The National Football Museum has announced that former England international Eniola Aluko has been inducted into its prestigious Hall of Fame.
The induction took place on Wednesday 12th November 2025, at the National Football Museum in Manchester, with a tour of the Museum’s new Black In The Game exhibition that showcases the cultural impact, unique achievements and untold stories of African and Caribbean communities within the English game.
Tim Desmond, CEO of the National Football Museum, said: “Eniola Aluko’s outstanding career and her list of achievements across three countries and two continents speaks for itself. She is undeniably one of the key figures of the modern era that has helped propel women’s football to where it is today in England.
“Off the field, Aluko has been a trailblazer, becoming the first ever sporting director in the National Women’s Soccer League, doing similar at Aston Villa. Since working in media and punditry, she has emerged as a key voice for equality in both the women’s and men’s football spheres too. Her induction into our Hall of Fame is a testament to her positive and pioneering impact on football.”
Aluko’s career spanned over an impressive 19 years. From scoring on her debut for Birmingham City aged just 14, Aluko would go on to earn some of the biggest accolades in the women’s game.
After honing her craft at Birmingham and picking up the Young Player of the Year award in 2003, Aluko would move to Charlton, instantly helping them lift the Women’s Premier League with crucial goals in the campaign.
She moved on to Chelsea in 2007, the first of two stints she’d have with the Blues, before heading to America in late 2008, playing for St. Louis Athletica, Atlanta Beat and Sky Blue FC.
2012 saw Aluko return to the club where it all started for her, and ended Birmingham City’s 44-year wait for a major trophy, lifting the FA Women’s Cup against Chelsea.
Aluko returned to Chelsea in 2012 and won two WSL titles in the 2015 (they spanned a single year at first) and 2017-18 seasons, two FA Cup’s, and the WSL golden boot in 2016.
The forward would end her career in Italy, joining Juventus in 2018. In just an 18-month period Aluko lifted the Serie A, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, as well as being Juventus’ top scorer in her first season.
Internationally, Aluko earned a remarkable 104 caps for England and featured at three FIFA Women’s World Cups and three UEFA Women’s Championships. Aluko was a key figure in the growth of women’s football and is widely recognised as one of the pioneers who helped elevate the women’s game in England.
Following her retirement from professional football in 2020, Aluko has carved out a remarkable post-playing career. She became the first ever sporting director Angel City FC in L.A and later held a similar role at Aston Villa Women. In addition, she has become a prominent media figure across major broadcasters excelling in punditry, commentary and analysis.
Upon finding out the news, Aluko said: “I am truly honored, 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. My work in advocacy, charity, and grassroots development is rooted in that belief, and in gratitude for all who opened doors for me along the way. This recognition is shared with every teammate, coach, family member, and young girl who dares to dream in football and believes in themselves. Eternally grateful for this honour, thank you.”
Aluko will join esteemed company in the National Football Museum Hall of Fame, with Emma Hayes, Steph Houghton and Mary Phillip all recently entering the HoF.