020 8914 8966
020 8914 8966
Viv was outstanding! He had broad appeal in our firm due to his footballing and ethnic background and people were really commending us for bringing him in. He was very entertaining and everyone loved his war stories and his opinions on diversity in the management of football.
Kenny, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
Viv Anderson – The First Black Footballer To Represent England
Viv Anderson is a legendary former international footballer and trailblazer, best known as the first black player to represent England at a senior level. Throughout an illustrious career, he played for elite clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, collecting domestic and European silverware along the way. Renowned for his calm composure, athletic talent and leadership, Viv has become a symbol of sporting excellence and resilience. A pioneer on and off the pitch, his legacy in football history is undeniable, making him a highly sought-after sports speaker known for inspiring, powerful and entertaining stories from his groundbreaking journey.
Credentials and Impact
Viv carved out an extraordinary career in football, shaped not only by technical skill but also by unwavering mental strength. Born in Clifton, Nottingham, he began his journey as a schoolboy player at Manchester United before signing professionally with Nottingham Forest in 1974. Under the management of Brian Clough, Viv rose through the ranks to win back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980 and two League Cups. He went on to represent Arsenal, Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday, earning a reputation as a versatile and dependable defender.
His England debut in 1978 was a defining moment for British sport, as he broke racial barriers and earned 30 caps for his country. Throughout his club and international career, Viv maintained composure in the face of racial abuse, choosing instead to educate and inspire future generations. After retiring in 1995, he remained active in football through his involvement with the Football Association and National Football Museum, continuing to influence the sport’s development and social progress.
Publications and Media
Viv has shared his experiences and insights through a range of media appearances, becoming a familiar face on programmes such as BBC Sport, Match of the Day and Sky Sports News. He has also featured on talkSPORT radio, offering expert commentary and reflections on the modern game. Frequently invited as a special guest at football events and televised discussions, Viv contributes to conversations around race, resilience and the evolution of football, cementing his status as a respected voice in the sport.
Why Book Viv?
Viv is widely booked as a football speaker for his pioneering role in breaking racial barriers and his wealth of experience at the highest levels of the game. Audiences value his ability to speak with authenticity about adversity, leadership and the power of resilience. With first-hand stories from the dressing rooms of clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal, Viv offers an insider’s perspective that is both engaging and insightful. He was awarded an MBE in 2000 and voted into Nottingham Forest’s all-time Greatest XI with overwhelming support from fans.
His appearances for the Football Association and the National Football Museum further highlight his ongoing influence in the sport. Known for his humour, humility and thought-provoking reflections, Viv continues to inspire a wide range of audiences, from corporate teams to young athletes. His talks resonate with those looking to understand the mindset needed to overcome obstacles and create lasting change in sport and society.
To book Viv to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.
