Nigerian born former England women’s player, Eniola Aluko, has become the first black woman to own a club in Italy.
Aluko has acquired a major stake in FC Como’s female team.
The 37-year-old confirmed this in a post on her X page, where she revealed that she is a part of a $100 million ownership group, known as Mercury 13, which acquired a majority stake.
Como Women was only established in 2020, and they use a 3,700-capacity stadium.
They currently play in the top flight of the Italian Serie A.
Eniola, who is the sister of former Super Eagles player Sone Aluko, was born in Lagos to Nigerian parents in 1987.
But she eventually naturalized in England and played for the Three Lionesses.
She was also a former sports director for Aston Villa and Angel City
Aluko, who has primarily focused on football broadcasting since her retirement, has now ventured into sports ownership, joining the Mercury 13 group. This move not only makes her the first black woman to own a football team in her native Italy but also serves as an inspiration for black sports investors and black ownership in general.
Aluko’s journey to club ownership is a testament to her passion for the sport and her desire to make a lasting impact. As a former sports director, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role, and her involvement is expected to further elevate the profile of women’s football in Italy and beyond.
This landmark acquisition by the gym Mercury 13 group, with Eni Aluko at the helm, represents a significant milestone in the history of Italian football and the ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity in the sport.
