EA SPORTS FIFA JOINS FORCES WITH HAMZA CHOUDHURY TO RELEASE A NEW COMIC BOOK
The comic book, titled Hamza: My Story, explores Hamza’s journey to making it as a British Asian footballer in the Premier League.
FIFA 21
Apr 23, 2021
EA SPORTS and Hamza Choudhury have teamed up to release a comic book aiming to inspire the next generation.
The book, titled Hamza: My Story, documents his upbringing as a British Asian and his journey to making it as professional footballer in the Premier League.
From exploring how his family helped him pursue his dream to how his heritage shaped who he is today as a player and as a person, and how he first combated racism on the pitch, the comic is a celebration of Hamza’s status as a role model for us all.
It will be distributed to Premier League Primary Stars and Show Racism the Red Card linked schools to help inspire the next generation to follow their dreams.
Writing in the foreword of the book, Hamza said: “Being yourself is important in life and football. It was a lesson taught to me growing up: to love who you are and what you do. Without embracing my heritage, my skin and even my hair, I would not be the person or the footballer I am today. This is my story so far”.
The comic is part of the wider ‘Inspire The Next Generation’ EA SPORTS campaign, which aims to start fixing the cycle that has been holding back British Asian football talent for generations.
Research released in 2020 found that of the UK’s 4,000 professional footballers, just 10 were British Asian.
To further support the campaign, EA SPORTS has also teamed up with the Midnight Ramadan League: a grassroots football team founded to help those who struggle to play during their Ramadan fast, with matches kicking-off after Iftar and before Suhoor. Through the partnership, we’ve produced a TV advert featuring Hamza that celebrates the unique story of the league.
In FIFA 21, we’re releasing a number of bespoke FIFA 21 Midnight Ramadan League inspired in-game assets. These include an exclusive Midnight Ramadan League kit and stadium dressing, featuring a stylised centre circle flag and a custom tifo. The assets will be available in FIFA 21 Ultimate Team on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC until 29th April 2021.
At EA SPORTS, we want to do better and help to challenge the lack of representation in the game. Our mission is to inspire the next generation by amplifying the voices of British Asians in football.
On the pitch, the touchline, in the stands and online, everyone should be welcome.