British · Wolverhampton, England · Born 9 February 1958 · Died 2018-01-14British footballer who broke racial barriers in English football, becoming one of the first prominent black players and earning 5 England caps in the 1980s.
Cyrille Regis was born on 9 February 1958 in Maripasoula, French Guiana, to Robert Regis, a labourer from Saint Lucia, and Mathilde Regis, a seamstress. His father emigrated to England in 1962, and the rest of the family, including five-year-old Cyrille, followed a year later, settling in London. Regis did not progress through a professional club's youth ranks, instead training as an electrician and playing Sunday league and non-league football with Molesey and Hayes while working full-time. He was spotted by West Bromwich Albion, who signed him for just £5,000 in 1977, and he made an immediate impact, scoring twice on his League Cup debut against Rotherham. Regis became a pioneering figure for Black footballers in England, forming part of West Brom's celebrated attacking trio alongside Laurie Cunningham and Brendon Batson during the late 1970s — a group that endured significant racist abuse from crowds while helping transform attitudes within the English game. He scored 112 goals in 297 appearances for West Brom before moving to Coventry City in 1984, where he won the FA Cup in 1987. Regis earned five caps for England between 1982 and 1987, becoming the third Black player to represent the national team, and was named PFA Young Player of the Year in 1978. He was awarded an MBE in 2008 for services to football and charity, and after retiring in 1996 worked as a football agent. Regis died of a heart attack on 14 January 2018, at the age of 59, and a statue of Regis, Cunningham, and Batson was later unveiled outside West Brom's Hawthorns stadium in recognition of their pioneering impact.
Breaking racial barriers in English football as part of West Brom's 'Three Degrees'
How They Played
Powerful, athletic striker with pace and strong aerial ability
Lasting Impact
Pioneering black footballer who paved the way for future generations and fought racism in English football
Career Honours
- FA Cup 1987
- 5 England caps
- MBE
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molesey | 1975–1976 | — | — |
| Hayes | 1976–1977 | — | — |
| West Bromwich Albion | 1977–1984 | 237 | 82 |
| Coventry City | 1984–1991 | 238 | 46 |
| Aston Villa | 1991–1993 | 52 | 12 |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | 1993–1994 | 19 | 2 |
| Wycombe Wanderers | 1994–1995 | 35 | 9 |
| Chester City | 1995–1996 | 29 | 7 |
 Great Britain | — | 5 | — |
British Athletes