Justin Fashanu, the first openly homosexual British football player, made a significant impact both on and off the field. Born and raised in Hackney, London, Fashanu initially gained attention as a boxer before excelling in youth and reserve football teams for Norwich City. With over a hundred matches and 40 goals under his belt, he also represented the English national under-21 team. However, his life took a tragic turn when he faced charges of sexual assault in 1998, leading him to take his own life. Despite the controversy surrounding his death, Fashanu’s contributions to the sport were recognized when he was posthumously inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in 2020.
Quick Facts
- British Celebrities Born In February
- Also Known As: Justinus Soni Fashanu
- Died At Age: 37
- Family:
- Father: Patrick Fashnu
- Mother: Pearl Gopal
- Siblings: John Fashanu
- Born Country: England
- Football Players
- Black Sportspersons
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm), 6’1″ Males
- Died on: May 2, 1998
- Place of death: Shoreditch, London, England
- Cause of Death: Suicide
Career
Justin Fashanu had a successful career in both boxing and football. As a teenager, he reached two national finals as a boxer, gaining popularity in the sport. He then made progress in the football team of Norwich City, playing as a central striker. Fashanu’s skills on the field were recognized when he won the BBC Goal of the Season award for scoring an impressive goal against Liverpool. He played a total of 103 senior games for Norwich City and scored 40 goals.
In 1981, Fashanu joined Nottingham Forest for a transfer fee of £1 million. However, his performance with the team was disappointing, and he faced verbal abuse from the club’s manager, Brian Clough. He later played for Southampton FC on loan and was transferred to Notts County FC in 1982. Unfortunately, Fashanu suffered a knee injury the following year, which affected his playing ability. He underwent surgery in the US and continued his career, playing for teams such as Los Angeles Heat in the US and Edmonton Brickmen and Hamilton Steelers in Canada.
In 1989, Fashanu returned to England and joined Manchester City. However, less than a month later, he moved to West Ham United. Throughout his career, Fashanu played for multiple British clubs, although his stints with each team were often short-lived.
In 1993, Fashanu began playing for the Trelleborg football club, but he quickly joined Heart of Midlothian. Unfortunately, his contract with Heart of Midlothian was terminated due to “unprofessional conduct.” He then moved to Atlanta Ruckus but was suspended by the team for failing to comply with the terms of his contract. In 1997, Fashanu joined Miramar Rangers in New Zealand. Eventually, he retired from professional football.
Personal Life
Justin Fashanu was born on February 19, 1961, to a Nigerian barrister and a Guyanese nurse named Pearl. His parents separated when he was young, and he and his brother John grew up in a charity home for children.
Fashanu made history as the first openly gay footballer. In March 1998, he was accused of sexual assault by a seventeen-year-old in his apartment. At the time, homosexual acts were illegal in Maryland, where the incident occurred. The youth claimed that the assault was non-consensual. Fashanu was charged with second-degree sexual assault, but he had already fled to England before the police arrived at his apartment.
Tragically, Fashanu’s body was found on May 3, 1998, in a deserted garage in Fairchild Place, London. He left a suicide note stating that the charges against him were false and that the sexual encounter was consensual. Fashanu believed that due to his sexuality, he would not receive a fair trial, which led him to flee to England. His remains were cremated, and a ceremony was held at the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium.