Newcastle United legend Shaka Hislop is to be awarded the freedom of the city.
The 53-year-old is getting the accolade for his key role in setting up anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card in 1996 while playing for Kevin Keegan.
Newcastle City Council is expected to approve the move next week.
Lord mayor Habib Rahman said it was "absolutely well-deserved" and Mr Hislop was "exactly the kind of Geordie citizen we should consider giving our highest honour to".
His decision to combat discrimination came after a well-known incident in which he was racially abused by a group of youngsters at a petrol station opposite St James' Park - before one of them realised who he was and came to ask for autographs instead.