Former British-Nigerian footballer, Eniola Aluko inducted into the 2022 WSL Hall of Fame

Former footballer, Eniola Aluko has joined Karen Carney to become the second inductee into the 2022 WSL Hall of Fame. Carney, who was inducted first on Thursday morning a few hours before Aluko, played for Arsenal, Birmingham, and Chelsea throughout her glittering career, winning the quadruple with the Gunners in 2007. 

The 35-year-old went on to claim the league and cup double with Chelsea in 2017-18 and was WSL top scorer in 2014. Meanwhile, Aluko played for 10 teams across her illustrious career including Birmingham, Charlton, Chelsea, and Juventus, scoring over 100 goals for club and country. Both Carney and Aluko have become football pundits and each take pride in frequently endorsing the importance of women’s football. 

Karen Carney  Chair of the Barclays WSL Hall of Fame panel Kelly Simmons, said: ‘Induction into the Barclays WSL Hall of Fame is the highest individual honour offered by the league and I am delighted that Karen is our first inductee of 2022. ‘She played at the very highest level for a prolonged period of time, and her record speaks for itself. She is absolutely deserving of being inducted into our Barclays WSL Hall of Fame. ‘Not only was she an incredible player, but she is a wonderful ambassador for our game and has gone on to be a brilliant pundit. Congratulations on your induction, Karen.’ Upon earning the gong, Carney told Sky Sports: ‘To go back to when I played is really special actually. I’m very grateful to those who inducted me so thank you very much. ‘Even though I’ve received this for playing, I don’t see my work for the league done.

I’m really, really honoured but my work doesn’t finish with the Barclays WSL.  ‘It doesn’t stop because we’ve got a duty to keep moving it forward in every way that we can, whether we broadcast it, speak about or just keep moving it forward. That for me is a major part of it now.’  Aluko posted to Twitter: ‘Huge thank you to the Barclays WSL and the FA for choosing me as a Hall of Fame inductee alongside other inspiring players.  ‘I’m truly honoured and appreciative of this special recognition. I cherish such incredible memories playing for Birmingham and Chelsea that will stay with me forever.’