Eni Aluko Criticizes Fellow Football Pundits and Faces Backlash in England Following Controversial Podcast and TalkSPORT Appearances

Eni Aluko, once celebrated for her courage in taking on online abuse from Joey Barton, has found herself in turbulent waters again.

Following her legal and media victories over Barton, Aluko appeared on the 90s Baby Show podcast and later on talkSPORT, where her comments about fellow pundits Ian Wright and Nedum Onuoha caused a stir.

She claimed their media appearances were blocking her own opportunities, sparking criticism from within the women’s football community.

Her outspoken approach has reportedly left Aluko increasingly isolated in football media, with few colleagues offering public support in the weeks following her remarks.

Wright and Onuoha, despite being affronted privately, have opted not to respond publicly.

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Historical Achievements Overshadowed by Recent Controversy

Aluko’s past accomplishments are significant.

She played a pivotal role in highlighting online abuse, successfully pursued libel claims against Barton, and helped establish central contracts for England players during a time when wages were as low as £40 a day.

Her legal background and articulate advocacy have made her a respected figure in women’s football, and she has contributed to celebrity legal cases including the Frankie Boyle defamation case and high-profile phone-hacking litigation.

Yet, insiders say her recent comments have overshadowed these achievements.

Mispronouncing Onuoha’s name on air and publicly accusing Wright of impeding her progress have contributed to perceptions of divisiveness.

Former teammates and colleagues have noted that Aluko can misread situations and amplify grievances, sometimes alienating those around her.

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Conflicts and Media Friction

Aluko’s interactions with other figures in football media have previously been tense.

Reports suggest disagreements with broadcaster Laura Woods escalated after Woods defended herself on a radio show, which Aluko labelled as “gaslighting.”

Instances of perceived slights, such as the incident with Patrice Evra at the 2018 World Cup broadcast, have also added to her reputation for being highly sensitive to criticism.

Despite this, sources emphasize her intelligence and professionalism.

Aluko has been praised for her calm and articulate approach even when confronted with hostile questioning on talkSPORT, and her legal acumen continues to be an asset in navigating complex media landscapes.

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Questions About Professional Relationships

Some in women’s football question whether Aluko’s recent statements indicate a broader problem in how disputes and grievances are handled in the sport.

While her criticism of Wright suggested he hindered her career, insiders say Wright has discreetly supported her in the past, including during episodes of online trolling.

Her departure from representation under agent Jo Tongue has also removed a stabilizing influence.

Current management by former journalist Eva Simpson has not mitigated the fallout from Aluko’s statements, leaving uncertainty around her media prospects.

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Aluko’s Broader Roles in Football

Outside of punditry, Aluko is involved in several other capacities.

She holds part-ownership stakes in Italian side FC Como Women and Bristol City Women, is an ambassador for initiatives in Africa, and has a corporate speaking career.

These roles suggest she maintains multiple avenues to contribute to football, even if her ITV work has been affected.

Colleagues acknowledge that Aluko brings intelligence, legal insight, and advocacy skills to the game, though her perception that the world is against her may hinder collaborative opportunities.

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What’s Next?

Aluko’s future in mainstream football media remains uncertain.

With limited public allies and ongoing controversy, it is unclear whether she will regain regular TV or radio roles.

However, her continued involvement in investment and ambassadorial positions offers alternative ways to influence the sport.

Observers will be watching closely to see if Aluko recalibrates her approach or doubles down on her outspoken style.

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Summary

Eni Aluko, once a trailblazer for women’s football and a formidable legal advocate, now faces professional isolation following public criticism of colleagues in the media.

Her disputes with Ian Wright and Nedum Onuoha, alongside past instances of perceived slights, have created friction, despite her continued contributions off-screen as an investor, ambassador, and corporate speaker.

The immediate future of her TV and radio career is uncertain, though her broader engagement with football remains significant.