Arthur Wharton: Sheffield United celebrate Ghanaian-born who became first black player in England

Arthur Wharton: Sheffield United celebrate Ghanaian-born who became first black player in England

Lukman Mumuni
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:51 PM
  • English club Sheffield United has celebrated Ghanaian-born Arthur Wharton's birthday
  • Wharton is widely considered the first black player to play in England
  • Arthur Wharton was been in Ghana on October 28, 1865

English club, Sheffield United took to social media to celebrate Ghanaian born Arthur Wharton on the occasion of his 155th birthday.

The player, who was born in Jamestown- Gold Coast, is widely considered the first black professional footballer.

In a post on Twitter, Sheffield United paid tribute to the man who played multiple sports and excelled in all, from football to cricket.

Arthur Wharton in action for England in the 1990's. SOURCE: Twitter/ @SheffieldUnited @England
Arthur Wharton: Sheffield United celebrate Ghanaian-born who became first player to play in England. SOURCE: Twitter/ @SheffieldUnited @England
Source: Twitter

"On this day in 1865, Arthur Wharton was born in Ghana. Arthur played for Sheffield United in the late 1800s and is widely considered to be the first black professional footballer in the world," wrote Southampton.

Arthur Kwame Wharton was born in Ghana in 1865 and in1883, he moved to Darlington, England where he began his amazing sporting career, .

He became the first black professional footballer, the first official fastest man, a professional cricketer and a rugby player.

Arthur was Ghanaian from his mother side, Mrs Annie Florence Egyriba who was a member of Fante royalty.

His dad, Henry Wharton was a Grenadian-Scottish, minister and missionary who came to Ghana in the 1800's.

He was the first official fastest man when he ran a record time of 10 seconds dead in the 100 meters on the 3rd July 1886 at Stamford Bridge, London. His record stood for over 30 years.

Arthur also later became a cycling champion, professional cricketer and a rugby player.

The ex-footballer tackled several issues in his lifetime that are still very relevant today.

In 1930, Arthur died penniless in the Springwell Sanatorium in Balby and was buried in an unmarked grave in Edlington Cemetery.

Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu tells his story

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that, Ghana defender, Mohammed Salisu, has spoken about how his journey started from playing on sand pitches without boots to reaching the Premier League.

The 22-year-old is enjoying a break through campaign in the English Premier League, having become an integral member of the Southampton backline.

In a video feature by Southampton, the former Real Valladolid player opened up on his fast rising career from the streets of Nsawam to Spain and now England.

Authors
Lukman Mumuni photo
Lukman Mumuni
Lukman Abdul Mumin is a Sports Journalist based in Accra, Ghana. He has been writing for the past five years. Lukman joined Sports Brief as an Editor for the Local Desk in 2022.
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