Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
7 days ago
United Kingdom Viv Anderson, the first black man to play for the senior England team, transitioned from a trailblazing football career to advocating for player welfare and diversity.
Viv Anderson is the Chief Executive Officer and owner of Playonpro, a company founded to help retired professional footballers adjust to life after their careers, providing support to earn a living, make friends, and find new opportunities.
SurePure CBD announced a partnership with Viv Anderson MBE and PlayonPro, indicating a collaboration to promote CBD products, likely within the sports and wellness sector for athletes.
Viv Anderson, alongside Michael Vaughan, helped launch the Raleigh GAC cycling team for 2013. Raleigh UK was the primary sponsor, indicating his involvement in promoting the team and the brand.
Vivian Alexander Anderson, born on July 29, 1956, in Clifton, Nottingham, began his football journey with Nottingham Forest in 1974. He gained prominence under manager Brian Clough, becoming a regular in the team that achieved promotion to the First Division in 1977. His early career saw him win the First Division title in 1978 and consecutive European Cups in 1979 and 1980. Anderson’s inclusion in the England squad against Czechoslovakia in 1978 marked a significant milestone, as he became the first black footballer to represent England’s senior men’s national team, earning him 30 caps throughout his international career. He faced considerable racial abuse from rival fans during the 1970s, which he navigated with resilience, a trait he credits to his Jamaican parents’ Windrush generation upbringing.
After a decade with Nottingham Forest, Anderson moved to Arsenal in 1984 for £250,000, where he made 150 appearances and helped the team win the 1987 League Cup. In 1987, he became Sir Alex Ferguson’s first signing for Manchester United, playing a key role in the team’s second-place league finish in the 1987–88 season. His club career also included spells with Sheffield Wednesday, where he helped secure promotion to the First Division and reached both FA Cup and League Cup finals in 1993, and Barnsley, where he served as player-manager. He officially retired from playing after a brief stint with Middlesbrough in 1995, where he also served as assistant manager until 2001.
Post-retirement from playing, Anderson continued to contribute to football off the field. He was awarded an MBE in January 2000 and inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2004, recognizing his significant impact on English football. He has since been involved in various initiatives, including founding Playon Pro, a company dedicated to supporting former professional footballers in their post-playing careers by helping them find new opportunities and earn a living. Anderson’s journey continues to inspire, emphasizing the values of perseverance and representation within the sport.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
