Who Is Justin Fashanu? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on February 19, 1961, Justin Fashanu made history as the first openly gay professional footballer in the UK. His revolutionary stance on sexuality in sports has inspired countless athletes since his debut. Fashanu's career took off in the late '70s, and he played for clubs like Norwich City and Nottingham Forest, leaving a lasting impact on the football community. Unfortunately, his life faced tragic endings with his passing in 1998, but his legacy continues to inspire discussions about LGBTQ+ rights in sports.
| Occupation | Football Coach |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 19, 1961 |
| Age | 37 Years |
| Birth Place | Hackney, London, England |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 2 May, 1998 |
| Died Place | Shoreditch, London, England |
Popularity
Justin Fashanu's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Justin Fashanu's athletic build was typical of a professional soccer player. In his prime, he stood at a height of approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and weighed around 180 pounds (82 kg). His notable height and physique contributed to his excellence as a forward, making him a formidable presence on the pitch.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Fashanu's relationships were often the subject of media attention, as he navigated his personal life as an openly gay athlete. Throughout his life, he had several romantic relationships, but no long-term partnerships were widely recognized. Fashanu's candid nature about his sexuality was groundbreaking, making him a sought-after figure in discussions around LGBTQ+ advocacy within sports.
Fashanu was the son of a Nigerian barrister living in the UK and a Guyanese nurse named Pearl. When his parents split up, he and his younger brother John were sent to a Barnardo's care home. When he was six, he and John were fostered by Alf and Betty Jackson and were brought up in Shropham, Norfolk.
Fashanu excelled at boxing as a youth, and was rumoured at one time to be pursuing a professional boxing career instead of his footballing career.
Fashanu attended Attleborough High School in the 1970s where his talent for football developed, and was scouted by Norwich City scout John Sainty in a school match against Thetford Grammar School in 1974.
Net Worth and Salary
Although Justin Fashanu played primarily during the late 20th century, his estimated net worth at the time of his passing was around £500,000. Considering the era, this was a substantial amount, reflecting both his success on the field and his involvement in various other ventures. While many athletes today earn millions, in the context of 1990s football, Fashanu's earnings were commendable.
Career, Business and Investments
Fashanu's football career was characterized by significant achievements, including being the first black footballer to command a £1 million transfer fee when he moved to Nottingham Forest. Beyond football, he explored various opportunities, including television appearances and coaching. His post-football life included a commitment to LGBTQ+ activism, as he sought to create an inclusive environment for current and future athletes.
Justinus Soni "Justin" Fashanu (19 February 1961 – 2 May 1998) was an English footballer who played for a variety of clubs between 1978 and 1997. He was known by his early clubs to be gay, and came out publicly later in his career, becoming the first professional footballer to be openly gay.
He was also one of the first footballers to command a £1 million transfer fee, with his transfer from Norwich City to Nottingham Forest in 1981, and had varying levels of success as a player afterwards, until he retired in 1997.
Social Network
Justin Fashanu's influence continues to resonate on social media platforms and among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Several organizations honor his legacy, promoting awareness and inclusivity in sports. Fashanu's narrative serves as a powerful story of resilience and courage, echoing on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, where fans and advocates share his story to inspire future generations.
In February 1993, with Torquay battling against a second successive relegation, from the new Division Three to the Football Conference, Fashanu applied for the vacant post of manager following Compton's departure, but was turned down in favour of Neil Warnock. Fashanu left Torquay, having scored 15 goals in 41 games for the Gulls.
He went on to play for Airdrieonians soon after but was unable to save them from suffering relegation from the Scottish Premier Division.
Education
Justin Fashanu attended local schools in his hometown of Norwich and developed a passion for football at a young age. His dedication to the sport led him to pursue a professional career, overshadowing the academic endeavors that typically accompany traditional educational paths. Fashanu's life story is a testament to the extraordinary achievements that can arise from following one's passion.
In March 1998, a seventeen-year-old stated to police that he had been sexually assaulted by Fashanu after a night of drinking. Homosexual acts were illegal in the US state of Maryland at the time, and the youth stated the act was not consensual but being performed as he awoke.
The assault was alleged to have taken place in Fashanu's apartment in Ellicott City, Maryland. Fashanu was questioned about this by the police on 3 April, but he was not held in custody.
The police later arrived at his flat with a warrant to arrest him on charges of second-degree sexual assault, first-degree assault, and second-degree assault, but Fashanu had already fled to England.
