Who is Eni Aluko?
Eniola Aluko MBE, born on February 21, 1987, in Lagos, Nigeria, is a British-Nigerian former professional footballer, football executive, and sports broadcaster. Renowned for her pace and technical prowess, she played as a forward for top clubs including Chelsea, Juventus, and Birmingham City. Internationally, she earned over 100 caps for the England women’s national team and represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics. Post-retirement, Aluko transitioned into executive roles, serving as the first Sporting Director for Angel City FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and previously holding the same position at Aston Villa W.F.C. She has also been a prominent football pundit and commentator for major broadcasters like ITV, BT Sport, and Amazon Prime.
Early Life and Education
Eniola Aluko was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and relocated to Birmingham, England with her family at a young age. She displayed a natural flair for football early on and played for Leafield Athletic in her youth. Academically gifted, Aluko attended Brunel University, where she earned a law degree while balancing a professional football career. Her dedication to both academics and sport set her apart, establishing her as a multi-talented individual from a young age.
Career
Club Career
Eniola Aluko began her senior career at Birmingham City before moving to Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, and eventually overseas to play in the United States for teams like Saint Louis Athletica and Atlanta Beat. Returning to Chelsea in 2012, she became a staple in the team that dominated English football.
She made a notable transfer to Juventus Women in 2018, where she won multiple titles, including the Serie A. Aluko retired from professional football in 2019 after a glittering career across three countries.
International Career
Aluko debuted for the England national team at just 17 and earned over 100 caps, representing the Lionesses in multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups and UEFA Championships. She was also part of the Team GB squad during the 2012 London Olympics.
She became known not only for her on-pitch ability but also for her role in whistleblowing on discrimination and misconduct within the England camp — a brave move that eventually led to policy changes within the Football Association.
Executive Career
Following retirement, Aluko stepped into football executive roles. She was appointed Sporting Director of Aston Villa Women in 2020 and later moved to Angel City FC in the U.S. Aluko made significant contributions to both clubs but parted ways under controversial circumstances, leading to the 2025 “Eni Aluko Sacked” narrative.
She also appears as a pundit for major networks such as ITV Sport and Amazon Prime, providing insight during Premier League and international tournament coverage.
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Personal Life
Aluko is a private person, but she has often spoken about her dual heritage and the importance of representation in sports. A qualified lawyer, she has juggled legal training with elite football and executive duties. She’s also an author and speaker, advocating for gender equality, diversity, and athlete empowerment. Aluko has no publicly known partner or children and tends to focus publicly on her professional pursuits and advocacy work.
Love Story and Childhood
Eniola Aluko’s childhood was rooted in her family’s strong support and Nigerian heritage. She grew up in Birmingham, where she developed a passion for football from a young age, playing alongside her brother, Sone Aluko, who also became a professional footballer. While Aluko has kept her personal life private, she has often shared how her family and early exposure to sports shaped her career. Her love story has not been a focus in the public eye, as she tends to concentrate on her professional and advocacy work rather than romantic relationships.
📊 Detailed Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eniola Aluko |
| Date of Birth | February 21, 1987 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 38 years |
| Place of Birth | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | British-Nigerian |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (1.59 m) |
| Parents | Sileola Aluko (Mother), Daniel Aluko (Father) |
| Siblings | Sone Aluko (Brother, professional footballer) |
| Position | Forward (Winger/Striker) |
| Youth Club | Leafield Athletic |
| Senior Clubs | Birmingham City, Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Saint Louis Athletica, Atlanta Beat, Sky Blue FC, Juventus |
| International Career | England (2004–2016), Great Britain (2012) |
| Caps/Goals | England: 105 caps / 33 goals |
| Olympic Appearances | 2012 London Olympics (Great Britain) |
| Executive Roles | Sporting Director at Aston Villa W.F.C. (2020–2021), Angel City FC (2021–2022) |
| Broadcasting Career | ITV, BT Sport, Amazon Prime, Fox Sports |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $3 million |
Family
Eni Aluko comes from a family rooted in education and achievement. Her younger brother, Sone Aluko, is also a professional footballer, having played for Fulham and Reading. Their parents were highly supportive of their careers — emphasizing both education and discipline. The Aluko family has been recognized as one of the few families with multiple elite athletes and continues to be celebrated for their contributions to British-Nigerian excellence in sport.
📱 Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Official Handle |
|---|---|
| @EniAlu | |
| @EniAlu | |
| Eniola Aluko | |
| Eniola Aluko |
📰 Latest News: Eni Aluko Faces Potential Dismissal from ITV
As of April 25, 2025, Eni Aluko is at the center of controversy following remarks made during a BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour interview. In the interview, Aluko expressed concern that prominent male figures, such as Ian Wright, might be unintentionally hindering opportunities for female broadcasters in women’s football. She stated, “I think he should be aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game,” highlighting the limited opportunities available for women in the industry .
These comments have reportedly left ITV executives “angry and bemused,” leading to discussions about her future with the network . Aluko has since clarified her position, emphasizing that she did not intend to attack Wright but rather to raise awareness about the challenges faced by women in sports broadcasting .
The situation has sparked a broader conversation about representation and opportunities for women in sports media. While some have criticized Aluko’s comments, others support her call for greater inclusivity and awareness in the industry.
📏 Height and Physical Appearance
Standing at 5 feet 3 inches (1.59 meters), Eniola Aluko was known for her agility and speed on the field. Her low center of gravity and quick acceleration made her a formidable forward, allowing her to navigate tight defenses and create scoring opportunities. Off the pitch, Aluko maintains a professional appearance, often seen in stylish attire during her broadcasting engagements.
💰 Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Eniola Aluko’s estimated net worth is approximately $3 million. This wealth stems from her successful football career, executive roles in football management, and her work as a sports broadcaster. Her positions with top-tier clubs, combined with media appearances and endorsements, have contributed to her financial standing.
FAQs
What did Aluko say about Ian Wright?
Eniola Aluko clarified that her comments about Ian Wright were not an attack but a call for awareness. During a BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour interview, she expressed concern that prominent male figures in women’s football media might unintentionally hinder opportunities for female broadcasters. Aluko emphasized the importance of preserving space for women in this emerging industry. She later addressed the media backlash by sharing the interview online and urging listeners to consider her remarks in full context, reiterating that her statements were not accusatory.
What is Eni Aluko doing now?
As of April 2025, Eniola Aluko is focusing on her roles as a football broadcaster, executive, and advocate for women’s sports. She has been a regular broadcaster for live football on ITV, BT Sport, Amazon Prime, and Fox Sports in the USA, including men’s Premier League matches and Women’s Super League since 2014. Aluko was the first Sporting Director for Angel City FC of the American National Women’s Soccer League and formerly held the position of Sporting Director at Aston Villa W.F.C. from January 2020 to June 2021.
Who is Eniola Aluko, football pundit born 1987?
Eniola Aluko is a British-Nigerian football executive, broadcaster, and former professional player born on February 21, 1987, in Lagos, Nigeria. She played as a winger and striker, earning over 100 caps for the England national team and representing Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Olympics. After retiring from professional football, Aluko transitioned into broadcasting and executive roles, becoming a prominent voice in football media.
Does Sone Aluko have a sister?
Yes, Sone Aluko has a sister, Eniola Aluko, who is also a former professional footballer and currently a football executive and broadcaster. Sone has expressed admiration for his sister’s achievements, noting that she was always a couple of steps ahead in their careers.
