The Barclays Women’s Super League Hall of Fame have announced Eniola Aluko as the second inductee of 2022.
Aluko’s successes at both club and international level speak for themselves, and she has been recognised for her achievements during a spell of over six years in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Aluko is also a fine example of an individual who took the dual career route during her playing days, earning a degree in Law while continuing to represent both club and country.
She began her career at Birmingham City before spells at Charlton Athletic and Chelsea. Like a number of England internationals, a stint in the United States followed just before the formation of the Barclays WSL, when she returned home in 2012 to play again for Birmingham City. It was here she won the Vitality Women’s FA Cup following a penalty shootout win over Chelsea.
The most successful period in her career came when she moved to Chelsea for her second spell at the club at the end of 2012. During this time, she won two Barclays WSL titles, two Vitality Women’s FA Cups, and was awarded Chelsea’s Player of the Year in 2015. Her form also saw her selected onto the PFA’s Women’s Super League Team of the Year in 2015 and 2017.
She departed the club in 2018 and left as the club’s top scorer with 68 goals.
Playing over 100 times for her country in multiple World Cups and European Championships, the former Lioness finished her career at Juventus before announcing her retirement in January 2020. The next step in her career would see her move to the United States to take up a Sporting Director role with Angel City FC. Alongside this role, she has continued as a pundit on ITV and Amazon Prime, working on both the men’s and women’s game.
Aluko’s induction was confirmed by the Barclays WSL Hall of Fame selection panel, which features prominent former players, coaches and an official from the women’s game, as well as journalists and members of FA staff.
Jess Creighton, Broadcaster and Barclays WSL Hall of Fame panel member, said: “Eni Aluko is a thoroughly deserving Barclays WSL Hall of Fame inductee.
“As a player she set exceptionally high standards and was a key part of the growth in quality and popularity of the Barclays WSL. In a career full of goals and major trophies, Eni also broke down many barriers along the way.
“It’s great to see her trailblazing contribution recognised as she continues to utilise her wealth of knowledge of the game as a broadcaster and administrator.”
One more individual is to be inducted into the Barclays WSL Hall of Fame this afternoon, with extended interviews available to watch on Sky Sports’ ‘Inside the WSL’ show tonight at 6.30pm on Sky Sports Football.
You can find out more about the Barclays Women’s Super League Hall of Fame and learn more about the inductees at wslhalloffame.thefa.com.
