A Belgium pioneer of football has been announced as an ambassador for the Fare network at an exhibition that celebrates Belgium footballers.

Former international striker Mbo Mpenza, who played for Belgium 56 times to become one of the country’s first black players, was unveiled at the UK National Football Museum in Manchester at the 'Meet The Belgians' exhibition.

Mbo Mpenza said, "I am passionate about overcoming discrimination as I have been about football during my life and career.

“Many players like me from immigrant backgrounds have contributed to the development of football at top clubs and for our national teams. We want to work for equal rights and equality and to use the sport we love to do this.

“The Fare network is the only group doing this at international level and it is my pleasure to help them in our collective cause. I look forward to working with the Fare team.”

Howard Holmes, chairperson of the network, welcomed Mbo to the fold, “Players such as Mbo are icons to many people, we are delighted has been able to join us, we hope we can use his presence and experience to help score a few goals for our members.”

Mbo joins Paul Elliott, the former Chelsea captain, as a Fare ambassador and a range of supporters that have included Philip Lahm, the Bayern Munich and Germany captain, Women Internationals Saskia Bartusiak of Germany and Eniola Aluko of England, former Serbia international Ivan Ergic and Kevin-Prince Boateng of Ghana and Schalke. All have supported Fare activities in recent years.

Mbo Mpenza is a Congolose-born striker who was once know as “Mr. One-Goal-A-Match”. He started his career at KV Courtrai, moving to Sporting Clube de Portugal where he won a League Championship. He also played in Turkey and served stints at clubs including Standard Liège and Anderlecht.