English football’s East Asian pioneer recognised with posthumous cap

An honorary England cap was presented to the family of Frank Soo and the Frank Soo Foundation at Wembley last week to recognise the pioneering player’s role in the English game.

Soo was the first player of Chinese heritage to represent England at international level and first East Asian player to play in the Football League – making more than 170 appearances for Stoke City from 1933 to 1945. Later Soo would play for Luton Town and Chelmsford in the post-war era.

Soo made his England debut against Wales during the Second World War in 1942 and would go on to play a further eight times for the national team, captaining the RAF team during the war.

The family of Frank Soo and the @FSooFoundation were presented with a posthumous honorary cap at @WembleyStadium last night, as we acknowledged Frank as a trailblazer in English football.

— The FA (@FA) October 10, 2025

FSA National Council member Alan Lau, who chairs the Frank Soo Foundation, said: “Frank Soo was one of the most talented players of his generation, whose story has often been overlooked.

“It is really important to honour the contribution of all players who have blazed a trail in the national game.

“We and the Soo family are so proud of this achievement and cannot wait to see the impact this recognition will have on East and South East Asian communities and for English football.”

Incredible to be at the England vs Wales match, witnessing the presentation of the posthumous Frank Soo honorary cap

The first player of Asian descent to represent England, and getting the recognition he deserved.

A true moment for football history and a brilliant trailblazer pic.twitter.com/toZ5DOUURd

— Nilesh Chauhan (@chauhnz) October 10, 2025

Wartime matches aren’t officially recognised by FIFA and the FA chose to award the honorary cap during East Asian Heritage Month to celebrate Soo’s contribution to the game.

Head of diversity and inclusion at the FA Dal Darroch said: “Frank Soo’s immense contribution to English football deserves lasting recognition. A player of great skill on the pitch, and of determination and resilience off it, his story lives on today.

“It’s also 80 years to the month since Frank’s final game for England, also against Wales, making this a fitting tribute. His pioneering legacy continues to inspire young players now, and will continue to do so for generations to come.”

In addition to his posthumous England cap, Soo was also inducted into the Stoke-on-Trent sporting hall of fame last year, an event attended by the FSA.

• Fans For Diversity is a campaign programme run in partnership between the FSA and Kick It Out. Fans For Diversity encourages, funds and supports initiatives by fan groups to promote diversity and inclusion in football, and to challenge all forms of discrimination. For more information, contact Nilesh Chauhan or Hannah Kumari.