Reclaiming Narratives: continued – For Club and Country: Sol Campbell

The King’s Honours List

The 2023 New Year Honours List led Sol Campbell to publically criticise his omission. He voiced that he deserved to be honoured and provided a number of reasons to support his view. Fellow ex-players Chris Kamara and Pat Jennings were included on the list, as they were recognised for their services to football and charity. Later on in the year, Campbell received a prestigious award for his ‘Lifetime of Achievements’ from the race equality charity Sporting Equals.

The 2025 honours lists have awarded Gareth Southgate and David Beckham with Knighthoods, and men’s football continues to be well represented. However, Campbell still awaits Royal recognition for his playing career, charitable endeavours and stance against racism. This article highlights his achievements and questions why being honoured still eludes him.

For club

Campbell planned to become an electrician before making it in football. In December 1992 aged 18, he made his professional debut for Tottenham Hotspurs. Sent on as a substitute, he became Spurs 9^th black footballer and announced himself to the Premier League with a goal against Chelsea.

A tall central defender, he developed into a quiet but instrumental leader on the pitch. He was made captain ahead of the 97-98 season and led Tottenham to League Cup glory in March 1999. In doing so, he made history as the first Black captain to win a Wembley cup final. He later signed for Arsenal, Portsmouth and Newcastle and won 2 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups and the “Arsenal Invincibles” accolade.

He made 503 Premier League appearances which places him 13^th on the all-time appearance list. Fellow ‘Invincibles’ Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Ashley Cole have been inducted to the league’s Hall of Fame, whilst Campbell still awaits the same recognition.

For country

On his England debut in 1996, Campbell replaced Paul Ince against Hungary. Ince had made history in 1993 when becoming England men’s first Black captain. Hence, it is fitting that Campbell succeeded Ince as England’s second Black captain. He wore the armband inEngland’s last match before the 1998 World Cup. At 23 and 248 days, he became the Three Lions youngest captain since Sir Bobby Moore.

He made more history at the 2002 World Cup when scoring in England’s opening group match. His header saw him become the first Black footballer to score for England at a World Cup finals. He subsequently became the first England player to appear in 6 consecutive major tournaments, and won 73 caps between 1996 and 2007. Campbell’s achievements for his country still await formal recognition by the English Football Hall of Fame.

Reclaiming Narratives continued…

Whilst many former and current footballers continue to be recognised in the UK Honours Lists, the name Sulzeer Jeremiah Campbell remains omitted. He has shared the pitch, if not the same shirt, with legends such as Alan Shearer (OBE 2001), David Beckham (OBE 2003), Les Ferdinand (MBE 2005), Steven Gerrard (MBE 2007), Jermain Defoe (OBE 2018), James Milner (MBE 2022) and Rio Ferdinand (OBE 2022).

Campbell has gone on record as saying “it would be an honour for me to have a Sir, OBE or MBE for my sport.” Indeed, under scrutiny, his list of achievements build a strong case when compared to others. His narrative requires support from football’s leading authorities. The onus should be placed on the Premier League and Football Association, to place Campbell’s name in their respective Hall of Fames.

By Richard Flash

Richard Flash is a senior lecturer in football and sport business management. He has 30 years of industry experience from playing professional sport, managing sport businesses and higher education leadership.

His research focuses on the racisms faced by the Premier League’s Black footballers, and he is a consultant to the anti-racism organisations Kick It Out, Show Racism the Red Card and The Football Black List.

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