Stand Against Sexism: Tackling Misogyny In Football
Image Credit: Alecsandra Dragoi via Wikimedia Commons
Eniola Aluko is undoubtedly award winning; she’s earned 104 caps for England, making her international debut at just 17 while studying for her A Levels, claimed 68 goals over 158 appearances for Chelsea, and helped the team secure the FA cup title in 2015. Off the pitch she is equally as impressive as a broadcaster, philanthropist and author, and received an MBE in 2023 for services to football and charity. Perhaps, most importantly, Aluko has worked tirelessly to establish herself in a male dominated field and uses her platform to tackle discrimination in sport.
Aluko has recently made headlines for taking legal action against former footballer and manager, Joey Barton, for the posts he made about her on X, in a racially charged and sexist attack. Among 40+ posts, Barton shared manipulated images of Aluko as serial killer Rose West. Barton has been ordered to pay Aluko over £300,000 in damages. The case both represents the persistence of misogynistic abuse in football and Aluko’s tenacity in standing up against it.
This is not the first time that the ex-Chelsea forward has drawn attention for speaking out. In 2025, Aluko raised questions of the presence and domination of male pundits in women’s football. As the first female pundit on Match of the Day in 2014, she is well aware of the presence of female pundits in the men's game. However, she notes the difference with women playing a supporting role in men's football, stating 'it should be the same for women's football'. On BBC Radio 4, she publicly discussed the popular pundit and former Arsenal and England forward, Ian Wright, praising him for his advocacy for women’s football but raising concerns about his role in restricting opportunities for female pundits. Her point was not an attack on Wright specifically, but indication of a broader issue- the lack of opportunities for women in football- something Aluko has never shied away from talking about.
Back in 2017, Aluko detailed evidence of bullying and racism from Mark Sampson, manager of England Women’s team at the time. Aluko was dropped by England days after she made statements against Sampson, and after two investigations, which Aluko states were flawed, Sampson and the FA were cleared of any wrongdoing. Aluko received some support from Kick It Out, who aim to end all forms of discrimination in sport and have continued to demand the FA ensure its culture treats all individuals equally, regardless of background.
Aluko remains an emblem of the realities of standing up to sexism - a fight that is continuous, unglamorous and difficult. Despite her recent ‘win’ in the Joey Barton case, Aluko regularly faces consequences when calling out discrimination in sport, and will likely continue to do so. Her perseverance serves as an inspiring example, a necessary example that change stems from courage and resilience.