In the world of football, few individuals have made significant impact both on and off the pitch as Eniola Aluko, A former Player, Club administrator, pundit and now Part Owner. From her early days as a talented young player in Birmingham, to becoming the first black woman to own an Italian football club.
Aluko has recently announced her acquisition of a major stake in FC Como’s female team. Aluko’s journey is a testament to her skill, determination, and pioneering spirit. Her story is not just one of personal triumph, but a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes and leaders around the world
Early Life and Beginnings in Football
Born on February 21, 1987, in Lagos, Nigeria, Eniola Aluko’s life took a significant turn when her family moved to Birmingham, England, when she was young. Growing up in a new country, Aluko found solace and expression in football. Her passion for the sport emerged early, and it quickly became clear that she possessed exceptional talent.
Aluko began playing for local youth teams, where her skills caught the attention of coaches and scouts. Her speed, agility, and natural goal-scoring ability set her apart from her peers. Despite facing challenges as a young girl in a sport traditionally dominated by boys, Aluko’s determination and love for the game propelled her forward.
Rise Through the Ranks
Aluko’s talent didn’t go unnoticed for long. At the age of 14, she was already playing for Birmingham City’s senior team, marking the beginning of her professional career. This early start in professional football was a sign of the remarkable journey that lay ahead. Her performances for Birmingham City attracted attention from bigger clubs, and in 2004, Aluko made a move to Charlton Athletic. It was here that she began to truly make her mark on English women’s football, helping the team reach the FA Women’s Cup final in 2005, and earning a reputation as one of the most promising young players in the country
International Debut and Early Success
Aluko’s talent at the club level soon translated to international recognition. In 2004, at the age of 17, she made her debut for the England national team, becoming the second-youngest player ever to represent England at that time. This early international exposure was a crucial stepping stone in her career, providing her with valuable experience and exposure to top-level competition. Her impact on the international stage was immediate. Aluko’s pace and clinical finishing made her a formidable opponent, and she quickly became an integral part of the England squad. Over the course of her international career, she would go on to represent England at three World Cups (2007, 2011, and 2015), and three European Championships (2005, 2009, and 2017), cementing her status as one of England’s most decorated players.
Club Career Highlights
Aluko’s club career was marked by success and constant transfers. After her stint at Charlton Athletic, she had a brief spell with Chelsea before moving to the United States to play for St. Louis Athletica, in the newly formed Women’s Professional Soccer league. This move to America broadened her horizons and exposed her to a different style of play.
When she returned to England, Aluko rejoined Chelsea in 2012, where she would enjoy the most successful period of her club career. During her time at Chelsea, the team won the FA Women’s Super League in 2015 and 2017, and the FA Women’s Cup in 2015. Aluko was instrumental in these victories, finishing as the team’s top scorer in the 2016 season with nine goals.
Her final playing stint came in Italy with Juventus, where she won the Serie A and Coppa Italia before retiring in 2020. This experience in Italian football would later prove valuable in her post-playing career
Advocacy and Off-Field Impact
Throughout her playing career, Aluko was never just an athlete. She used her platform to advocate for equality and diversity in football. As one of the most prominent black players in women’s football, she often spoke out against racism and discrimination in the sport.
In 2016, Aluko became embroiled in a high-profile dispute with the English Football Association (FA), over allegations of racism within the national team setup. Her courage in speaking out against discrimination, even at the risk of her own international career, highlighted her commitment to making football a more inclusive sport. Aluko’s influence extended beyond the pitch in other ways also. In 2014, while still actively playing, she qualified as a lawyer, specializing in entertainment law. This accomplishment showcased her intellect and foresight, preparing for a life after football even while at the peak of her playing career.
Transition to Administration
After retiring from professional football in 2020, Aluko went into football administration. In January 2020, she was appointed as the Sporting Director of Aston Villa Women, becoming one of the first
women, and certainly one of the first black women, to hold such a position in English football.
In this role, Aluko was responsible for overseeing the club’s sporting operations, including player recruitment and development. Her experience as a player at the highest level, combined with her legal background, made her uniquely qualified for this position. During her tenure, she worked to elevate Aston Villa Women’s status and competitiveness in the Women’s Super
League.
One of the reasons why Eni Aluko is very influential in football, is because of her success in many aspects of the
game. Aluko has worked as a pundit for several major broadcasters, including BBC, Sky Sports, and Amazon Prime. Her analysis has covered both men’s and women’s football, including high-profile tournaments such as the World Cup and European Championships. As one of the few women of color in football punditry, Aluko’s presence has been prominent. She has provided expert commentary on tactical aspects of the game, player performances, and broader issues affecting football. Her views have gained controversy and popularity from colleagues and viewers alike. Aluko’s punditry work has not been without challenges. In 2018, she faced online abuse after pointing out an error made by a fellow pundit during a World Cup broadcast. However, she handled the situation with grace and continued to excel in her role, further cementing her reputation as a knowledgeable and resilient voice in football commentary. Her success as a pundit has helped pave the way for more diverse voices in football media, inspiring other former players, particularly women and people of color, to pursue similar paths in sports journalism and commentary.
Making History in Italy
In 2024, Eniola Aluko made headlines around the world by becoming the first black woman to own an Italian football club. This groundbreaking achievement represented a new chapter in her career and a significant milestone in the history of football ownership.
Aluko’s move into club ownership is particularly significant, given the historical lack of diversity in football leadership, especially in Italy. By taking this step, she has opened doors and created new possibilities for other women and minorities in football. Her experience as a player in Italy, combined with her administrative skills and business
acumen, positions her well to succeed in this new role. As a club owner, Aluko has the opportunity to shape policy, influence club culture, and make decisions that can have far-reaching impacts on players, staff, and fans.
Legacy and Impact
Eniola Aluko’s career has been defined by breaking barriers and setting new standards. As a player, she was part of the generation that helped elevate women’s football in England and globally. Her 102 caps and 33 goals for England place her among the country’s all-time greats. As an administrator and now club owner, Aluko continues to pave the way for greater diversity in football leadership. Her journey from the pitches of Birmingham to the boardrooms of Italian football serves as an inspiration to young women, particularly those from minority backgrounds, showing that it’s possible to achieve at the highest levels of sport, both on and off the field.
Eniola Aluko’s journey from a young girl playing on the streets of Birmingham, to becoming the first black woman to own an Italian football club is a story of talent, perseverance, and trailblazing spirit. Her career has been characterized by firsts: one of the first Black women to play 100 times for England, one of the first footballers to successfully transition to a high-profile administrative role, and now the first Black woman to own an Italian football club.
As she continues to break new ground in her role as a club owner, Eniola Aluko’s influence on football is far from over. Her story continues to inspire and shape the sport, promising a future where football truly becomes a game for all, both on the pitch and in the boardroom. In Eniola Aluko, we see not just a former star player or a successful administrator, but a visionary leader who is actively shaping the future of the beautiful game.
