"Most black footballers are with white women. Nothing wrong with it but it's definitely something I've noticed." - Twitter user
England footballers Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole with their wives at the time; Cheryle Tweedy and Fiona Barratt.
Black Footballers, White Wives - What's The Big Deal? - UK Research Article
Despite the fact that the majority of black men in the UK marry black women, 67% of England's black footballers are with white women. This often causes outrage online, considering that only 9% of relationships in England and Wales are interracial according to the 2011 Census.
In the UK, 48% of black Caribbean men are in an interracial relationship, compared to 20% of black African men, figures show. What are the reasons for this variance? Why are people concerned with who celebrities are marrying?
Isn't love colour-blind? Do black footballers really prefer white women? What are the reasons for this outrage? A topic frequently brought up by black women but often dismissed by black men. Why? This article examines interracial relationships involving black footballers in the UK and why this remains a contentious issue, particularly amongst black women. Despite the constant debates this subject provokes within black British communities, there is a lack of research studies on this controversial topic.
Why Do Black Footballers Marry White Women?
Although black people make up 4% of the UK's population, almost half of England's football team are black or mixed-race. Football is the largest sport in the UK, with many black players in the Premier League, the top level of the football league system.
According to Sports Intelligence 2012 survey, 32.2% of Premier League are black, and most black British footballers are in an interracial relationship, according to a study of the wives and girlfriends (WAGs) of England's footballers over the past three World Cups (2010 to 2018). 67% of England's black footballers have white girlfriends/wives, the research found.
Nigerian journalist, Uche Nworah writes "it is consistent with the age old habit of successful black men in the UK, (and in America too I guess) abandoning sisters from their ‘hood, choosing instead to cross over the street and find their love matches amongst white chics." He continues, "This habit usually surfaces whenever the going gets good for the brothers, that is when they suddenly realise that their black sisters ‘goods’ aren’t good enough anymore."
Nworah argues that many black British footballers do not engage in interracial relationships out of love, but rather because they see their white women as a sign of success and social mobility. Whilst Joshua Brown argues that some interracial relationships are based on love, he argues that other factors play a part in why elite black British footballers seem to prefer white women. Brown cites the following three reasons;
Despite the fact that the majority of black men in the UK marry black women, 67% of England's black footballers are with white women. This often causes outrage online, considering that only 9% of relationships in England and Wales are interracial according to the 2011 Census.
In the UK, 48% of black Caribbean men are in an interracial relationship, compared to 20% of black African men, figures show. What are the reasons for this variance? Why are people concerned with who celebrities are marrying?
Isn't love colour-blind? Do black footballers really prefer white women? What are the reasons for this outrage? A topic frequently brought up by black women but often dismissed by black men. Why? This article examines interracial relationships involving black footballers in the UK and why this remains a contentious issue, particularly amongst black women. Despite the constant debates this subject provokes within black British communities, there is a lack of research studies on this controversial topic.
Why Do Black Footballers Marry White Women?
Although black people make up 4% of the UK's population, almost half of England's football team are black or mixed-race. Football is the largest sport in the UK, with many black players in the Premier League, the top level of the football league system.
According to Sports Intelligence 2012 survey, 32.2% of Premier League are black, and most black British footballers are in an interracial relationship, according to a study of the wives and girlfriends (WAGs) of England's footballers over the past three World Cups (2010 to 2018). 67% of England's black footballers have white girlfriends/wives, the research found.
Nigerian journalist, Uche Nworah writes "it is consistent with the age old habit of successful black men in the UK, (and in America too I guess) abandoning sisters from their ‘hood, choosing instead to cross over the street and find their love matches amongst white chics." He continues, "This habit usually surfaces whenever the going gets good for the brothers, that is when they suddenly realise that their black sisters ‘goods’ aren’t good enough anymore."
Nworah argues that many black British footballers do not engage in interracial relationships out of love, but rather because they see their white women as a sign of success and social mobility. Whilst Joshua Brown argues that some interracial relationships are based on love, he argues that other factors play a part in why elite black British footballers seem to prefer white women. Brown cites the following three reasons;
- There may be a strong social influence. Within footballer‘s high-end partying scene, it is predominantly filled with white women as black women (especially women of darker skin) usually find it more difficult to get into the high-end clubs that most footballers choose to spend their time at.
- In the environment they were raised, there was a lack of diversity around which can affect your preferences. People who are grew up in the same area to you, may have similar experiences to you which makes them an attractive prospect.
- Internalised Racism. This can cause black people to believe in part of the ideology of white supremacy, which in turn can be manifested in their choices of who they love.
Former England footballer Ledley King and his wife, Amy Kavanagh, at their wedding in 2015.
"I really want to know what it is about black footballers and their desire for white women?" - Twitter user
Zeze Millz, host of The Zeze Millz Show
Black British Women on Black Footballers Marrying White Women
"Black Premier League footballers predominately date white women because they want to be accepted," says Zeze Millz, cultural critic and host of The Zeze Millz Show. A strong advocate for dark-skinned black women, Millz frequently discusses colourism, relationships and cultural issues affecting black millennials in the UK.
Known for her strong views , some of Millz' critics have accused her of being a "racist." An accusation the opinionated personality strongly denies. "I believe black people should predominately date within their race. This doesn't make me racist. It makes me pro-black. I believe in the progression of my people," Millz adds. Although Millz says she doesn't have an issue with interracial relationships, she does state that successful black men should marry black women to "progress the black race."
Popular UK relationship blogger, Dami Olonisakin, said "it is very rare to see a black footballer date a black woman" in the online panel show, The Grapevine. Actress and dancer, Kelechi Okafor, says only a handful of high-profile black footballers date black women. Okafor argues that the majority of black footballers date white women because they want to show they have status and the "white woman with blonde hair" represents this in a white supremacist society like the UK. Content creator Toni Tone added it may be due to fetishization.
The marketability and the influence of the media has also been cited as a reason why black footballers predominately date white women. UK-based Rwandan journalist Victoria Uwonkunda tweeted, "black footballers with pretty white women are more sellable than those with black women." Fashion blogger Chidera Eggerue, also known as The Slumflower, added, "A lot of black footballers in the Premier League, their girlfriends are mainly white. It's like an entry pass."
Colourism is frequently mentioned as to why black footballers tend to date white, mixed-race or light skinned black women. Colourism is defined as "prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group." When black footballers date or marry 'black' women, the women tend to be light skinned, racially ambiguous or mixed race. The lack of dark-skinned wives/girlfriends of prominent British-born footballers causes much online debate amongst dark skinned women in particular who have suffered colourism.
Other black women believe due to misconceptions about black women having a 'bad attitude' has contributed towards black footballers preferring to date non-black women. Others have said due to an inferiority complex which some black men suffer from and the desire for validation from their white peers, maybe the reason behind black footballers tend to marry white women.
Latisha Carter, a dance student at the University of Leeds said: “As much as I would like to see black W.A.G.S, could you really imagine a black Posh and Becks? It just wouldn’t work. Black women are too independent and strong to care who black footballers are dating. There is enough successful brothers out there to keep us occupied believe me! We come from a long line of women who have had to raise families all by themselves and play both the mother and father role. Were fighters, we aren’t trying to use no man as a stepping stone so let them just keep on doing what they’re doing.”
Whilst many black British men dismiss the notion that black footballers predominately date/marry outside of their race, statistics appear to prove otherwise when looking at England's black footballers.
"Black Premier League footballers predominately date white women because they want to be accepted," says Zeze Millz, cultural critic and host of The Zeze Millz Show. A strong advocate for dark-skinned black women, Millz frequently discusses colourism, relationships and cultural issues affecting black millennials in the UK.
Known for her strong views , some of Millz' critics have accused her of being a "racist." An accusation the opinionated personality strongly denies. "I believe black people should predominately date within their race. This doesn't make me racist. It makes me pro-black. I believe in the progression of my people," Millz adds. Although Millz says she doesn't have an issue with interracial relationships, she does state that successful black men should marry black women to "progress the black race."
Popular UK relationship blogger, Dami Olonisakin, said "it is very rare to see a black footballer date a black woman" in the online panel show, The Grapevine. Actress and dancer, Kelechi Okafor, says only a handful of high-profile black footballers date black women. Okafor argues that the majority of black footballers date white women because they want to show they have status and the "white woman with blonde hair" represents this in a white supremacist society like the UK. Content creator Toni Tone added it may be due to fetishization.
The marketability and the influence of the media has also been cited as a reason why black footballers predominately date white women. UK-based Rwandan journalist Victoria Uwonkunda tweeted, "black footballers with pretty white women are more sellable than those with black women." Fashion blogger Chidera Eggerue, also known as The Slumflower, added, "A lot of black footballers in the Premier League, their girlfriends are mainly white. It's like an entry pass."
Colourism is frequently mentioned as to why black footballers tend to date white, mixed-race or light skinned black women. Colourism is defined as "prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group." When black footballers date or marry 'black' women, the women tend to be light skinned, racially ambiguous or mixed race. The lack of dark-skinned wives/girlfriends of prominent British-born footballers causes much online debate amongst dark skinned women in particular who have suffered colourism.
Other black women believe due to misconceptions about black women having a 'bad attitude' has contributed towards black footballers preferring to date non-black women. Others have said due to an inferiority complex which some black men suffer from and the desire for validation from their white peers, maybe the reason behind black footballers tend to marry white women.
Latisha Carter, a dance student at the University of Leeds said: “As much as I would like to see black W.A.G.S, could you really imagine a black Posh and Becks? It just wouldn’t work. Black women are too independent and strong to care who black footballers are dating. There is enough successful brothers out there to keep us occupied believe me! We come from a long line of women who have had to raise families all by themselves and play both the mother and father role. Were fighters, we aren’t trying to use no man as a stepping stone so let them just keep on doing what they’re doing.”
Whilst many black British men dismiss the notion that black footballers predominately date/marry outside of their race, statistics appear to prove otherwise when looking at England's black footballers.
"Why is that black footballers tend to go for white girls but white footballers don't tend to go for black girls?" - @gabriel_sion
"Black footballers DO NOT only date white women. Where do you lot come up with this nonsense." - Twitter user
Jamaican-born former England footballer, John Barnes and wife, Andrea.
67% of England's Black Footballers' WAGs are White Women
A study of the race and skin colour of the WAGs of England's black and mixed-race footballers from the last three World Cup squads (2010, 2014 and 2018):
- 67% of England's black footballers are married or dating white women and only 15% marry/date black women,
- 39% of England's World Cup squad are black, and 61% are white,
- Only 2 players from the 2018 World Cup squad are married to black women,
- In 2018, 18% of black footballers were with black women, compared to 11% in 2010.
* 'Black' refers to mixed-raced and black for the purpose of this study.
** WAGs refers to wives and girlfriends.
A study of the race and skin colour of the WAGs of England's black and mixed-race footballers from the last three World Cup squads (2010, 2014 and 2018):
- 67% of England's black footballers are married or dating white women and only 15% marry/date black women,
- 39% of England's World Cup squad are black, and 61% are white,
- Only 2 players from the 2018 World Cup squad are married to black women,
- In 2018, 18% of black footballers were with black women, compared to 11% in 2010.
* 'Black' refers to mixed-raced and black for the purpose of this study.
** WAGs refers to wives and girlfriends.
"It is sad when young black footballers only date white girls and mixed race girls" - Twitter user
Former England football captain, Paul Ince and wife, Claire
"Why do black footballers & sports stars always date and marry white women?" - Twitter user
Jamaican-born England football player Raheem Sterling and fiancé Page Milian
Black Wives Matter
Historically white women have been depicted as the epitome of female beauty and status, whilst dark skin and 'typical African women features' are denigrated. This continues today as mainstream media in the western world continues to perpetuate the idea that white women, fair skin tone and 'European features' are the most desirable features. The internalised racism and colourism which many black people suffer from may play a part in why many black footballers prefer to date lighter skinned/white women.
Cultural upbringing is very influential in choosing a marital partner. It is noticeable how many African-born black footballers in Europe marry black women, in comparison to British-born black footballers. Many African footballers in Europe may date white women, but the vast majority of them marry a black woman. This may be due to the cultural expectations some Africans hold.
According to the UK's 2011 Census, black people of Caribbean descent are more likely to be in an interracial relationship (43%) in comparison to black British people of African descent (22%). Preserving culture for the next generation is fundamental when choosing a bride for many Africans. According to several African cultures, marriage is a political event, where one needs to take into account family, cultural and religious considerations when choosing a spouse. Love is important but culture is just as important when getting married for many Africans. This is in stark contrast to contemporary British values about love and marriage which tends to be more individualistic. This may be some of the reasons behind the discrepancy between Caribbean and African people in inter-ethnic relationships. It is worth pointing out that many 'black' people from the Caribbean are actually multi-ethnic, which may also be another reason why they are more likely to be involved in an interracial / inter-ethnic relationship, in comparison to black Africans in the UK.
Beauty politics in Europe, where the white/light-skinned women is venerated naturally shapes perceptions of beauty. For successful black British footballers who have acquired riches and status, they will generally have a greater pool of female suitors to choose a marital partner. The fact that the majority appear to exclusively marry non-black women illustrates this may be a subconscious decision that is not solely based on 'love.' High profile footballers tend to date/marry conventionally attractive women, irrespective of the woman's educational background or status. Beauty is the main factor, which is why many footballers date/marry white European models during the height of their career. This is not necessarily the case for conventionally unattractive black men in low-paid jobs, as their dating pool is usually much smaller than a rich and famous sportsperson.
Preference is shaped by socio-cultural environmental factors. As human beings we are all products of our environment. Living in a society which teaches that fair skin and Eurocentric features are the epitome of female beauty, it is not surprising that a large number of black men who attain a level of success which provides them with a variety of women will choose a white woman as a mate.
That being said, one may ask why is it the most black British women are less likely to be in an interracial relationship, in comparison with black men? Figures show 48% of black Caribbean men, 20% of black African men and 34% of black Caribbean women are in interracial relationships in the UK. This may be due to the fact that black women have been socially conditioned from young to marry black men, whereas black men have not had such restrictions.
Personally as a black man and life-long football fan, I couldn't care less who black footballers date or marry. However, I understand in this digital age, where people idolise celebrities and are influenced by their life choices, it is a discussion worth having. Especially given the fact that many black women have raised this as an issue for years. We should listen and respect the voices of black women even if we don't initially agree.
It also cannot be denied that there are many impressionable young men who will believe that black women aren't suitable marital partners because they are not portrayed in that light in mainstream media and because they're not publicly celebrated by their black footballing heroes. Representation matters and the lack of dark skinned women wives in the public eye can influence perceptions of desirability and beauty, as Toni Tone says,
"To all those people that say 'love is love' - yes I fully agree, but representation is also appreciated. Sure we have our own families to look to for that, but it's also nice to see nuclear black families being represented in mainstream entertainment and sport across the world."
In an ideal world, the colour of someone's skin shouldn't be a matter of debate. People should be free to love and marry who they want without criticism and scrutiny. Unfortunately we are not living in an ideal world, and like many things in life, the matter of interracial relationships is never black or white.
Habeeb Akande, author of Illuminating the Blackness
26 March 2019
Historically white women have been depicted as the epitome of female beauty and status, whilst dark skin and 'typical African women features' are denigrated. This continues today as mainstream media in the western world continues to perpetuate the idea that white women, fair skin tone and 'European features' are the most desirable features. The internalised racism and colourism which many black people suffer from may play a part in why many black footballers prefer to date lighter skinned/white women.
Cultural upbringing is very influential in choosing a marital partner. It is noticeable how many African-born black footballers in Europe marry black women, in comparison to British-born black footballers. Many African footballers in Europe may date white women, but the vast majority of them marry a black woman. This may be due to the cultural expectations some Africans hold.
According to the UK's 2011 Census, black people of Caribbean descent are more likely to be in an interracial relationship (43%) in comparison to black British people of African descent (22%). Preserving culture for the next generation is fundamental when choosing a bride for many Africans. According to several African cultures, marriage is a political event, where one needs to take into account family, cultural and religious considerations when choosing a spouse. Love is important but culture is just as important when getting married for many Africans. This is in stark contrast to contemporary British values about love and marriage which tends to be more individualistic. This may be some of the reasons behind the discrepancy between Caribbean and African people in inter-ethnic relationships. It is worth pointing out that many 'black' people from the Caribbean are actually multi-ethnic, which may also be another reason why they are more likely to be involved in an interracial / inter-ethnic relationship, in comparison to black Africans in the UK.
Beauty politics in Europe, where the white/light-skinned women is venerated naturally shapes perceptions of beauty. For successful black British footballers who have acquired riches and status, they will generally have a greater pool of female suitors to choose a marital partner. The fact that the majority appear to exclusively marry non-black women illustrates this may be a subconscious decision that is not solely based on 'love.' High profile footballers tend to date/marry conventionally attractive women, irrespective of the woman's educational background or status. Beauty is the main factor, which is why many footballers date/marry white European models during the height of their career. This is not necessarily the case for conventionally unattractive black men in low-paid jobs, as their dating pool is usually much smaller than a rich and famous sportsperson.
Preference is shaped by socio-cultural environmental factors. As human beings we are all products of our environment. Living in a society which teaches that fair skin and Eurocentric features are the epitome of female beauty, it is not surprising that a large number of black men who attain a level of success which provides them with a variety of women will choose a white woman as a mate.
That being said, one may ask why is it the most black British women are less likely to be in an interracial relationship, in comparison with black men? Figures show 48% of black Caribbean men, 20% of black African men and 34% of black Caribbean women are in interracial relationships in the UK. This may be due to the fact that black women have been socially conditioned from young to marry black men, whereas black men have not had such restrictions.
Personally as a black man and life-long football fan, I couldn't care less who black footballers date or marry. However, I understand in this digital age, where people idolise celebrities and are influenced by their life choices, it is a discussion worth having. Especially given the fact that many black women have raised this as an issue for years. We should listen and respect the voices of black women even if we don't initially agree.
It also cannot be denied that there are many impressionable young men who will believe that black women aren't suitable marital partners because they are not portrayed in that light in mainstream media and because they're not publicly celebrated by their black footballing heroes. Representation matters and the lack of dark skinned women wives in the public eye can influence perceptions of desirability and beauty, as Toni Tone says,
"To all those people that say 'love is love' - yes I fully agree, but representation is also appreciated. Sure we have our own families to look to for that, but it's also nice to see nuclear black families being represented in mainstream entertainment and sport across the world."
In an ideal world, the colour of someone's skin shouldn't be a matter of debate. People should be free to love and marry who they want without criticism and scrutiny. Unfortunately we are not living in an ideal world, and like many things in life, the matter of interracial relationships is never black or white.
Habeeb Akande, author of Illuminating the Blackness
26 March 2019
Former England footballer Emile Heskey and wife Chantelle
Former England footballer Cyrille Regis and wife Julia
Former England footballer, Ian Wright, with wife, Nancy Hallam.
Former England footballer Carlton Palmer and wife