Arthur Wharton
British footballer · United Kingdom · On the map · Footballers · Lived 1865 to 1930 · aged 65
Arthur Wharton was a British footballer. He is widely considered to be the first black professional footballer in the world.
Arthur Wharton is read about 92 times a day, in 11 languages.
A typical day, 30 days to 11 July 2026
The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 60 days, one point a day.
Something wrong?People around Arthur
Close ties
Career 8
ClubYearsMatchesGoals
Stockport County F.C.1901-190262
Stalybridge Rovers F.C.1899-190110
Ashton North End F.C.1897-189910
Stalybridge Rovers F.C.1895-189741
Sheffield United F.C.1894-189510
Rotherham Town F.C.1889-189400
Preston North End F.C.1886-188821
Darlington F.C.1885-18861
Media & music
Awards
About this person
Though not the first black player outright - the amateurs Robert Walker, of Queen's Park, and Scotland international player, Andrew Watson, predate him - Wharton may have been the first black professional and the first to play in the Football League.
Country
United Kingdom
Category
Footballers
Type
Football / Soccer Player
Status
Deceased
Dates
Lived 1865 to 1930 · aged 65
The same award as Arthur
Wilf MannionBoth received English Football Hall of Fame
Lily ParrBoth received English Football Hall of FameHughie GallacherBoth received English Football Hall of FameHarry CatterickBoth received English Football Hall of Fame
Bob CromptonBoth received English Football Hall of FameGillian CoultardBoth received English Football Hall of Fame