Editorials, Sports
Ashleigh Plumptre: Meet Nigeria’s Dual-Heritage Star
Ashleigh Plumptre is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Saudi Premier League club Al-Ittihad and the Super Falcons.
- Toyosi Afolayan
- ●30th July 2024
A cornerstone of the Nigerian national team, Ashleigh Plumptre has carved out a distinctive career path that has seen her excel both domestically and internationally. The centre-back, who swapped English youth football for a senior Nigeria career, now plies her trade in the burgeoning Saudi Pro League.
This piece takes us into the life and career of a player whose influence extends far beyond the pitch.
Ashleigh Plumptre Profile
Full name: Ashleigh Megan Plumptre
Birth date: May 8, 1998
Nationality: British-Nigerian
Place of birth: Leicester, England
Age: 26 years old (as of July 2024)
Profession: Footballer
Current Team: Al Ittihad Women
Salary: ₦194 million p/a
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Marital status: Single
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Tim Rick Plumptre
Net worth: $1.5 million (est.)
Instagram: @ashleighhplumptre
X: @ashplumptre
Ashleigh Plumptre Career
Ashleigh Plumptre’s career began in the unassuming English town of Leicester. The spark ignited at four when she joined Asfordby Amateurs, a local club that would serve as the foundation for a career that has taken her across continents. By eight, she was in the Leicester City Centre of Excellence, a trajectory that seemed almost inevitable for a girl so clearly destined for the top.
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Her teenage years were a whirlwind of development. Birmingham City offered a new challenge, exposing her to the rigours of senior football. A brief spell at Derby County followed before a pivotal move to Notts County, where at just 16 she became the club’s youngest-ever debutant.
Seeking fresh horizons, Plumptre crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 2016. The University of Southern California provided a platform to showcase her talent while also earning an impressive academic record. A brief stint with LA Galaxy OC followed before a decision that would shape the next phase of her career: a return to England.
Leicester City came calling, and Plumptre rejoined her hometown club. While her first season was truncated by the pandemic, her potential was evident. Then, in a move that rippled through the football world, she signed for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, becoming a trailblazer for women’s football in the Middle East.
From Lioness Cub to Super Falcon
Before her allegiance shifted to green and white, Ashleigh Plumptre was a burgeoning talent in English football. She progressed through the age-group ranks, representing the Lionesses at under-15, 17, 19, and 23 levels. A versatile attacker in her youth, she showcased her scoring ability with a brace against Moldova at the 2015 UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship.
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A growing affinity for her Nigerian heritage, traced through her Yoruba grandfather from Lagos, prompted a change of heart. After expressing interest in representing the Super Falcons in 2021, Plumptre embarked on a journey to secure her eligibility. Initial training camps and unofficial matches paved the way for her official debut in February 2022 against Ivory Coast.
The 2023 Women’s World Cup was Plumptre’s grand stage. Recast as a resolute defender, she excelled, helping Nigeria to three clean sheets as they reached the round of 16.
Her performances earned widespread acclaim, cementing her status as a key figure in the Super Falcons’ squad.
Plumptre: More Than Just a Footballer
Beyond her athletic prowess, Ashleigh Plumptre is a woman of intellect. The defender holds a degree in human biology, from the University of Southern California.
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Her academic achievements were recognized with Pac-12 honors, a nod to her balance of sporting excellence and scholarly pursuits.
What is Ashleigh Plumptre’s Net Worth in 2024? (Ashleigh Plumptre Net Worth)
Ashleigh Plumptre’s football career has translated into substantial financial success. With an estimated net worth of $1 million, she stands tall as one of Nigeria’s highest-paid female footballers. Her lucrative contracts, particularly the high-profile move to Saudi Arabia, have been the primary drivers of her wealth.
Although exact figures remain guarded, it’s evident that Plumptre commands a significant salary, placing her in a league of her own among Nigerian female athletes. Reports suggest overseas players’ base salaries in the Saudi women’s league can range from $60,000-$120,000 per year tax-free, with well-known internationals commanding even higher wages.
Beyond her on-pitch earnings, Plumptre’s growing influence and popularity have opened doors to lucrative endorsement deals. Her performance at the 2023 Women’s World Cup catapulted her into the spotlight, expanding her fan base and making her an attractive proposition for brands. This, combined with her existing partnerships, has solidified her status as a commercial force in women’s football.
Ashleigh Plumptre Salary 2024
On Field Earnings: ₦130 million
Off-Field Earnings: ₦64 million
Figures include estimates from on-field bonuses, including endorsements and sponsorships. All figures above were converted from USD to Naira using the current exchange rate.
Who is Ashleigh Plumptre’s Husband?
Is Ashleigh Plumptre married? Ashleigh Plumptre is currently single. Despite being one of the most admired figures in Nigerian women’s football, the defender has managed to keep her personal life relatively private.
Ashleigh Plumptre’s personal life
Ashleigh Plumptre’s roots run deep in Nigeria, specifically with her Yoruba heritage. Her grandfather hailed from Lagos. A bookworm with a penchant for academics, she grew up a diehard fan of Leicester City, culminating in a celebratory attendance at the club’s historic Premier League triumph parade in 2016.
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Beyond football, Plumptre is a dedicated philanthropist, serving as an ambassador for Menphys, a UK-based charity. This facet of her life underscores her commitment to giving back to the community.
Plumptre is also said to have a younger sister named Bayleigh Bisi Plumptre.
Ashleigh Plumptre social media
Ashleigh Plumptre is a prominent figure on social media. Her Instagram account boasts an impressive following of over 105,000 followers, making her one of Nigeria’s most followed female athletes. On X, she commands a substantial audience of over 46,400 followers.
These platforms allow her to connect with fans, sharing glimpses into her personal life and football career.
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