Blind Footballer Honoured in Hall of Fame

England’s most capped and decorated blind footballer, Darren Harris, is set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the National Football Museum.

Darren was diagnosed with a type of cancer in both eyes known as bilateral retinoblastoma aged fifteen months, which led to a gradual loss of eyesight.

At secondary school sports became an important outlet for Darren, giving him focus and direction.  He went to university for mathematics and then worked in the information technology sector. 

His love for playing football didn’t diminish though and in 1996 he made his debut for the England blind football team. He became captain in 2002 and helped the team qualify a place at the Athens Paralympic Games in 2004.

However, they were barred from taking part, as the other Home Nations besides England, wouldn’t sanction a Great Britain team to play.

Already owning a black belt in judo, Harris quit his job, switched sports and began training full-time in Judo. He competed at the Beijing Paralympics in 2008.

Troubled by injury leading up to the World Championships in 2010 and World Games in 2011, he finished Judo and returned to football to play at the London Paralympic Games in 2012, becoming a Dual-Paralympian.

“Darren Harris is a remarkable athlete, and role model,” said Tim Desmond, CEO of the National Football Museum.

“His achievements on the pitch were extraordinary, but it is his impact off the pitch—challenging perceptions, empowering others and championing inclusion—that truly sets him apart. We are honoured to welcome him into the Hall of Fame and to celebrate a career that has inspired so many.”

Across his international football career which spanned over two decades, Darren is England's most capped blind player, making 157 appearances, scoring 34 goals, and winning ten World and European medals between 1997 and 2019.

Darren was also awarded an Albion Foundation Star for his 'Outstanding Contribution to West Bromwich Albion Teams'. He was recognised as one of the world's best strikers in blind football, winning the League and Cup trophies three times each and the Golden Boot five times.

Since retiring from competitive international football, 52-year-old Darren has continued to shape sport and society. He has become a respected motivational speaker, performance consultant and inclusion advocate, working with schools, businesses and governing bodies to champion accessibility and mindset development.

He also serves as a mentor to young para-athletes, sharing his experiences to help the next generation navigate the challenges of elite sport. His commitment to driving positive change, both inside and outside football, has solidified his status as one of the most influential figures in British disability sport.

Darren’s induction to the Hall of Fame at the National Football Museum in Manchester, will take place on December 5, during the 2025 Para Sport Awards.

For further information about the National Football Museum visit https://nationalfootballmuseum.com/