Justin Fashanu
Footballer and first openly gay player

Born
February 19th, 1961
64 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1998
26 years ago — 37 years old
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
Played professional football primarily as a forward. Fashanu began his career at Norwich City, earning a reputation for his skill and agility on the pitch. He transferred to Nottingham Forest where he played under legendary manager Brian Clough. In the early 1990s, he became the first professional footballer in the UK to come out as gay, a notable milestone in sports history. His career included playing for various clubs across England and brief stints in the United States. Fashanu also represented the England U-21 team, gaining recognition for his talent at a young age.
First openly gay professional footballer in the UK
Played for Norwich City and Nottingham Forest
Represented England U-21 team
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