Here at Historycal Roots we take a pretty broad view of what counts as ‘history’, if something happened earlier than yesterday then perhaps it could be classed as ‘historical’? And, although much of the history you read in books is about ‘great’ men (and perhaps, occasionally, great women), we believe that the actions of more ‘ordinary’ people help to shape events at least as much. So, is it OK to celebrate the life of a pioneering Black footballer? Absolutely!
Friday 28th September marks the anniversary of the passing of one such footballer, Albert Johanneson. Many people think Albert was the first ever Black footballer to ply his trade in English professional football, he was far from that. However, he was arguably the very first high profile Black player of the modern age – if the advent of ‘Match of the Day’ can be said to mark the birth of modern football. As such he faced challenges not experienced by any of his predecessors.
Albert joined Leeds United on 5th April 1961, signing from Germiston Colliers in South Africa. He was a shy young man who, because of the evil impact of apartheid, lacked confidence about his place in a white dominated society.
He made his debut at Elland Road in a 2-2 draw with Swansea on 8th April 1961and went on to play a total of 197 games (plus three appearances as a substitute) for the club, scoring 67 goals – a prolific return for a winger. He was the first Black player to play in a European match for an English club and, on 1st May 1965, he famously became the first Black player to appear in an FA Cup Final.
Albert suffered horrendous racism in his native South Africa and, when he moved to England, he continued to be racially abused by fans and opposition players. Monkey chants and the throwing of bananas were common place. We won’t ever know how all of this affected his confidence as a man or his performance as a footballer. We do know that both his parents were alcoholics and at some stage Albert sadly followed suit. This had inevitable negative consequences on his finances, marriage and his family.
Despite treatment, Albert died in relative poverty in 1995. His funeral was attended by his old teammates who remembered him with fondness and respect as did the many thousands of football fans who had been thrilled by his goals and skilful wing play.
George Best, who famously wrestled with demons of his own, once commented: ‘Albert was quite a brave man to actually go on the pitch in the first place wasn’t he? And he went out and did it. He had a lot of skill. A nice man as well – which is, I suppose, the more important thing, isn’t it? More important than anything.’
Through his courage, Albert Johanneson transcended the mere game of football and achieved more than many of us from far more privileged backgrounds can ever hope to claim.
Rest In Peace, Albert.
You will be able to read more about Albert and many other pioneering Black footballers in a book we are working on, keep your eyes open for it.