From Apartheid South Africa to Football Stardom
Quinton Fortune‘s story is one of resilience that transcends football. Growing up in apartheid-era South Africa, the former Manchester United midfielder faced systemic racism before he even kicked a ball professionally. Now assistant manager of United’s U23s, Fortune reveals to Jeetwin his most painful football memory – racial abuse from a teammate during his early career in Spain.
“I’ve never spoken about this much but the lowest point in my life was in Spain,” Fortune shares in this exclusive interview. “Not just as a football player, but as a human being.”
The Mallorca Nightmare: Racism in Spanish Football
At just 17-18 years old, Fortune found himself isolated at Real Mallorca (on loan from Atletico Madrid) when a senior player began racially abusing him during training.
“The manager didn’t communicate with me. I had no support,” recalls Fortune. “I was just told to sit on the side of the pitch. I never prayed so much in all my life just to get away from that club.”
Football analyst James Wilson tells Jeetwin: “Fortune’s experience highlights the systemic challenges black players faced – and still face – in European football. The lack of support structures for young foreign players was particularly alarming.”
Breaking Barriers: The Fight for Black Coaches
Now 43 and working towards his pro license, Fortune is determined to change football’s coaching landscape:
- Only 6% of coaches in English football are black (despite 34% of players being black)
- Champions the Rooney Rule for interview opportunities
- Aims for 4-5 black Premier League managers by 2023
Rashford: The United Way
Fortune praises Marcus Rashford’s social activism: “What Marcus has done is beyond his years. This sums up Manchester United – the very core is humility.”
He recalls Brian McClair’s words: “The humility Rashford showed – thinking about every kid in the country rather than himself – that’s Manchester United.”
The Road Ahead
As Fortune pursues his dream of managing Manchester United, his story serves as both warning and inspiration. While progress has been made since his Mallorca ordeal, his push for greater BAME representation in coaching reminds us how far football still must go.
Jeetwin will continue tracking Fortune’s coaching journey and football’s diversity efforts. What barriers do you think still exist for black coaches? Share your thoughts below.
