From the dusty training grounds of Nairobi to the high-stakes recruitment rooms of the English Premier League, Naythan Din-Kariuki is quietly redefining what it means to make it in football.
The UK-based scout has been named as a winner in the 2025 Football Black List Awards alongside Arsenal Star Eberechi Eze, Manchester City Coach Kolo Toure and Manchester United Chief Executive Officer Omar Berrada among other greats.
Kariuki’s recognition is more than a personal milestone, it is a reflection of how Kenyan minds can shape the game far beyond the touchline.
Who is Naythan Din-Kariuki?
Din-Kariuki currently serves as Lead Data Scout at Aston Villa, where he plays a central role in identifying talent for the club.
Working within one of the most competitive leagues in world football, his job involves breaking down player data, assessing performance trends and aligning recruitment with the club’s tactical philosophy.
In a modern game increasingly driven by analytics, his contribution helps shape how clubs invest in players and build squads capable of competing at the highest level.
His journey into elite football is both unique and inspiring. Din-Kariuki began his career in Kenya with SportPesa League side Kariobangi Sharks as a goalkeeper coach before shifting into performance analysis.
ALSO READ: Life of second chances – The rise, the fall and rise again of Kenyan international Frank Odhiambo
That transition proved pivotal, opening doors in Europe where he gained experience with AC Horsens in Denmark and later with Oxford United.
His steady rise through these roles eventually earned him a move to Aston Villa, where he quickly progressed within the recruitment structure.
Beyond club duties, Din-Kariuki has also received recognition for his work within football circles.
He has been part of UEFA’s elite scouting development pathways, a programme designed to nurture top recruitment minds across Europe.
Kenyan scout Naythan Din-Kariuki earns global recognition
Additionally, he has been named among Kenya’s Top 40 Under 40, underlining his growing reputation as one of the country’s leading young professionals in sport.
His inclusion in the Football Black List places him among a distinguished group of individuals making an impact across various sectors of the game.
Among the notable names is Kolo Touré, who enjoyed a decorated playing career with clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool before moving into coaching.
Former winger Nathan Dyer, best known for his time at Swansea City where he won the League Cup, is also recognized for his contribution to the game.
In football administration, Berrada stands out, having held senior leadership roles at Manchester City before taking up a top executive position at Manchester United.
On the women’s side, Jess Carter continues to shine for Chelsea Women and the England national team, underlining the growing prominence of the women’s game.
Full list
Players
Naomi Bedeau, Oxford United Women and Grenada
Jess Carter, Gotham FC and England
Alex Iwobi, Fulham and Nigeria
Shakira Waithe, Enfield Town
Eberechi Eze, Arsenal and England
Coaching and Management
Carly Williams, Brentford Women
Kolo Toure, Manchester City
Justin Cochrane, England men’s team
Nicole Farley, West Ham
Simon Mesfin, Lillestrom Director of Football
Ugo Ehiogu
Ones to Watch
Daniel Jinadu, Beyond Football
Charlotte Akster, Notts County Foundation
Naythan Din-Kiriuki, Aston Villa
Rhianna Blake, Switched On Media
Mia Lazaro, Freelance events consultant
Lord Ouseley Leaders
Jessica Creighton, FA Women’s National League Board
Imani Esmaail, Wrexham AFC
Debra Nelson, WSL Board
Omar Berrada, CEO, Manchester United
Paul Elliott, Vice-Chair, Charlton Athletic
Media
Sirayah Shiraz, DAZN and PLP
Emerson Bargao, Benchviews TV
Chris Reidy, Sky Sports
Karel Prince, HMRC of Football
Reece Bedford, Arsenal
Barclays Community and Grassroots
Jude Geoghegan, Estudiantes (Disability football coach)
Aura Chacon, Leicester City in the Community
Esther Elias, EOE Collective
Cheryl Amatrading, Antoin Akpom Achievements Foundation
Kafele Morgan, Kick Action Academy
Commercial
Bree Sesay, Sid Lee Sport
Sechaba Ntsiu, EA SPORTS
Milena Mesfin, Fredrikstaad FC
David Lynam, Kaizen Ticketing Solutions
Nathan Dyer, Agent
Practitioners
Celeste Stevens, Reading FC
Martin Sinclair, Disability Football Collective
Kerris Dunn, Premier League
Martin Ingham-Grifith, Foundation 92
Peter Augustine, The FA
LGBTQ+
Liz Ward, Consultant
About the Football Black List
The Football Black List is an initiative that recognizes and celebrates the contributions of people of African and Caribbean heritage across all areas of the sport.
Founded to highlight excellence and improve representation within football, the list spans several categories including playing, coaching, administration, media and community work.
Over the years, it has grown into one of the most respected platforms for acknowledging influence beyond the pitch, shining a light on individuals who are shaping the present and future of the game in different capacities.
What makes this recognition significant is the diversity of roles represented. From former players and coaches to analysts, executives, and community leaders, the Football Black List reflects the many layers that keep the sport moving.
For Kenya, Din-Kariuki’s achievement sends a strong message. It proves that the country’s contribution to football is no longer confined to producing talent on the pitch, but also extends to shaping the game at a strategic level.
His rise offers a clear pathway for aspiring analysts and scouts, showing that with the right blend of knowledge, persistence, and opportunity, it is possible to reach the very top of the global game.