Emile Heskey

Emile Heskey, a former professional footballer renowned for his time with Liverpool FC and the England national team, has transitioned into a prominent advocate for racial equality within the sport. Currently serving as the Head of Football Development at Leicester City Women, Emile is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in football. Motivated by personal experiences of racial prejudice, including instances where individuals would cross the street to avoid him, Emile addresses topics such as representation in leadership roles, the necessity for actionable change, and the lived realities of racism in football.​

Emile’s journey began in Leicester City’s youth academy, leading to a successful playing career with clubs like Liverpool FC, Birmingham City, and Aston Villa. He earned 62 caps for England, playing as part of the the FA Cup winning team in 2001, and participating in major tournaments such as the 2002 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2004. This is in addition to being four-time English League winner for Leicester City in 1997 and 2000, and for Liverpool FC in 2001 and 2003. His on-field experiences provided first-hand insight into the challenges faced by black players, fuelling his commitment to advocate for systemic change within the sport.​

In recent years, Emile has been vocal about the need for a comprehensive action plan to combat racism in football. He highlights the underrepresentation of black individuals in managerial and executive positions, questioning, “Where do you see them within management? Where do you see them within the boardroom?” His autobiography, Even Heskey Scored, was shortlisted for Autobiography of the Year, further amplifying his voice on these critical issues.​

As a speaker, Emile delves into the importance of diversity in leadership, the implementation of effective anti-racism strategies, and shares personal anecdotes that shed light on the subtle and overt forms of discrimination in football. His focus on racial equality is not just theoretical but grounded in lived experience, making his insights both authentic and compelling. Organisations seeking to foster inclusive cultures and address racial disparities would benefit from Emile’s profound understanding and passionate advocacy.