Eniola Aluko

About

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Eniola Aluko was born on February 21, 1987, in Lagos, Nigeria, and moved to Birmingham, England, at a very young age. Her football journey began in England, where she played for various clubs in the FA Women’s Premier League, including Birmingham City, Charlton Athletic, and Chelsea.

International Career

Aluko represented England at the highest level, making 102 appearances for the national team from 2004 to 2016. She competed in major tournaments such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup (2007, 2011, 2015), UEFA Women’s Euro (2009, 2013), and the 2012 Summer Olympics in London as part of Team Great Britain.

Professional Clubs and Achievements

Throughout her career, Aluko played for several clubs both in England and the United States. Notable clubs include Saint Louis Athletica, Atlanta Beat, and Sky Blue FC in the American Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league. In England, she played for Birmingham City and Chelsea in the FA Women’s Super League (FA WSL). She concluded her playing career with Juventus in Italy.

Broadcasting Career

Since 2014, Aluko has transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a regular football commentator for major broadcasters such as ITV, BT Sport, Amazon Prime, and Fox Sports in the USA. She has covered a wide range of football events, including the FIFA World Cup for both men and women.

Executive Roles

Aluko has also ventured into football administration. She served as the first Sporting Director for Angel City FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the USA and held a similar position at Aston Villa W.F.C. from January 2020 to June 2021. Her role in these positions included strategic oversight and development within the clubs.

Post-Retirement Ventures

After retiring from professional football in January 2020, Aluko continued to expand her influence in the sports industry. In 2023, she joined the Mercury/13 group as an investor and advisor, further solidifying her presence in sports business and investment.

Eniola Aluko’s career spans achievements both on and off the field, from a prolific playing career to becoming a respected voice in football broadcasting and administration. Her contributions to women’s football and sports media continue to inspire and shape the landscape of the game globally.