Frank SOO [1914-1991]

Submitted by h9430500 on
Names
Title
Mr
Given
Frank
Family
Soo
Sex
Male
Status
Deceased
Born
Date
Birthplace (town, state)
Buxton, Debyshire
Birthplace (country)
England
Died
Date
Died in (town, state)
Cheadle, Staffordshire
Died in (country)
England
Cause of death
Complications of Dementia

 

Frank Soo (1914–1991) was a English professional footballer and manager. 

Born in Derbyshire to a Chinese father and an English mother (Eurasian), he holds the historic distinction of being the first player of East or South East Asian (ESEA) heritage to play in the Football League and represent the England men's national team. 

International Career

1942-1945  Play for England (wartime) 9 times

Tags

Photos that show this Person

Frank Soo - Stock City FC (1933-1945)
1930s
Frank Soo - English National Football Team
1940s

Comments

Frank Soo played 9 wartime international matches for England between 1942 and 1945. 

  • Scotland: 4 appearances
  • Wales: 3 appearances
  • Ireland: 1 appearance
  • France: 1 appearance

Because these matches were played during World War II, FIFA and the Football Association originally deemed these wartime fixtures "unofficial," meaning Soo was never awarded an official cap during his lifetime.

In October 2025, the Football Association formally recognized his trailblazing legacy by presenting his family with a posthumous honorary cap at Wembley Stadium. This followed his induction into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in 2024.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Soo