Jack Leslie (English footballer)

Jack Leslie (1901–1988) was an English professional footballer who played as an outside left. He is best known for the widely believed incident in 1925 where he was selected for the England national team, but subsequently dropped after selectors discovered he was Black. This alleged snub, though lacking definitive documentary proof from the FA archives at the time of the incident, has become a prominent narrative highlighting racial prejudice in British football history.

Early Life and Career:

Born in London to a Jamaican father and an English mother, Leslie began his footballing career at Barking Town. His impressive performances quickly attracted attention.

Plymouth Argyle:

In 1921, Leslie signed for Plymouth Argyle, where he spent the majority of his professional career. He became a prolific goalscorer and a popular figure at the club, making over 400 appearances and scoring over 130 goals. He was known for his skillful dribbling, powerful shot, and dedication to the team. He captained the side for a period.

England Selection Controversy:

The most significant aspect of Leslie's story centers around his alleged selection for the England national team in 1925. Numerous sources, including oral accounts from Leslie himself and supported by contemporary news reports noting his expected selection, claim he was initially chosen to represent his country. However, the story goes that the call-up was rescinded when Football Association officials learned of his racial heritage. The official reason given, if any, remains unclear. While concrete written evidence from the FA directly confirming this remains elusive, the story has been widely circulated and accepted, contributing significantly to the discussion of racism in football.

Later Career and Legacy:

After leaving Plymouth Argyle in 1934, Leslie played for non-league sides before retiring from professional football. Following his playing career, he worked as a boot boy and later as a physical education instructor.

Leslie's story resurfaced and gained widespread recognition posthumously. The narrative of his alleged England snub became a symbol of the racial barriers faced by Black players in the sport. In 2019, a statue of Jack Leslie was erected outside Home Park, Plymouth Argyle's stadium, honoring his contribution to the club and his significance as a pioneer. Campaigns for his recognition have aimed to address historical injustices and promote diversity and inclusion in football. He was inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in 2023.