West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela, the late former President of South Africa, as his hero in recognition of Black History Month.
During October, Black History Month celebrates the achievements of black individuals on a global scale.
In a video shared by West Ham on social media, specifically on Twitter (formerly known as X), Kudus emphasized Nelson Mandela's crucial role in bringing an end to apartheid in South Africa.
He conveyed his admiration for the iconic leader's dedication to eradicating racial segregation and inequality within the country.
"My Black hero is Nelson Mandela. For me, he is my hero because he stopped Apartheid, which was racism in South Africa. There were differences in the ways of living of the people in South Africa back then due to color, and he led the cause [against it] and sacrificed himself for it and hopefully succeeded,” Kudus said.
"He's not alive today, but this will remain forever in the country.
“That's how he's my hero. His overall message was all about freedom, and I think freedom is important. We all have to live whichever way we want in our various lives, in football and however you want to live.
"So I think that’s why he inspired me the most, so I can relate to it in the sense of my life, of living free, and just doing whatever I feel like doing and whenever and however.”