brand ambassadorial role for Kick it Out, an anti-campaign organization established in 1993. Initially, the company's objective was to fight racism in the sport, but later expanded to handle all forms of discrimination through educational programs offered to fans, players, and parents.

Viv Anderson’s personal life

Viv was born to Jamaican immigrants Audley and Myrtle, who came from Kingston in the 1950s. His father worked in security while his mom, a teacher in her homeland, worked as a dinner lady and an NHS nurse. They lived in Clifton Council Estate in Nottingham, where Anderson was born. He grew up alongside one brother, Donald.

Besides football, Anderson is a committed family man. He has been married twice, first to his childhood sweetheart Debra. They tied the knot in 1980 and had two children. Viv Anderson's son, Charlie Anderson, is 31 years old (as of 2023) and has a brother named Freddie. Unfortunately, Viv and Debra split up in 1990.

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Is Viv Anderson married?

After his first marriage ended, the 67-year-old married Lorna, with whom he has one child, Ruby. Viv Anderson's daughter is 12 (as of 2023). The details of Viv Anderson's wife are a mystery as he prefers to keep the details of his love life away from the limelight. The details of Viv Anderson's children are a mystery.

Is Viv Anderson still alive? Anderson is no longer an active player but still contributes to the sport through various media and platforms. He is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who lives in Manchester with his family. The retired player and coach also works as a taxi driver.

Facts about Viv Anderson

Viv Anderson's legacy continues to be celebrated in football, especially among black athletes. He broke barriers to set a standard that changed the sport's scene. Here are some interesting facts about him:

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1. He was born on July 29, 1956, and is 67 as of 2023.
2. He was the first black footballer to represent the England football team at national level
3. Viv is a father of three: Charlie, Freddie, and Ruby.
4. His parents are from Kingston, Jamaica, and relocated to England in the 1950s.
5. Anderson founded Play on Pro, a sports agency that helps retired athletes adjust to life after active playing.

What is Viv Anderson doing now?

Is Viv Anderson still alive? Anderson is no longer an active player but still contributes to the sport through various media and platforms. He is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who lives in Manchester with his family. The retired player and coach also works as a taxi driver.

Final word

What happened to Viv Anderson? The athlete endured discrimination early in his career, including verbal insults and opposing fans throwing bananas at him on the pitch. His efforts to fight the vice have shaped the sport in England and globally, producing some of the best globally. His efforts saw him inducted into the English Hall of Fame in 2004 and honoured with an MBE in 1999.

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READ MORE: Ranking of the 20 best English footballers of all time

Sports Brief published a listicle featuring the best English footballers of all time. These individuals have represented their national team and other clubs, earning titles and trophies that have immensely built their professional careers. Who are some of these individuals?

Sir Bobby Charlton takes the first place on the list. He is the second-greatest goalscorer in the country's history. He is followed by Sir Bobby Moore, who attained 108 caps and a World Cup win, among other achievements. Check out the list above for the complete list of top English footballers.