Eniola Aluko

Eniola Aluko
MBE
Aluko with Saint Louis Athletica in 2009
Personal information
Full name Eniola Aluko[1]
Date of birth (1987-02-21) 21 February 1987 (age 36)
Place of birth Lagos, Nigeria
Height 5 ft 3 in (1.59 m)
Position(s) Forward
Youth career
Leafield Athletic
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2001–2004 Birmingham City
2004–2007 Charlton Athletic
2007–2009 Chelsea 28 (15)
2009–2010 Saint Louis Athletica 25 (10)
2010 Atlanta Beat 14 (5)
2011 Sky Blue FC 15 (4)
2012 Birmingham City 13 (4)
2012–2018 Chelsea 73 (32)
2018–2019 Juventus 27 (15)
International career
2004–2016 England 102 (33)
2012 Great Britain 5 (0)
Medal record
Women's football
Representing  England
FIFA Women's World Cup
Bronze medal – third place 2015
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Eniola Aluko MBE (born 21 February 1987) is a British-Nigerian football executive, football broadcaster and former professional player who played as a winger and striker. Aluko 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. She was the first Sporting Director for Angel City FC[2] 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.[3]

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Aluko moved to Birmingham, England at 6 months old and made 102 appearances for the England national team from 2004 to 2016 and competed at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China, 2009 UEFA Women's Euro, 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany, 2013 UEFA Women's Euro, and 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada. At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, she represented Great Britain.

Aluko previously played for Birmingham City, Charlton Athletic, and Chelsea in England's FA Women's Premier League. She played for Saint Louis Athletica, Atlanta Beat, and Sky Blue FC in the American Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) from 2009 to 2011. After a short stint with Birmingham City in England's new top-division league, FA WSL, she signed with Chelsea, where she played from 2012 to 2018.

Before retiring from professional football in January 2020, Aluko last played as a forward for Juventus. Since 2014 she has also provided television commentary on football, including FIFA men's and women's World Cups.

Early life

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, to Gbenga and Sileola, Aluko moved with her family to Birmingham in the West Midlands region of England at the age of six months.[4][5][6] She grew up playing football with her brother Sone Aluko and his friends. She also played other sports, including tennis.[7] Growing up, Aluko supported Manchester United.[8]

Aluko started her career at Leafield Athletic Ladies[9] and subsequently played for Birmingham City Ladies' youth team under manager Marcus Bignot with future England teammate, Karen Carney.[10] She scored on her Birmingham team debut against Leeds United, aged 14.[11]

Club career

Birmingham City, 2001–2004

On 7 April 2002, 15-year-old Aluko played for Birmingham in the FA Women's Premier League Cup Final at Adams Park, as the young Birmingham team lost 7–1 to professional Fulham.[12] City did win promotion as Northern Division champions to the Premier League National Division in 2001–02.[13][14] Her goalscoring during the following 2002–03 Premier League season led Bignot to declare her "the Wayne Rooney of women's football".[15]

Aluko was named Young Player of the Year at The FA Women's Football Awards in 2003.[16][17]

Charlton Athletic, 2004–2007

Aluko left Birmingham to join Charlton Athletic in January 2004.[18] She helped Charlton defeat Fulham 1–0 to win the FA Women's Premier League Cup at Underhill Stadium in March 2004.[19][20]

During the 2003–04 season, Aluko appeared as a second-half substitute when Charlton lost the FA Women's Cup final to Arsenal, 3–0 at Loftus Road in May.[21] Charlton also lost the Premier League National Division title to Arsenal on the last day of the season,[22] having led the way for most of the season.[23]

Aluko lifted the FA Women's Community Shield with Charlton in August 2004 after helping the team win. Her 41st minute set-up for Ann-Marie Heatherson provided the winner in a 1–0 victory over Arsenal at Broadhall Way.[24]

Pace was considered one of her attributes and this was evident when she sprinted onto a through ball from Emma Coss to score the winning goal in the 2005 FA Women's Cup Final at Upton Park.[25] Charlton beat Everton 1–0 in the Final.[26] Aluko scored two goals in the first half of Charlton's 2–1 victory over Arsenal in the 2006 FA Women's Premier League Cup Final at Adams Park.[27]

Aluko also played in the 2005 FA Women's Community Shield (4–0 defeat at the National Hockey Stadium),[28] the 2005 FA Women's Premier League Cup Final (3–0 defeat at Griffin Park),[29] and the 2007 FA Women's Cup Final (4–1 defeat at the City Ground),[30] All three defeats were inflicted by Arsenal. Her assist to Katie Holtham in the second minute of the match gave Charlton the lead in the 2007 FA Women's Cup Final.[31] She also won the London FA Women's Cup with Charlton twice, in 2005 and 2006.

Chelsea, 2007–2009

Following the withdrawal of support for the Charlton women's team by the parent club,[32] Aluko joined Chelsea Ladies in July 2007.[33]

WPS, 2009–2011

Eniola Aluko against the Boston Breakers

In October 2008, Aluko's playing rights were obtained by St. Louis Athletica who named her as a post-draft discovery player. She was the team's leading goal scorer during the league's inaugural season with six goals, and also led in assists with four, making her one of the main reasons Athletica was able to climb from a last place in the first two months of the season to a commanding second by the end. She missed the playoffs and the All-Star match due to national team duty.

When Saint Louis Athletica folded part way through the 2010 season, Aluko signed with Atlanta Beat.[34] She was later traded to Sky Blue FC in December 2010.[35]

Birmingham City, 2012

Aluko with Birmingham City in October 2012

When the WPS went into abeyance for the 2012 season, Aluko had already decided to return to England. She signed for Birmingham City, describing them as "more stable".[36]

In 2012, Aluko registered five goals and two assists in 17 FA WSL League and Cup appearances, as Birmingham City finished runners up to Arsenal in both competitions.[37][38] City lost the 2012 FA WSL Cup Final to Arsenal 1–0 at Underhill Stadium on 10 October 2012.[39] Birmingham did defeat Chelsea 3–2 on penalties, after it was 2–2 at the end of extra time, in the 2012 FA Women's Cup Final on 26 May 2012 at Ashton Gate to win the club's first major honour in its 44-year history. Aluko was introduced as a 63rd-minute substitute.[40][41]

Chelsea, 2012–2018

After a single season at Birmingham, she re-signed for Chelsea in December 2012.[42] In her first season with the club, Aluko contributed six goals and three assists in 17 FA WSL League and Cup matches.[43][44] Having had a poor season domestically,[14] Chelsea reached the final of the invitational 2013 International Women's Club Championship, but lost 4–2 to INAC Kobe Leonessa. Aluko registered an assist in the Final and scored in the semi-final win against Sydney FC.[45]

In 2014, Aluko scored seven times and provided one assist in 20 FA WSL League and Cup appearances.[46][47] Aluko's Chelsea began the last day of the 2014 FA WSL season top of the league, two points ahead of Birmingham City and three points ahead of Liverpool, but a 2–1 defeat at Manchester City cost Chelsea the Super League title on goal difference.[48]

Aluko was one of six nominations for the 2014–15 PFA Women's Players' Player of the Year,[49][50] but lost out to her Chelsea teammate Ji So-yun.[51] She did win Chelsea Ladies' Player of the Year for 2014–15[52][53] and was selected in the 2015 PFA WSL Team of the Year.[54][55]

In 2015, Aluko played in the first FA Women's Cup Final held at Wembley Stadium on 1 August 2015 in front of a record attendance of 30,710. Her Chelsea team defeated Notts County 1–0 to win the club's first major trophy in its history. Individually, Aluko was at the heart of Chelsea's win as she put in a Player-of-the-Match performance and provided the assist for Ji So-yun's 39th-minute winner.[56][57]

After Chelsea signed Fran Kirby and Ramona Bachmann, Aluko's role in the team diminished. It was announced on 16 May 2018 that Aluko would receive a free transfer from Chelsea when the 2017–18 season ended four days later. She marked her final appearance by scoring and had made occasional appearances, predominantly as a late substitute, in the side which remained unbeaten throughout the whole league season.[58][59]

Juventus, 2018–2019

Aluko signed for Serie A club Juventus on 6 June 2018.[60] However, in 2019 she spoke about negative experiences in the city, calling it "decades behind" and saying she had been made to feel like Pablo Escobar on occasions at Turin airport.[61]

In November 2019, Aluko announced that she would be leaving Juventus after 18 months at the club,[62] stating her time at the club had been one of "great success and lots of learning."[63] She returned to Britain in December having won Serie A, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, as well as being Juventus' top scorer for last season. On 15 January 2020, Aluko announced her retirement from professional football.[64][65]

International career

England

Aluko in 2014

Aluko was called into the England set-up as a 14-year-old. She chose to remain loyal to the English coaches who had given her the opportunity to play international football, but said: "The main thing for me is for people to understand that choosing to play for England doesn't mean that I don't support Nigeria. I'm as much Nigerian as I'm British. Of course Nigeria means a lot to me, it's part of me, but I've been brought up by English coaches."[66]

Having represented England at Under-17 level,[67] Aluko scored on her debut at Under-19 level and appeared in the UEFA Under-19 European Championship Finals in Germany in July 2003 while aged only 16 years.[68] She later played at Under-21 level, before making her senior debut, aged 17, against the Netherlands in September 2004.[69] Her first senior goal came against the Czech Republic at Walsall in May 2005,[70] and she added two more in the 13–0 away win against Hungary that October.[71]

Aluko played in UEFA Women's Euro 2005, despite a clash with her A-Level studies.[72] She sat a history exam on the morning of England's 2–1 defeat to Denmark.[73] In the final group game against Sweden Aluko almost scored a bizarre equaliser, but was left disappointed as hosts England lost 1–0 and exited the competition.[74]

At the FIFA Women's World Cup 2007, Aluko featured in group matches against Japan and Argentina, as well as the 3–0 quarter-final defeat by the United States.[75] After the tournament, she was critical of The Football Association and the level of financial support provided to England's top female players.[76] Aluko featured much more prominently at UEFA Women's Euro 2009, scoring in the group match win over Russia[77] and adding two more in the quarter-final victory over hosts Finland.[78] She also provided an assist for Kelly Smith's opening goal in the semi-final against the Netherlands.[79] In the final Aluko played the left-wing as England were mauled 6–2 by Germany in Helsinki.[80]

Aluko netted against Switzerland in September 2010 as England qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011.[81] During the final tournament, Aluko responded angrily to public criticism of her performance in the 1–1 draw with Mexico, in which she wasted multiple goalscoring opportunities.[82] She was substituted at half–time in the following group match against New Zealand,[83] and dropped to the bench for the final group match with Japan, playing the last half an hour of England's 2–0 win.[84] Aluko was an unused substitute as England were eliminated by France at the quarter final stage.[85]

Aluko of England during a match against Montenegro, April 2014

As England qualified for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, Aluko finished as the joint-top scorer in qualifying with 13 goals, which included her first hat-trick in a 10–0 thumping of Montenegro,[86] and braces against Turkey[87] and Ukraine.[88] At the Finals tournament, Aluko started both of England's first two group matches, a 1–0 defeat by France and a 2–1 win over Mexico. Having missed the last group match and the knockout stages,[14] Aluko reappeared as a 61st-minute substitute in the third-place play-off with Germany.[89] England defeated Germany for the very first time, 1–0 after extra time to win bronze medals.[90]

Aluko was not called up to the national team after May 2016.[91] She was paid around £80,000 by the Football Association. The Football Association later publicly apologised to Aluko at the select committee hearing of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (with some DCMS MPs calling for relevant FA officials to resign over their handling of the case)[92] after the same barrister found racist remarks were made to her and teammate Drew Spence, following a third investigation.[93][94] At UEFA Women's Euro 2017, Aluko worked as a pundit for Channel 4.

When England's entire team—led by black forward Nikita Parris—pointedly ran to celebrate with coach Sampson after scoring in their next match against Russia, Aluko publicly criticised her former team-mates, accusing them of selfishness, lacking respect and requiring diversity training.[95] Parris later apologised to Aluko in an open letter in June 2020 admitting that the celebration with coach Sampson was a "thoughtless action" that showed a lack of empathy, understanding and ignorance given that Sampson was under investigation for making racially discriminatory remarks to Aluko and fellow player Drew Spence of which he was found guilty and for which the FA later apologised.[96][97][98]

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, England right-back Lucy Bronze questioned whether Aluko was now good enough to be in England's squad.[99] Aluko remained surprised and disappointed at a perceived lack of support for her position from England's current players.[100] The FA investigation had received evidence of Aluko's own "negative" behaviour, which included an alleged assault on an unnamed team-mate.[101] Sampson's successor as England coach, Phil Neville, did not select Aluko either.[102]

Aluko was allotted 154 when the FA announced their legacy numbers scheme to honour the 50th anniversary of England’s inaugural international.[103][104]

International goals for England

Scores and results list England's goal tally first.
#[105] Date Venue Opponent Result Competition Scored
1 26 May 2005 Bescot Stadium, Walsall  Czech Republic
4–1
 Friendly 1
3 27 October 2005 Tapolcia Stadium, Tapolca  Hungary
13–0
 2007 FIFA World Cup Qualifying 2
4 8 March 2007 National Hockey Stadium, Milton Keynes  Russia
6–0
 Friendly 1
5 27 October 2007 Bescot Stadium, Walsall  Belarus
4–0
 2009 UEFA Championship Qualifying
6 10 March 2009 GSZ Stadium, Larnaca  Scotland
3–0
 2009 Cyprus Cup
7 28 August 2009 Finnair Stadium, Helsinki  Russia
3–2
 2009 UEFA Championship
9 3 September 2009 Veritas Stadion, Turku  Finland
3–2
 2009 UEFA Championship 2
10 22 March 2010 Loftus Road, London  Austria
3–0
 2011 FIFA World Cup Qual. 1
11 16 September 2010 Stadion Niedermatten, Wohlen   Switzerland
3–2
 2011 FIFA World Cup Qualifying
12 19 September 2012 Bescot Stadium, Walsall  Croatia
3–0
 UEFA Euro 2013 Qual.
13 11 March 2013 GSZ Stadium, Larnaca  New Zealand
3–1
 2013 Cyprus Cup
14 26 June 2013 Pirelli Stadium, Burton  Japan
1–1
 Friendly
15 12 July 2013 Arena Linköping, Linköping  Spain
2–3
 Euro 2013
16 21 September 2013 Dean Court, Bournemouth  Belarus
6–0
 2015 FIFA World Cup Qualifying
18 26 September 2013 Fratton Park, Portsmouth  Turkey
8–0
 2
19 31 October 2013 5 Ocak Stadium, Adana  Turkey
4–0
 1
20 17 January 2014 La Manga Stadium, La Manga Club  Norway
1–1
 Friendly
21 2 March 2014 GSZ Stadium, Larnaca  Finland
3–0
 2014 Cyprus Cup
22 5 April 2014 Falmer Stadium, Brighton and Hove  Montenegro
9–0
 2015 FIFA World Cup Qualifying
24 8 May 2014 Greenhous Meadow, Shrewsbury  Ukraine
4–0
 2
25 14 June 2014 Traktar Stadium, Minsk  Belarus
3–0
 1
26 19 June 2014 Arena Lviv, Lviv  Ukraine
2–1
27 21 August 2014 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff  Wales
4–0
30 17 September 2014 Stadion Pod Malim Brdom, Petrovac  Montenegro
10–0
 3
31 4 March 2015 GSZ Stadium, Larnaca  Finland
3–1
 2015 Cyprus Cup 1
32 9 March 2015 GSP Stadium, Nicosia  Netherlands
1–1
 2015 Cyprus Cup
33 23 October 2015 Yongchuan Sports Center, Chongqing  China
1–2
 Dewellbon Cup

Great Britain

2012 Olympics

In June 2012, Aluko was named in the 18-player Great Britain squad for the 2012 London Olympics.[106] She made her Great Britain debut, in its first ever official fixture, in a friendly goalless draw with Sweden at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough on 20 July 2012, starting and playing the entire match.[107][108]

At the Olympic football tournament, Aluko started all three groups matches, which included wins over New Zealand,[109][110] Cameroon[111][112] and in front of over 70,000 at Wembley, twice Olympic silver-medalists Brazil.[113] Aluko won a penalty in the Brazil match, which Kelly Smith missed.[114] Britain advanced to the quarter-finals as group winners. Aluko also started as Britain lost 2–0 to Canada in the quarter-finals, courtesy of two early goals, and ended hopes of at least reaching a match for an opportunity at a medal.[115] Aluko had a strong appeal for a second-half penalty dismissed.[116]

2016 Olympics

Despite England's third-place finish at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, which Aluko was a part of, earning Great Britain one of the three available European slots for the 2016 Rio Olympics,[117] it was already decided Great Britain would not send a women's team to the event.[118] It meant Aluko did not add to her tally of five Great Britain caps, with participation at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics the next earliest available opportunity.[119]

Executive career

In January 2020, a week after retiring from professional football, Aluko was announced as the director of women's football at Aston Villa.[120]

In May 2021, Aluko became the sporting director of Los Angeles-based Angel City FC ahead of their inaugural season in the American National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).[121] In August 2022, she transitioned to the director of recruitment role as Angela Hucles became the club's general manager.[122] In January 2023, Aluko departed Angel City.[123]

Personal life

While playing for England during Women's Euro 2005, Aluko took her A levels at Cadbury College, Birmingham.[124] She subsequently went to study law at Brunel University, where she graduated with a first class degree in 2008.[125] In July 2009 it was announced that Aluko would spend the 2009–10 US off-season studying for the New York bar exam before taking a similar exam in England, her aim being to have an entertainment law practice in both England and the United States.[4]

While completing an accelerated Legal Practice Course at the University of Law,[126] Aluko had traineeships at Lee & Thompson LLP and Onside Law.[127] She announced her intention to "step back" from her legal career in March 2015 to focus on playing professional football.[128] In 2016 The Football Association informed Aluko that her paid consultancy role with a sports agency breached their rules and was under investigation by the Association's integrity unit.[129] Aluko highlighted that the investigation by the Football Association was retaliatory because it was raised at the same time as her request for the racism of the England coach Mark Sampson to be investigated by the Football Association.[130] She began working as an associate consultant for Slaughter and May, before resigning when she moved to Italy with Juventus.[126]

Her younger brother Sone plays for Ipswich Town and was an England youth international, but in May 2009 accepted a call-up to represent Nigeria.[131] Aluko helped her brother during the financial problems experienced by Rangers in 2012.[132] Her father is a former MP in Nigeria,[16] while Bolaji Aluko, a chemical engineering professor, is her uncle.[133]

Aluko voted for the Conservative Party in the 2019 general elections but has publicly stated that she is a liberal that has no staunch allegiance to any political party.[134] Her Christianity was strengthened under the influence of born again former footballer Linvoy Primus.[135] Aluko was also listed in the 2020 Powerlist, recognition as being one of the 100 most influential Black Britons.[136]

In May 2020, Aluko published a series of tweets that appeared to criticise people placed on the UK government's furlough scheme introduced in response to the pandemic of COVID-19, subsequently deleting most of the messages, apologising and stating her support for the furlough scheme.[137]

In October 2022, Aluko was inducted as one of the first inductees into the WSL Hall of Fame by the Football Association.[138]

Aluko was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2023 Birthday Honours for services to association football and charity.[139]

In popular culture

In September 2014, Aluko appeared on the BBC's football programme Match of the Day, the first woman to appear as a pundit on the show.[140] She provided commentary for ITV's coverage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup[141] and for Fox Sports' coverage of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.[142]

She was featured along with her national teammates in the EA Sports' FIFA video game series starting in FIFA 16, the first time women players were included in the game.[143][144]

In August 2016, she signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Under Armour, the first UK woman athlete to do so.[145] In January 2020 Aluko became an Adidas ambassador on a multi-year deal.[146]

Aluko released her autobiography They don't teach this - Lessons in the game of life in August 2019.[147]

In 2021, Aluko appeared in Season 2 of Ted Lasso as a character called Georgia who plays football with Roy Kent.[148]

Honours

Birmingham City[149]

Charlton Athletic

Saint Louis Athletica

Chelsea[149]

Juventus[149]

England

Individual

See also

References

  1. ^ "FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 – List of Players: England" (PDF). FIFA. 6 July 2015. p. 10. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 February 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  2. ^ "Aluko named Angel City sporting director". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  3. ^ "Eni Aluko takes job as Aston Villa Women's sporting director". the Guardian. 22 January 2020. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  4. ^ a b Timmermann, Tom (22 July 2009). "Athletica's Aluko prepares for life as an attorney". STL Today. Archived from the original on 26 July 2009. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  5. ^ "Aluko hungry for 2010 WC action". Kick Off. 3 July 2009. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  6. ^ Kelner, Martha (21 October 2017). "Eniola Aluko: the footballing whistleblower whose hero is Atticus Finch". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  7. ^ Moore, Glen (21 March 2015). "Women's football in Britain: Doing it for themselves". The Independent. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  8. ^ Fagbemi, Ayo. "Eni Aluko: Stand Empowered". GAFFER. Archived from the original on 8 March 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  9. ^ Grant, Katie (29 September 2014). "Page 3 Profile: Eniola Aluko, footballer". The Independent. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  10. ^ Emma Stoney (19 June 2003). "Big year for Bignot". Givemefootball.com. Archived from the original on 2 April 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  11. ^ Tom Wells (3 October 2004). "THE NEW ROONEY; (And she's a schoolgirl from Birmingham)". Sunday Mercury. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  12. ^ a b Cook, Matthew (7 April 2002). "Birmingham City 1–7 Fulham". The Football Association. Archived from the original on 7 June 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  13. ^ "English Football (women) 2001/02". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  14. ^ a b c "Eniola Aluko column: Why FA Cup win was best day of my career". BBC Sport. 3 August 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  15. ^ Emma Stoney (24 February 2003). "Football: Birmingham find their own 'Roonaldo' WOMEN'S FOOTBALL". The Birmingham Post. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  16. ^ a b "Eniola will not fly". BBC Sport. 14 May 2005. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  17. ^ "Eniola is the Top Young Gun". Women's Soccer Scene. 3 June 2003. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  18. ^ "Charlton sign Aluko". Fair Game. 2 January 2004. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  19. ^ "Ladies Lose Final". Fulham. 28 March 2004. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  20. ^ "Charlton still on course for treble". The FA. 28 March 2004. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  21. ^ "Arsenal enjoy Fleeting moment". The Guardian. 4 May 2004. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  22. ^ "Top Gunners! Arsenal are the Champions". WSS. 16 May 2004. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  23. ^ "It's the biggest game in women's football – Jess". WSS. 30 April 2004. Archived from the original on 6 July 2016. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  24. ^ "Ladies: Arsenal 0–1 Charlton". Arsenal FC. 11 August 2004. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  25. ^ "Charlton lift FA Women's Cup". Fair Game. 2 May 2005. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  26. ^ "Charlton lift the FA Cup". WSS. 3 May 2005. Archived from the original on 5 July 2016. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  27. ^ "Eni at the double for jubilant Addicks". WSS. 8 May 2007. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  28. ^ "Gunners shoot down Charlton". WSS. 5 August 2005. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  29. ^ "White-Hot Arsenal recapture League Cup". WSS. 6 March 2005. Archived from the original on 11 July 2015. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  30. ^ "Ladies: Arsenal 4–1 Charlton". Arsenal FC. 7 May 2007. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  31. ^ "Managers call for Wembley to host final after Gunners wrap up historic quadruple". The Guardian. 8 May 2007. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  32. ^ "Charlton women devastated". Fair Game. 24 June 2007. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  33. ^ "Chelsea sign Stoney & Aluko". Fair Game. 6 July 2007. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  34. ^ "Beat agrees to terms with Solo, Ellertson, and Aluko". Women's Professional Soccer. 6 January 2010. Archived from the original on 6 July 2010. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
  35. ^ "Atlanta Beat, Sky Blue FC complete blockbuster trade". Women's Professional Soccer. 10 December 2010. Retrieved 10 July 2011.[permanent dead link]
  36. ^ "England's Kelly Smith devastated by US league cancellation". BBC Sport. 31 January 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
  37. ^ "Eniola Aluko – 2012 FA WSL". Football Line-Ups. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  38. ^ "Eniola Aluko – 2012 FA WSL Cup". Football Line-Ups.
  39. ^ "Ladies: Arsenal 1–0 Birmingham City". Arsenal FC. 28 October 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  40. ^ "FA Women's Cup: Birmingham beat Chelsea on penalties in final". BBC Sport. 26 May 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  41. ^ "Blues land maiden Women's Cup". The FA WSL. 26 May 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  42. ^ "Chelsea Ladies re-sign Eniola Aluko from Birmingham City". BBC Sport. 6 December 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2012.
  43. ^ "Eniola Aluko – 2013 FA WSL". Football Line-Ups. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  44. ^ "Eniola Aluko – 2013 FA WSL Cup". Football Line-Ups. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  45. ^ "Eniola Aluko – 2013 IWCC". Football Line-Ups. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  46. ^ "Eniola Aluko – 2014 FA WSL". Football Line-Ups. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  47. ^ "Eniola Aluko – 2014 FA WSL Cup". Football Line-Ups. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  48. ^ "Liverpool Ladies pip Chelsea to WSL title on dramatic final day". BBC Sport. 12 October 2014. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  49. ^ "Women's PFA Players' Player of the Year: Nominees". PFA. 16 April 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
  50. ^ "PFA Women's Player of the Year: The Contenders". Sky Sports. 17 April 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
  51. ^ "PFA Women's Players' Player of the Year: Ji So-Yun". PFA. 26 April 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
  52. ^ "Winner: Ladies' Player Of The Year 2015". Chelsea LFC. 30 May 2015. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
  53. ^ "Eniola Aluko wins Player of the Year Award". Complete Sports Nigeria. 28 May 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  54. ^ "WSL Team of the Year 2015". PFA. 26 April 2015. Archived from the original on 31 May 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
  55. ^ "WSL Team of the Year: Lucy Bronze is sole Liverpool player". BBC Sport. 26 April 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
  56. ^ "Chelsea's Eniola Aluko 'relieved' after Women's FA Cup win". Sky Sports. 1 August 2015. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  57. ^ "Women's FA Cup final: Chelsea Ladies 1–0 Notts County Ladies". BBC Sport. 1 August 2015. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  58. ^ "Eniola Aluko: Forward to leave Chelsea when season ends on Sunday". BBC Sport. 16 May 2018. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
  59. ^ "Liverpool Ladies 2–3 Chelsea Ladies". BBC Sport. 20 May 2018. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
  60. ^ "Eniola Aluko signs for Italian champions Juventus". BBC Sport. 6 June 2018. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  61. ^ "Aluko: 'Turin decades behind'". Football Italia. 29 November 2019. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  62. ^ "Eniola Aluko: Juventus striker to leave Italian champions in December". BBC Sport. 22 November 2019. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
  63. ^ End of my Italian chapter means trading Turin for fresh adventures The Guardian, 28 November 2019
  64. ^ "ENIOLA ALUKO RETIRES FROM FOOTBALL". Chelsea FC. 15 January 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  65. ^ "Eniola Aluko: Ex-England, Chelsea & Juventus striker retires". BBC Sport. 15 January 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
  66. ^ Farayi Mungazi (14 May 2005). "Eniola will not fly". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  67. ^ "Gunners shoot six". BBC Sport. 1 September 2002. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  68. ^ "Marley confirms England squad". BBC Sport. 9 July 2003. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  69. ^ Tony Leighton (20 September 2004). "Holland 1–2 England". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
  70. ^ "England 4–1 Czech Republic". BBC Sport. 27 May 2005. Retrieved 1 January 2011.
  71. ^ "England Women ease to biggest win". BBC Sport. 27 October 2005. Retrieved 12 September 2010.
  72. ^ Pete Oliver (4 June 2005). "Educated Aluko holds Euro dream". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  73. ^ "Denmark v England as it happened". BBC Sport. 8 June 2005. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  74. ^ "Aluko hoping for positive effect". BBC Sport. 12 June 2005. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  75. ^ "Eniola Aluko". FIFA. Archived from the original on 3 October 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  76. ^ Jacqui Oatley (15 November 2007). "England women angry at £40 wage". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  77. ^ "England women 3–2 Russia women". BBC Sport. 28 August 2009. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  78. ^ "Finland women 2–3 England women". BBC Sport. 3 September 2009. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  79. ^ "England Ladies 2–1 Holland Ladies". BBC Sport. 6 September 2009. Retrieved 7 September 2009.
  80. ^ Mark Ashenden (12 September 2009). "England 2–6 Germany". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  81. ^ "Swiss Women 2–3 England Women". BBC Sport. 16 September 2010. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  82. ^ Nigel Adderley (30 June 2011). "England striker Eniola Aluko affected by Twitter abuse". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  83. ^ Tom Rostance (1 July 2011). "Women's World Cup: New Zealand 1–2 England". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  84. ^ Jonathan Stevenson (5 July 2011). "Women's World Cup: England 2–0 Japan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  85. ^ Chris Bevan (9 July 2011). "Women's World Cup: England 1–1 France (France win 4–3 on pens)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  86. ^ "Aluko elated with her 13 goals in World Cup qualifying". The FA. 17 September 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  87. ^ "2015 World Cup qualifier: England 8–0 Turkey". BBC Sport. 26 September 2013. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  88. ^ "Dowie and Aluko at the double for rampant England". The FA. 14 May 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  89. ^ "Spot on Fara Williams secures bronze for Lionesses". The FA. 5 July 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  90. ^ "Germany 0–1 England (aet)". The Guardian. 5 July 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  91. ^ "Mark Sampson: England boss cleared after 'bullying' complaint by Eniola Aluko". BBC Sport. 7 August 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  92. ^ Calls for FA officials to resign as Aluko says treatment ‘bordered on blackmail’ The Guardian, 18 October 2017
  93. ^ Taylor, Daniel (17 August 2017). "Eni Aluko 'hush-money' case: FA bows to pressure and reveals findings". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  94. ^ Rumsby, Ben (14 September 2017). "Mark Sampson racist abuse case poised to reopen after second alleged victim comes forward". The Telegraph. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  95. ^ "Eniola Aluko hits out at 'selfish' England Women after public show of support for under-fire boss Mark Sampson". The Independent. 20 September 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  96. ^ "Nikita Parris apologises to Eniola Aluko for 2017 celebration with Mark Sampson". BBC Sport. 10 June 2020. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
  97. ^ "Eniola Aluko accepts Nikita Parris' apology for 2017 goal celebration". BBC Sport. 14 June 2020. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
  98. ^ "Mark Sampson: FA sorry over race remarks to Eniola Aluko & Drew Spence". BBC Sport. 18 October 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
  99. ^ Edwards, Luke (3 November 2017). "Lucy Bronze: 'I don't speak to Eni – I'm not sure everything is sorted'". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  100. ^ Magowan, Alastair (9 November 2017). "Eniola Aluko disappointed and surprised by players not supporting her stance". BBC News. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  101. ^ Dickinson, Matt (25 November 2017). "Revealed: why Mark Sampson axed 'negative' Eni Aluko". The Times. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  102. ^ Trehan, Dev (25 February 2018). "England boss Phil Neville will pick Eni Aluko if Chelsea Ladies striker is in form". Sky Sports. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  103. ^ "England squad named for World Cup". The Football Association. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  104. ^ Lacey-Hatton, Jack (18 November 2022). "Lionesses introduce 'legacy numbers' for players past and present". mirror. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  105. ^ Karsdorp, Dirk (2018). The England Women's FC 1972 – 2018: The Lionesses – A Statistical Record. Soccer Books Ltd. ISBN 978-1-86223-391-1.
  106. ^ "Team GB women's squad for London 2012 announced". BBC Sport. 26 June 2012. Retrieved 26 June 2012.
  107. ^ "Women's warm-up ends in stalemate". BBC Sport. 20 July 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  108. ^ "Great Britain and Sweden draw blank". WSS. 20 July 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  109. ^ "Steph strikes as GB start with win". WSS. 25 July 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2015.[permanent dead link]
  110. ^ "Ladies: Great Britain 1–0 New Zealand". Sky Sports. 25 July 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  111. ^ "GB ease into quarter finals". WSS. 28 July 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  112. ^ "Team GB dispatch Cameron 3–0". The Telegraph. 28 July 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  113. ^ "Super Steph does it again!". WSS. 31 July 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  114. ^ "Steph Houghton sinks Brazil in Team GB's third straight win". The Guardian. 31 July 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  115. ^ "GB Dreams Ended by Canada". WSS. 3 August 2012. Archived from the original on 11 September 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  116. ^ "Olympics football: Great Britain 0–2 Canada". BBC Sport. 3 August 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  117. ^ "Great Britain's absence from Rio Olympics is devastating, says FA director". The Guardian. 29 June 2015. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  118. ^ "Rio 2016: FA scraps plans for Great Britain football teams". BBC Sport. 30 March 2015. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  119. ^ "Team GB want women's football side at 2020 Olympics in Tokyo". BBC Sport. 29 June 2015. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
  120. ^ "Eni Aluko takes job as Aston Villa Women's sporting director". The Guardian. 22 January 2020. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  121. ^ "ANGEL CITY FC SCORES AGAIN WITH NEW SPORTING DIRECTOR HIRE". Angel City FC. 20 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  122. ^ "Angel City Football Club Elevates Angela Hucles Mangano to Team General Manager". Angel City.
  123. ^ "Eni Aluko leaves role as sporting director of Angel City". The Athletic.
  124. ^ "Educated Aluko holds Euro dream". BBC Sport. 4 June 2005. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  125. ^ "England squad for Germany friendly". Fair Game. 14 July 2008. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  126. ^ a b Connelly, Thomas (4 September 2018). "Junior lawyer leaves Slaughter and May after signing for Juventus". Legal Cheek. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  127. ^ "Who's Who". UEFA. Archived from the original on 12 February 2020. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  128. ^ "Eniola Aluko column: Why I'm putting my legal career on hold". BBC Sport. 27 March 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  129. ^ Hattenstone, Simon (24 August 2019). "Eni Aluko: 'We all have moments in life when our morals are called into question'". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  130. ^ "Eni Aluko: 'We all have moments in life when our morals are called into question' | Women's football | The Guardian". amp.theguardian.com. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  131. ^ "Kelvin Etuhu opts for Nigeria". BBC Sport. 26 May 2009. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  132. ^ Tongue, Steven (25 November 2012). "A family united but heading in different directions". The Independent. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  133. ^ Tunde Adekeye (23 July 2008). "Eniola Aluko: Goal Poacher And Brilliant Lawyer". Nigerian Muse. Archived from the original on 9 July 2011. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  134. ^ Young, Diana (7 January 2020). "I'm a black woman who voted Tory - the backlash I received shows people still aren't willing to listen and learn". i. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  135. ^ "Eniola Aluko column: England striker on faith in football". BBC Sport. 20 September 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  136. ^ Busby, Mattha (25 October 2019). "Meghan and Stormzy named among most influential black people in UK". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 January 2021.
  137. ^ "Eniola Aluko: Former England and Chelsea forward apologises for furlough tweets". BBC Sport. 13 May 2020. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  138. ^ "Karen Carney, Eni Aluko, Katie Chapman are latest Women's Super League Hall of Fame inductees". Sky Sports. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  139. ^ "No. 64082". The London Gazette (Supplement). 17 June 2023. p. B16.
  140. ^ Goodwin, Stuart (29 September 2014). "Eniola Aluko makes history as first female Match of the Day pundit". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  141. ^ Wrack, Suzanne (18 June 2018). "How Eni Aluko and Alex Scott became the breakout stars of World Cup punditry". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  142. ^ Krishnaiyer, Kartik (10 June 2019). "Review of FOX's Women's World Cup TV coverage, opening weekend". World Soccer Talk. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  143. ^ "Fifa 16: EA Sports game to feature women for first time". BBC Sport. 28 May 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  144. ^ Barnes, Katie (28 September 2015). "Why 'FIFA 16' Is A Landmark For Women". ESPN. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  145. ^ Connelly, Tony (24 August 2016). "Chelsea's Eniola Aluko on being Under Armour's first female athlete in the UK". The Drum. Carnyx Group. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  146. ^ Davey, Jacob (10 February 2020). "Eni Aluko Became the Latest adidas Player to Make a Surprise 'Rent-A-Pred' Appearance". Versus. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  147. ^ "Autobiography of the Year 2020 Shortlist Announced!". The Telegraph Sports Book Awards. 27 May 2020. Archived from the original on 24 January 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  148. ^ "Full Cast & Crew: Rainbow (2021)". IMDB.
  149. ^ a b c "E. Aluko". Soccerway. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  150. ^ "Eniola Aluko Profile". PlanetSport. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  151. ^ a b c "Eniola Aluko Profile". PlanetSport. Retrieved 19 May 2021.
  152. ^ "Eniola Aluko retires from football | Official Site | Chelsea Football Club". ChelseaFC. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  153. ^ a b c Champions. "Agent Speaker-Eniola Aluko". Champions (UK) Plc. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  154. ^ a b "Post-Season Briefing 2014/15 - part two | Official Site | Chelsea Football Club". ChelseaFC. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  155. ^ "UEFA Women's EURO 2009 - Final". UEFA. 10 September 2009. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
  156. ^ Leighton, Tony (16 March 2009). "England 3–1 Canada". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 16 March 2009. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  157. ^ Leighton, Tony (13 March 2013). "England women beat Canada 1–0 to triumph in Cyprus Cup final". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 18 October 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  158. ^ Lavery, Glenn (11 March 2015). "England Seal Cyprus Cup Victory After Canada Run Dry". The Football Association. Archived from the original on 19 June 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  159. ^ "Match for third place - Match report" (PDF). FIFA. 4 July 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
  160. ^ "Karen Carney, Eni Aluko, Katie Chapman are latest Women's Super League Hall of Fame inductees". Sky Sports. 27 October 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2023.

Further reading

  • Aluko, Eniola (2019), They Don't Teach This, Random House, ISBN 9781473564480
  • Caudwell, Jayne (2013), Women's Football in the UK: Continuing with Gender Analyses, Taylor & Francis, ISBN 9781317966234
  • Clarke, Gemma (2019), Soccerwomen: The Icons, Rebels, Stars, and Trailblazers Who Transformed the Beautiful Game, ISBN 9781568589206
  • Dunn, Carrie (2019), Pride of the Lionesses: The Changing Face of Women's Football in England, Pitch Publishing (Brighton) Limited, ISBN 9781785315411
  • Dunn, Carrie (2016), The Roar of the Lionesses: Women's Football in England, Pitch Publishing Limited, ISBN 9781785311512
  • Grainey, Timothy (2012), Beyond Bend It Like Beckham: The Global Phenomenon of Women's Soccer, University of Nebraska Press, ISBN 0803240368

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Eniola Aluko.