Ashleigh Plumptre, born on May 8, 1998 in Leicester, is a professional footballer who presently plays for Nigeria’s national team, the Super Falcons, in the last group game of the ongoing FIFA Women World Cup.
The Super Falcons defender recently parted ways with Leicester City of the English Super League. The Foxes confirmed Plumptre’s departure in a statement, saying that the brilliant defender left the team when her contract at the King Power Stadium expired.
Plumptre has built a reputation for herself in the football world, owing to her broad background and passion for the game.
Early life
Plumptre grew up in Melton Mowbray and attended primary school there. Her football career began at the age of four, when she joined Asfordby Amateurs.
Recognizing her talent and determination, she joined the Leicester City Centre of Excellence at the age of eight and stayed with the club for seven years, graduating from under-10 to under-15 level.
She joined Birmingham City’s under-17 team in 2013, where she got the opportunity to train with the senior WSL 1 team. During that period, she was a member of Derby County’s Centre of Excellence, a third-tier FA Women’s Premier League team.
Plumptre’s love of football led her to attend Leicester City’s centre of excellence at an early age while growing up in Melton Mowbray, a short 30-minute drive from the city.
She polished her skills in the club’s youth system from the age of eight to fourteen, having previously played for a local girls’ team.
Plumptre sees herself as a youngster who craved physical activities when she was younger.
When she got home from school, she dropped her bags and went outside to play football until her mother called her in for dinner.
This continuous commitment to the sport demonstrated her love and drive, even at such a young age.
“I was one of those kids that just always wanted to be active,” Plumptre said.
Although she temporarily left Leicester City during her teenage years, fate would bring her back to the club where she would eventually sign her first professional contract.
“[It] meant a lot to me to sign for Leicester because it was the club I’ve always supported and I grew up here,” she divulged.
Education
Plumptre relocated to the United States in 2016 to pursue a scholarship at the University of Southern California.
She studied in human biology and also played football for the university. The squad won the National Championship in her first year and was even invited to the White House to celebrate.
“It influenced so many things in my life, and not just football, I found out more about myself, what I’m passionate about,” she reflected.
Family
Ashleigh Plumptre is of mixed ancestry. Her father is of Nigerian origin, notably from Lagos State, and is a Yoruba. Her mum is from England.
‘’My grandfather from dad’s side is a Nigerian from Lagos state. He is of Yoruba descent. My younger sister Bayleigh, is called by Yoruba name, Bisi. She is a drummer.
International Career
Plumptre’s affinity to her Nigerian heritage influenced her decision to join the Nigeria national team.
She discussed her mission and how it has developed through time, emphasizing her desire to look into her past and reflect the people she knows.
Plumptre appreciates the influence she can have as a player and as a person, bringing her joyful and free-spirited nature to the game while also embracing her physical side, which she refers to as her “Nigerian side.”
“As much as I love playing football, I like to play for a purpose and a reason. I know the impact I can have by delving into my heritage more and representing the people I am always familiar with”.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Plumptre began researching her Nigerian ancestors. She felt compelled to connect with her ancestors after discussing her background with her sister, who identifies as black whereas Plumptre identifies as mixed blood.
“Even though we have the same dad, we both have a Nigerian dad and a white mum, she looks a little different to me and has experienced things in school that I never had,” she says. “Most people just assume that I’m white. I identify as being mixed heritage. But my sister … she identifies as being black.”
As a result, Plumptre changed her foreign allegiance from England to Nigeria in order to immerse herself in the culture and educate her sister about their ancestors.
She says: “That’s where I’m like: ‘OK, Nigeria would be good for me to do because then I can experience the culture more, I can come back and teach her about our heritage. That was the trigger for me.”
“I love the culture, I honestly love everything about being in Nigeria,” she says. She has also “realised how lucky I’ve been to just have been born in this country, the opportunities that I’ve been blessed with”. She adds: “My Nigerian teammates, for example, they’ve worked so hard but sometimes they don’t get the same opportunities based upon the teams that they’re playing in, the lack of exposure that they have. It’s a privilege to play with them.”
Career honours
Plumptre has received numerous honors throughout her career. She was a Women’s FA Cup runner-up for Notts County in 2015, as well as an FA Women’s League Cup runner-up in the same year.
She won the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship in 2016 while attending the University of Southern California.
Plumptre won the UWS Championship with LA Galaxy OC in 2019. She most recently contributed to Leicester City’s success, assisting them in winning the FA Women’s Championship in 2020-21.
Net worth
Ashleigh Megan Plumptre has become a highly respected personality in the world of women’s football due to her excellent performances on the field and her desire to making a difference both as a player and as an individual.
Her net worth is believed to be $1.5 million, acquired mostly from her professional football outings.
Plumptre’s effect on and off the court is expected to leave a lasting legacy as she advances in her profession.
