Ashleigh Megan Plumptre is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Saudi Premier League club Al-Ittihad and the Nigeria women’s national team. Born on May 8, 1998, in Leicester, England, she stands at 1.80 meters tall.
Early Life and Youth Career:
Plumptre began her football journey at a young age, playing for local clubs such as Asfordby Amateurs and Leicester City. She later joined the youth setups of Birmingham City and Derby County, honing her skills as a defender.
College Career:
In 2016, she moved to the United States to attend the University of Southern California (USC), where she played for the USC Trojans. During her time there, she made 77 appearances, scored 5 goals, and contributed to the team’s success, including winning the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship in 2016.
Professional Career:
- Notts County (2014–2015): Plumptre made her senior debut with Notts County, appearing in 4 matches.
- LA Galaxy OC (2019): She had a stint with LA Galaxy OC, further developing her professional career.
- Leicester City (2020–2023): Returning to her hometown club, Plumptre played a pivotal role in Leicester City’s promotion to the Women’s Super League, making 62 appearances and scoring 3 goals.
- Al-Ittihad (2023–Present): In 2023, she signed with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, where she has continued to showcase her defensive prowess.
International Career:
Eligible to represent both England and Nigeria, Plumptre chose to play for the Nigeria women’s national team due to her Nigerian heritage. She made her senior debut in February 2022 and was part of the squad that competed in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Personal Life:
Plumptre’s grandfather was born in Nigeria, which influenced her decision to represent Nigeria at the international level. She grew up supporting Leicester City and was present during the club’s historic 2015-16 Premier League title celebrations.
