- Eniola Aluko is not new to women’s football circles in Britain
- She acquired the stake through her investment company, Mercury 13
- Aluko made a big change in her career when she went from the field to the boardroom
The name Eniola Aluko is not new to women’s football circles in Britain but it is now a new name in Italy. Aluko, a British-Nigerian national has once again made history after purchasing a majority share in Como Women, an Italian football team playing in Serie A.
Como Women plays in the premier Italian division of women’s football. She has now made history as the first black woman to own a majority stake in an Italian football team. She acquired the stake through her investment company, Mercury 13, which focuses on purchasing and growing women’s football teams throughout Europe.
Aluko made a big change in her career when she went from the field to the boardroom. She was a striker for the Lioness and hung her boots for a sports presenter role. Aluka is clearly putting her player days in the future with her ownership of Como Women.
Who is Eniola Aluko?
Aluko is of Nigerian heritage but grew up in England where she was assimilated to the glowing culture from a young age. She debuted as a striker for Birmingham City Ladies when she was barely 14 years old. She was noticed for her quickness and precision, which led to her signing with Charlton Athletic and then Chelsea. With her performance, Eniola Aluko played for Chelsea for nearly a decade, making her mark on football history.
Eniola Aluko. Photo/Chelsea FC
From 2004 to 2016, Aluko captained England with pride, amassing 102 caps. As a member of Great Britain, she was a guest of honor at the 2012 London Olympics, the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the UEFA Women’s Euro. Her ability and commitment to the national squad made her famous globally.
Eniola Aluko Football Career
Aluko’s career started at Birmingham City, where everyone was drawn to her quick reflexes and precise finishing. Defensive backs were left behind as she dominated the English FA Women’s Premier League. But she really started to shine at Chelsea. She scored 68 goals in 158 games over the course of eight years.
She cemented her place as the club’s all-time top scorer, a title she still holds with just three goals separating her and Fran Kirby. Her journey across the Atlantic led her to the American Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS), where she shone brightly for Sky Blue FC, Atlanta Beat, and Saint Louis Athletica. However, England called, and Aluko went back to Chelsea where she flourished under the exceptional Emma Hayes, becoming a vital member of their historic team.
Eniola Aluko was named the first Chelsea Women’s Player of the Year after playing a crucial part in the team that sealed two historic teams in 2015. Her determined demeanour was on display from 2004 to 2016 when she proudly wore the Three Lions shirt, winning 102 caps. She played in multiple World Cups and European Championships including the 2012 London Olympics where she represented Team GB.
When Did Aluko Retire?
The football world bid goodbye to Aluko on January 15, 2020, when she officially retired from professional football. The prolific striker hung up her boots following a career that crossed continents and changed women’s football. Retirement, however, did not entail disappearing into thin air. Aluko moved smoothly into a new sports department.
She rose to prominence as a football commentator, appearing on television during FIFA World Cups. Her eloquence and insightful commentary appealed to audiences everywhere. Then came her ground-breaking position as Sporting Director of Angel City FC, the newest sensation in the American National Women’s Soccer League.
While in the corporate sphere, she founded the Mercury 13 investment group through which she acquired Como Women in Italy. Mercury 13 is a vessel to aid her in promoting women’s football. The group aims to develop and improve women’s sports in Europe and give talented female athletes a platform to grow their talent. It is concentrating on acquiring and developing women’s teams in the continent.
Eniola Aluko. Photo/Juventus.com
Mercury 13’s idea is well-suited for Como Women, given its fervent fan base and extensive history. The team was established in 2007 and has since advanced through the Italian women’s football league to play in Serie A. The team could benefit from increased training facilities, player recruiting, and general competitiveness as a result of Aluko’s investment.
She terms the purchase as monumental adding that she is only starting a revolution in women’s football.
“This is a monumental moment for me. I want to see women’s football thrive, not just in Italy but globally. I believe Como Women has the potential to be a real force in Serie A, and I’m here to support the players, the staff, and the entire organization,” she said.
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