Kenyan scout Din-Kariuki recognised in Football Black List alongside Arsenal star Eze
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 16.04.26. | 21:46
Others recognised in this year’s list include Naomi Bedeau of Oxford United Women and founder of Beat the Block CIC; Gotham FC and England defender Jess Carter; Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi; Barbados international Shakira Waithe; Brentford Women head coach Carly Williams; and coach Justin Cochrane
UK-based Kenyan data scout Naythan Din-Kariuki has earned global recognition after being named among the winners of the 2025 Football Black List, placing him alongside high-profile figures such as Eberechi Eze, Kolo Toure, and Omar Berrada.
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The honour sees Din-Kariuki join a distinguished group cutting across playing, coaching, executive leadership, and media.
Others recognised in this year’s list include Naomi Bedeau of Oxford United Women and founder of Beat the Block CIC; Gotham FC and England defender Jess Carter; Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi; Barbados international Shakira Waithe; Brentford Women head coach Carly Williams; and coach Justin Cochrane, among others.
Din-Kariuki currently serves as Lead Data Scout at Aston Villa, where he plays a central role in identifying and evaluating talent for the English Premier League side.
His work revolves around advanced performance analysis, interpreting player data, tracking trends, and ensuring recruitment aligns with the club’s tactical identity in an increasingly data-driven era.
His rise within the club has been swift. After being appointed as a First Team Recruitment Analyst in 2024, he has since stepped into a more influential position, where his insights directly shape squad-building decisions, particularly as the club eyes sustained success on the European stage.
The Football Black List 2025 is here.
— Football Black List (@FootieBlackList) March 25, 2026
A celebration of the individuals shaping the game across every level. 🖤
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Din-Kariuki’s journey into football analytics reflects both adaptability and steady progression. He began his career as a goalkeeper coach at Kariobangi Sharks in 2016, playing a part in the club’s promotion from the National Super League (NSL) to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).
He later worked with Eden Sports Group between 2018 and 2019 before moving to Oxford United in 2020.
His growing reputation saw him join Danish side AC Horsens in 2023 as a senior scout before making the switch to Aston Villa in April 2024.
Beyond his club duties, Din-Kariuki recently completed the UEFA Elite Scout Programme, where he was selected among just 34 scouts worldwide from a pool of over 300 applicants.
Reflecting on the experience, he noted that it broadened his understanding of scouting, player development, and the increasing role of artificial intelligence in modern recruitment.
The Football Black List, founded in 2008 by sports journalists Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds, is hosted by The Voice and celebrates Black excellence in football while driving conversations around representation across the sport.
The initiative recognises individuals of African and Caribbean heritage making a significant impact both on and off the pitch, with Din-Kariuki earning his place in the “Ones to Watch” category.
His achievement highlights Kenya’s growing footprint in global football beyond the pitch, which showcases how local talent is increasingly shaping the game as analysts, scouts, and decision-makers at the highest level.