Shirt worn by English football’s first black superstar – Leeds legend Albert Johanneson – set for auction

A 1966 football shirt worn by a man hailed as the first black superstar in English football is tipped to spark a bidding war at auction.

The Leeds United shirt was worn by legendary left winger Albert Johanneson, a man who paved the way for the many top-flight black players in English football today. It will go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers in November with a guide price of £6,500-£7,500.

The crew-neck, long-sleeved shirt has stains and holes but it won’t deter bidders according to Hansons. Because as well as worn by an important footballer it features 23 signatures of Leeds squad members including Barrie Wright, Jack Charlton, Willie Bell, Paul Reaney, John Giles, Paul Madeley, Terry Cooper, Billy Bremner and Norman Hunter as well as Johanneson himself.

David Wilson-Turner, Head of Sports Memorabilia at Hansons, said: “The shirt was match-worn by Johanneson but we’re not able to clarify exactly which game it was. Nevertheless, interest is strong because this is an exceptional piece of Leeds United memorabilia relating to a ground-breaking player.

“Johanneson was a South African-born professional footballer who was one of the first high-profile black men, of any nationality, to play top-flight football in England. He is recognised as being the first person of African heritage to play in an FA Cup final in 1965 for Leeds United.

“Today, Johanneson is hailed by many as having paved the way for the many talented black players who shine bright in the English Premiership and at every level in British football, especially those with South African roots.

“He is viewed as a courageous pioneer considering the racial discrimination he suffered from spectators. He endured monkey chants and bananas being thrown at him. George Best, who played in the same era, said, ‘Albert was quite a brave man to actually go on the pitch in the first place, wasn’t he?’

“More praise came from former Portugal international Eusebio. He said generations of black footballers should look to Albert Johanneson and thank him for what he achieved.”

Johanneson (1940-1995) made 200 appearances for Leeds United and scored 67 goals between 1961-1970. He  was an integral part of the promotion-winning team of 1964. Billy Bremner said, ‘Albert was incredible – he would spin, turn and leave defenders 10 yards behind in the blink of an eye’. Johanneson finished his career at York City, making 26 appearances.

David said: “Johanneson had a challenging time in English football, being one of only a handful of professional black players.  He was recommended to Leeds United by a South African schoolteacher and joined the club in April 1961.

“By the 1963-64 season he’d established himself as a powerful attacking force. He has gone down in history as a legend of the game, a true pioneer. Sadly, post-football, he was dogged by ill health. He died alone aged only 55. His body lay undiscovered for a week in his flat in Leeds.”

In January 2019 Leeds United and Leeds Civic Trust unveiled a blue plaque commemorating Johanneson, his contribution to football and the city of Leeds.  In 2020 a picture of Johanneson was erected on the side of a building in Leeds.

Auction: Albert Johanneson’s football shirt, Lot 33, will be offered in Hansons Auctioneers’ November 14 Sporting Auction.

Enquiries: dwilsonturner@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk

Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com

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