Rise of Black Soccer Culture: Building Community Through Sport

February 3, 2025

A Growing Movement

Photo by Matthew Stith and Jared Martinez for SoccerBible

Even more telling is the pace of this growth: our latest research shows that more than a quarter of Black soccer fans (27%) have joined the movement within just the last five years, a rate 58% higher than the overall soccer fan base (For Soccer). This isn’t just a trend; it’s a transformation.

Couple this data with the growing economic influence of Black Americans whose current $1.7 trillion buying power is projected to grow to $2 trillion by 2026, there’s a strong case to pay attention to this emerging fan community (Nielsen).

Local Roots, National Impact


Black Star: Bridging Passion, Opportunity

Founded in 2021, Black Star emerged from a simple yet powerful mission: to cultivate Black soccer culture, create pathways, and elevate soccer as a leading sport among Black Americans. Through content and storytelling, player experiences, curated fan events, and culturally inspired merchandise, we’re creating fan engagement opportunities that reflect the unique energy and creativity of Black communities.

The Challenge: Matching Growth with Access

Our community’s enthusiasm is undeniable—91% of Black Star participants report at least “slight” growth in soccer’s popularity within their communities, with nearly half noting “tremendous” growth. This surge is fueled in part by increasing representation: 65% of our community feels more connected to the sport because of Black players’ success on the field.

However, this rising tide hasn’t lifted all boats equally. Despite the sport’s growing popularity, 30% of our Black Star audience reports that local opportunities to participate haven’t kept pace. This gap between passion and access drives our mission.


Building the Future: Our Key Initiatives

Shaping Cultural Conversations

In 2024, Black Star brought soccer into one of the year’s most significant cultural gatherings—REVOLT WORLD in Atlanta. Our panel, “The Next Wave of Soccer Culture,” united voices from across the soccer spectrum: from GOAL USA host Raheem Taylor-Parkes to Utah Royals player Imani Dorsey, from content creator Jessica Black to visual artist Gianni Lee. Together, they explored how the next generation is reimagining soccer culture in Black communities.

Check out a preview of the panel below and learn more about the panel, the experience, and watch the full video on the Black Star website.

Breaking Down Barriers

Black Star and Black Players for Change joined forces to create a more inclusive landscape for young Black players and remove barriers to entry through funding for eight different organizations around the country, including:

  • 100 Black Men of Austin
  • Black Players for Change Spring Break Soccer Camp
  • CJ Brown Foundation
  • Coastal Outreach Soccer
  • Leysól Foundation, Coyotes Futbol Club
  • Open Goal Project
  • Outreach of Cape Fear
  • Pinto Futbol Foundation

Said Allen Hopkins Jr., Executive Director of Black Players for Change: “We are excited to join forces with Black Star to bridge the gap in access to soccer opportunities. This partnership represents a significant step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive soccer landscape for Black youth.”

The initiative will create lasting impact focusing on:

  • Expanding access to quality soccer programs
  • Developing pathways for players, coaches, and leaders
  • Promoting diversity and inclusion in the soccer industry
  • Utilizing soccer as a tool for social change

Opportunities to Play

In 2024, Black Star provided 2,500 youth registrants the opportunity to play, whether it was their first time kicking a ball or seeking to show their skills in front of college and professional team scouts.

Black Star’s First Touch Youth Clinics and Allstate Next Wave Showcases, held historically in Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C., have provided players and their families a chance to join others in their local community.

But those aren’t Black Star’s only events. For the past few years, the organization has partnered with HBCU schools to host an HBCU ID Showcase alongside its Allstate Next Wave Showcase in Houston, attracting players looking to be seen by coaches from schools like Howard University, Jackson State University, Wiley College, and more.

Stay tuned for an announcement regarding 2025 Black Star events.

Amplifying HBCU Soccer

At the intersection of athletic excellence and Black cultural heritage, HBCUs play a crucial role in developing the next generation of on-field and off-field talent. Black Star’s recent “Our Space to Play” content series explores this vital connection:

  • Kensley Simmons, Alabama State University, and Soccer (watch video)
  • Paul Quinn College builds family, opportunity through soccer (watch video)

To support aspiring players, Black Star also created comprehensive resources mapping HBCU soccer programs nationwide, complementing the Allstate Next Wave Showcase & HBCU ID Camp initiatives. Check out the full list on the Black Star website, or use the map below.

Celebrating Black Excellence in Soccer

  • The enduring legacy of icons like Pelé (read more)
  • The cultural impact of signature cleats in Black soccer culture (read more)
  • Rising stars like Lily Yohannes, who brings her Eritrean roots to the USWNT (read more)

A New Era of Ownership and Influence

The connection between Black culture and soccer continues to deepen through unprecedented levels of Black ownership and investment in the sport. From our Black Star Advisory Board to global superstars, influential figures are helping shape soccer’s future:

  • Sports icons like LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes, and Serena Williams
  • Actors like Gabrielle Union and Michael B. Jordan
  • Cultural leaders and musicians like Sway Calloway, Drake, and Ciara

These investments represent more than financial stakes—they’re commitments to expanding access and opportunity. Check out this list of nearly 40 big-time Black investors in soccer.


Looking Forward

As we celebrate Black History Month, we’re not just acknowledging soccer’s growing popularity in Black communities—we’re actively working to ensure that this surge in interest translates into lasting opportunities. Through Black Star’s offerings across content and storytelling, fan experiences, and community engagement, we’re helping write the next chapter in American soccer’s evolution.

The beautiful game is at its best when it reflects the diversity of our world. With the continued growth of Black participation at all levels—from grassroots through ownership—soccer’s future in America looks brighter than ever.