Pioneering a New Era in Women’s Football
In a groundbreaking move, British-Nigerian former footballer Eniola Aluko has made history as the first Black woman to own a football club in Italy.
Aluko, who previously played for the English national team and represented the country at the Women’s World Cup and other international competitions, has acquired a majority stake in FC Como’s female team as part of a $100 million investment group known as Mercury 13.
“Eniola Aluko recently acquired a female football club in Italy, making her the first female black woman to own a team in the women’s Serie A,” reported Legit.ng, a leading Nigerian news outlet. “The British-Nigerian acquired the club FC Como as part of an investment group called Mercury 13 worth over $100m.”
Aluko’s Illustrious Football Career
Eniola Aluko’s journey to club ownership is a testament to her extensive experience in the sport. During her illustrious playing career, she represented a variety of teams across Europe and the United States, including Chelsea, Birmingham City, Charlton Athletic, Sky Blue FC, and Atlanta Beats.
Her affinity for Italian football stemmed from her time playing in the Serie A for Juventus.
Despite never playing for the Nigerian national team, the Super Falcons, Aluko was named as one of the biggest role models in football by Asisat Oshoala and Michelle Alozie, two of Nigeria’s most prominent players.
Empowering Women’s Football in Europe and Beyond
Through her investment group, Mercury 13, Aluko and her partners have set their sights on a mission to improve the state of women’s football across Europe.
The acquisition of FC Como is just the first step in their ambitious plan, with the group pledging to invest over $100 million in women’s football clubs across Europe and Latin America.
“The group announced that they were focused on a mission to help improve the state of women’s football across Europe,” noted Legit.ng. “Aluko, in association with Mercury 13, recently made history as the first black woman to own a female football team in Italy.”
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change
Aluko’s historic achievement as the first Black woman to own a football club in Italy has garnered significant attention and praise from the global football community.
Many have highlighted the significance of her acquisition, especially in a country with a well-documented history of racism in the sport.
“This is huge! And out of all nations of the world Italy. Their history of racism in football has been prevalent for decades. Well done Eni,” one commenter on social media noted.
