Eniola Aluko appointed inaugural UN Football for the Goals Champion
Former England international and football executive Eniola Aluko has been named one of the inaugural United Nations Football for the Goals Champions, a role that will see her use football's global influence to help advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The British-Nigerian football icon announced the appointment in an emotional statement on Thursday, describing it as a defining moment in her journey.
"I am so honoured to share that I've joined the United Nations as an inaugural Football for the Goals Champion," Aluko said. "As the world's eyes are on the FIFA World Cup, millions of people across continents, borders, languages and beliefs are united by one game."
In her new role, the 39-year-old will champion four causes she described as deeply personal: gender equality, women's economic empowerment, ending violence against women and girls, and access to clean water. She said she has spent more than a decade advocating for these issues through football, broadcasting, leadership and policy engagement.
Reflecting on her visit to the United Nations headquarters in New York, Aluko spoke about how far she has come since childhood.
"Standing at UN HQ, I couldn't stop thinking about the 12-year-old me inspired by world leaders like Nelson Mandela. If you'd told her one day she'd be joining the UN with an opportunity to champion global impact through football, she would never have believed you. Today, little Eni would be so proud," she said.
Aluko enjoyed an accomplished playing career, earning 102 caps for England, representing Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games, and starring for clubs including Chelsea and Juventus.
Since retiring from professional football in 2020, she has held senior leadership positions as sporting director of Aston Villa Women and Angel City FC. She is also a founding investor in multi-club ownership group Mercury/13.
In recognition of her contributions to football and charitable work, Aluko was awarded an MBE in 2023. She has also established herself as one of the sport's leading broadcasters, working across several major television networks.
Join the Savid News channel on WhatsApp:
