Andrew Watson: The World's First Black Footballer Until recently, it was believed that the world’s first black football player was Arthur Wharton, who played for Preston North End in the late nineteenth century. However evidence has recently come to light showing that a man by the name of Andrew W

Recent evidence has come to light that
reveals a man by the name of Andrew
Watson was the world’s first black football
player. Starting his career in 1874, he was
successful at all levels of the game and set
the path for those that would follow him.
Watson was born in British Guiana in 1857
and later came to Britain, attending public
school in Halifax. He was educated at King's
College School, where he excelled at sports
including football. He went on to study
natural philosophy, mathematics and
engineering at University of Glasgow,
before leaving, it is thought, to begin work
as an engineer. In 1875 he enrolled in
Glasgow University, were he studied Maths,
Natural Philosophy, Civil Engineering and
Mechanics.
Watson, who played on either side of
defence or in midfield, began his playing
career with Maxwell in Glasgow, followed
by a stint at Parkgrove in 1874. Later, he
played for Queens Park, the top team in
Scotland at the time, spending seven years
there from 1880-1887. According to the
‘Scottish Football Association Annual’ of
1880-81, he was;
"One of the very best backs we have; since
joining Queen's Park has made rapid strides
to the front as a player; has great speed and
tackles splendidly; a powerful and sure kick;
well worthy of a place in any representative
team."