Jermaine Jenas is a respected television presenter, football pundit, and former Premier League footballer, currently working as a co-commentator for the FA Cup on talkSPORT. His passion for racial equality is deeply personal, rooted in his lived experiences growing up on a council estate in Nottinghamshire. As a mixed-race child of Caribbean descent, Jermaine, alongside his mother and father, faced routine racism—both subtle and overt—during his formative years. These encounters shaped his understanding of racial inequality and now motivate him to speak out on issues of injustice. As a speaker, Jermaine focuses on topics such as racism in sport, diversity in media, the power of education, and the need for institutional change.
Jermaine’s professional football journey began at Nottingham Forest, where he made his debut at 17. His performances quickly earned him a high-profile move to Newcastle United in 2002, where he went on to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2003. He later transferred to Tottenham Hotspur, becoming a key figure in their midfield and winning the Football League Cup in 2008. Over time, Jermaine also played for Aston Villa and returned to Nottingham Forest on loan before signing with Queens Park Rangers, where he ended his playing career. He also represented England, earning 21 international caps. After retiring in 2016 due to injuries, Jermaine transitioned into broadcasting with BBC Sport, BT Sport, and later co-presented The One Show on BBC One.
In recent years, Jermaine has used his platform to uplift others. He co-founded the Aquinas Foundation, supporting disadvantaged youth through education and mentoring. In 2022, he was named one of the Top 10 Presenters or Journalists at The Ethnicity Awards, and in 2023, he received an honorary degree from Nottingham Trent University for his services to community engagement and equality.
Jermaine’s keynote talks explore the real impact of racism—through stories of his own upbringing and professional career—and how this continues to shape lives today. He links these personal experiences with broader themes of equity, representation, and opportunity. Whether addressing students, professionals or leadership teams, Jermaine offers heartfelt, insightful commentary on racial equality. His authenticity, coupled with his public profile and lived experience, makes him a powerful and credible voice for organisations seeking to make meaningful progress on inclusion.
