Rio Ferdinand is one of only two current players in a list of the most influential black people in football
The Black List has been published by The Voice, Britain's leading newspaper for the black community, to highlight the contribution that people from an African Caribbean background are making to the game
The black community has had a long association with the game, dating back to Arthur Wharton who became the world's first professional black footballer in 1889 when he made his debut for Preston North End
The 30 most influential black people in English football:
Hope Powell
Lord John Taylor
Jason Rockett
Alex Williams
Darren Lewis
Uriah Rennie
Noel Blake
Paul Elliott
Garth Crooks
Lord Herman Ouseley
Chris Ramsey
Tony Whelan
Hepburn Harrison-Graham
Rio Ferdinand
Rodney Hinds
Chris Kamara
Robbie Earle
Sky Andrew
Tony Finnigan
Heather Rabbats
John Barnes
Les Ferdinand
Ian Wright
Bobby Barnes
Brendon Batson
Chris Powell
Paul Ince
Keith Alexander
Andy Ansah
Chris Nathaniel
clipped from: news.bbc.co.uk 