London, England — Former AC Milan and Sierra Leone international Rodney Strasser received a special invitation from the Premier League board ahead of the Football Black List celebration held in England on April 14, 2026.
He stood out as the only Sierra Leonean featured among a distinguished gathering of top African and Black figures in football, many of them former professional players.
The event, supported by the Premier League and held at the QEII Centre in Westminster, celebrates Black excellence and contributions to the sport. It brought together players, coaches, executives, and influencers from across the football community. This year’s honourees included Premier League stars such as Eberechi Eze and Alex Iwobi, Manchester City assistant coach Kolo Touré, and Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada, among others recognised for their positive impact on and off the pitch.
Strasser, a defensive midfielder born in Freetown on March 30, 1990, expressed his gratitude on social media shortly after the event.
“It was truly a pleasure to be invited to the Football Blacklist Awards last night. The atmosphere was incredible, surrounded by amazing people,” he posted, highlighting the inspiring environment and networking opportunities.
A Remarkable Career Journey
Strasser rose to prominence as a teenager when he joined AC Milan’s youth academy from local Sierra Leone club Kallon FC. He made his Serie A debut for the Rossoneri in the 2008–09 season and scored his only goal for the club in a 1–0 win over Cagliari in January 2011. Over his career, he had loan spells at clubs including Lecce, Parma, Reggina, and Livorno in Italy, as well as stints in other European leagues. He earned 13 caps for the Sierra Leone national team between 2010 and 2021.
Injuries, including multiple surgeries, challenged the latter part of his playing days, but Strasser has since transitioned into community work. He founded the Rodney Strasser Foundation in 2013, which focuses on sports development, education, and health initiatives for young people in Sierra Leone. He has also been involved in mentoring and giving lectures to aspiring talents back home.
Significance for Sierra Leonean Football
His invitation and presence at the Football Black List event mark a proud moment for Sierra Leonean football, shining an international spotlight on the country’s talent and contributions to the global game. Organisers and supporters have described it as recognition of Strasser’s enduring influence, from his breakthrough at one of Europe’s biggest clubs to his ongoing commitment to giving back.
The Football Black List, backed by the Premier League, the FA, Kick It Out, and other stakeholders, continues to highlight Black achievement and resilience in football while addressing broader issues of representation and inclusion in the sport.
Strasser’s participation underscores the growing international respect for African football legacies and serves as inspiration for the next generation of players from Sierra Leone and beyond.
