How Arsenal became synonymous with black identity and culture

This season, Arsenal have celebrated their African heritage and connection to the continent with their away kit, whose color scheme matches the Pan-African flag.

Sierra Leonean-born Foday Dumbuya designed the jersey and the official trailer was filmed in the country’s capital, Freetown.

“It was fun to go back to where I come from, to see the way kids connect with football, the way people in Africa watch football, because football is life,” Dumbuya said.

As someone who grew up in London, Dr Nwonka describes an Arsenal shirt as ‘the uniform’ of the city.

He believes that a similar trend is reflected on the African continent.

Born in London to Nigerian parents, Saka is adored by Arsenal fans as a ‘star boy’ – a slang term for a young male celebrity – and was instrumental in the launch of the new away kit and accompanying clothing collection.

The 23-year-old has more than 230 appearances for the Gunners and has been vocal about the fight against racism and cultural insensitivity in the sport.

“He transcends his race in many ways. He has cross-cultural appeal because he is British and Nigerian,” said Dr. Nwonka.

As such, the baby-faced winger has cemented himself as a Premier League and international fixture, and is an inspiration to the next generation of footballers and supporters, regardless of their background.

He is the latest in Arsenal’s growing history of black icons.