Eni Aluko has been inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame, just days after Joey Barton was found guilty of sending six grossly offensive messages to individuals, including the England legend.
The TV personality enjoyed an incredible football career which spanned 19 years.
She played for the likes of Chelsea, Birmingham City and Charlton, and also represented England at six major international tournaments, winning 104 caps.
It was a moment to celebrate for Aluko, who has recently been in the news due to the court case involving former men’s footballer Barton.
Barton was found guilty by a jury at Liverpool Crown Court of six counts of sending a grossly offensive electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety. He was cleared on another six counts.
What did Eni Aluko say after her Hall of Fame induction?
After her induction into the Hall of Fame, Aluko said: “I am truly honoured, proud and delighted to be inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame.
“For more than twenty years, the game has given me purpose, joy, challenge, and community — from growing up playing on local pitches in Birmingham to wearing the England shirt 104 times, to leading within the growth of the women’s game off the field.
“I have always believed that football can be a powerful transformational force for equality and a platform for women and girls to see their talent valued and their ambitions realised.”
During her induction, she also said she was “relieved that a difficult chapter was over”.
She told the Press Association, as per the Daily Mail: “I have always been very clear about making sure there are consequences for that type of conduct online, because it is bullying.
“It was never going to be something I tolerated. I am very proud of being able to stand up to that and show that’s not something we are going to tolerate in the UK and in society.
‘There is always good news around the corner and to come out of that last week, a difficult week that ended well, and to be here now being recognised, I am very happy and very pleased.”
Welcoming Eni Aluko into our Hall of Fame ⚽🏆
An outstanding career & list of achievements spanning across 3 countries & 2 continents including scoring on her debut against Leeds Utd at just 14 years of age👏 pic.twitter.com/QOTluxsrfw
— Nat. Football Museum (@FootballMuseum) November 13, 2025
What did Joey Barton tweet about Eni Aluko?
Barton was found guilty on two counts of sending grossly offensive communications to Aluko and Lucy Ward and not guilty on three counts relating to them.
He was also found guilty of four counts of sending grossly offensive communications to broadcaster Jeremy Vine, and not guilty on three counts relating to him.
Regarding Ward and Aluko, he was cleared of writing that they were the “Fred and Rose West of football commentary” after an FA Cup tie between Crystal Palace and Everton in January 2024.
However, he was convicted of a count relating to another post in which he superimposed their faces onto a photograph of the serial killers.
He was also convicted over a post in which he said ITV pundit Aluko was “only there to tick boxes”. He added: “All off the back of the [Black Lives Matter]/George Floyd nonsense”.
During his trial, Barton argued he was the victim of a “political prosecution” and that his comments were “dark and stupid humour”. Barton will be sentenced on December 8th.
Eni Aluko joins elite list of inductees into Hall of Fame
Aluko’s induction comes after it was announced in August that England’s Euro 2025 winning squad and Sarina Wiegman would be inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame.
She joins other retired Lionesses to join the Hall of Fame, including Jill Scott, Karen Carney and Steph Houghton.
Alex Scott, who is set to appear on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, is also in the Hall of Fame.
Historic figures from the world of men’s football to be inducted include Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.
