Remembering the great Arthur Wharton: Was he the first black professional footballer?

Arthur Wharton was an unsung hero of his time, achieving what most athletes can only dream of and setting the pace for black representation in British football. He left his home country to train as a missionary but soon changed course after discovering his passion for sports. Read all about the deceased legend and why the internet still discusses him almost 100 years after his death.

What is Arthur Wharton famous for? The late professional footballer left an indelible mark on English football. He was acknowledged as one of the best goalkeepers of all time and sometimes waited for the ball in a crouching position before dashing to save it from scoring. Keep reading to get inspired by the iconic black player who, unfortunately, has received more praise in death than when he lived.

Arthur Wharton's profile summary

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Football

How old was Arthur Wharton?

Arthur Wharton (65 years old when he died) was born on October 28, 1865, in Accra, Ghana, then known as Jamestown. He played and excelled in multiple sports, most notably football.

How did Arthur Wharton pass away?

Arthur Wharton died on December 13, 1965, at the Springwell Sanatorium in England. According to Spartacus-educational.com, the recorded cases of death were epithelioma, a rare skin cancer, and syphilis. However, online reports also state that he struggled with alcoholism during his final years.

The multi-talented athlete was buried in an unmarked grave in Edlington Cemetery. In May 1997, his grave was given a headstone, an anti-racism campaign by Football Unites Racism Divides, recognizing Arthur Wharton's achievements.

Who were Arthur Wharton's parents?

The late athlete's parents were Rev. Henry Wharton, a Wesleyan Methodist missionary from the West Indies, and Annie Florence Egyriba, a member of the Fante Ghanaian royal family. The details of his siblings, if any, are unknown.

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NFL

Where did Arthur Wharton go to college?

Wharton left his home country in 1883 at 17 and relocated to England to train as a missionary. He joined Cleveland College in Darlington but dropped out after a few years to pursue a career in sports. He had previously studied to be a missionary teacher at Shoal Hill College in Britain.

The sports career of Arthur Wharton

Arthur's athletic prowess led him to pursue various sports in England, including cycling, track and field, cricket, rugby, and football. In 1886, he matched the amateur world record of 10 seconds in the AAA championship 100-yard sprint at Stamford Bridge, London. He cycled for local teams in Yorkshire and Lancashire.

What team did Arthur Wharton play for?

The Ghanaian soccer player Arthur Wharton set impressive records in the football space, opening doors for upcoming talent. He started as a goalkeeper for Darlington before being spotted by Preston North End, whom he joined as an amateur. With the team, he reached the FA Cup semis in 1886/1887, marking one of Arthur Wharton's stats. Athletic News described Wharton's playing skill as ''one of the best exhibitions of goalkeeping I have seen for a long time.''

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Baseball

He left the club in 1888 to pursue running but returned after one year. Between 1888 and 1902, Arthur played for other professional football clubs, including Sheffield United (1884-1885), Rotherham Town (1889-1894), and the Stalybridge Rovers (1889-1901).

Besides playing as a goalkeeper, he was also a winger. In 2014, a statue honouring Wharton was unveiled at St George's Park National Football Centre. Darlington also unveiled a mural in 2020 during the player's 155th anniversary. Arthur Wharton's accomplishments also include:

• He was the first mixed-heritage footballer to turn professional.
• Wharton was the first black footballer to turn professional worldwide.
• One of Arthur Wharton's most prestigious awards is the September Handicap at Queens Ground, Sheffield, in 1888.
• While playing with the Stalybridge Rovers, they were known as Wharton’s Brigade because he took charge of the team and offered leadership.
• He was the first African to play professionally in the Yorkshire Cricket League.
• Arthur was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

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NBA

Life after football

Wharton retired from professional football in 1902, likely owing to health issues, and focused on cricket and running. In 1914, he was offered a cricket coaching job in Durham but turned it down.

Who was Arthur Wharton's wife?

Arthur was married to Emma Lister, who died in 1944. The couple had two daughters, Minnie and Nora. Unfortunately, there is no information about them.

Final word

Arthur Wharton has been recognized and celebrated for his contribution to the sport after his death. His story is a learning point for upcoming athletes to rise above existing limitations to become the best version of themselves in their sport of choice.

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