Ashleigh Plumptre stands as one of the most inspiring figures in women’s football today. Born in Leicester, England, this talented defender has carved out a remarkable career representing Nigeria’s Super Falcons on the international stage.
This detailed profile explores the defender’s path from humble beginnings in Leicester to playing professional football in Saudi Arabia, representing Nigeria at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and becoming one of the highest-paid Nigerian female footballers.
Quick Facts About Ashleigh Plumptre
Full Name: Ashleigh Megan Plumptre
Nickname: Ash
Date of Birth: May 8, 1998
Age: 27 years old (as of January 2026)
Birthplace: Leicester, England
Nationality: British-Nigerian
Profession: Professional Footballer (Defender)
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Height: 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
Weight: Approximately 70 kg
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black
Net Worth: Estimated at $1-5 million USD
Marital Status: Single
Spouse/Partner: Not publicly disclosed
Children: None
Social Media:
- Instagram: @ashleighhplumptre (135,000+ followers)
- Twitter/X: @ashplumptre (50,000+ followers)
Early Life and Family Background
Ashleigh Plumptre was born on May 8, 1998, in Leicester, England, to parents with a unique multicultural heritage. Growing up in Melton Mowbray, a town in the Melton district of Leicestershire, Ashleigh Plumptre’s childhood was enriched by both British and Nigerian cultures. Her early years were shaped by a supportive family environment that encouraged her passion for sports from a very young age.
Who is Ashleigh Plumptre Father
Ashleigh Plumptre’s father is Tim Plumptre, born on June 10, 1970. Tim Plumptre is an FA Registered Intermediary who also serves as his daughter’s agent. Understanding who Ashleigh Plumptre’s father is reveals much about her Nigerian connection. Tim Plumptre is of Nigerian descent through his own father, making him instrumental in connecting Ashleigh to her African heritage. Tim has been described as incredibly supportive throughout Ashleigh’s football journey, often accompanying her to matches and providing unwavering encouragement.
In interviews, Tim Plumptre has explained how vital it was for him to consciously raise Ashleigh Plumptre with an understanding of her Nigerian heritage. He took her to spend time with her grandfather, Harry Dotun Plumptre, and as many of her extended Nigerian family members as possible. This deliberate exposure to her roots helped shape Ashleigh’s decision to represent Nigeria at the senior international level.
Ashleigh Plumptre Grandfather
Ashleigh Plumptre’s grandfather was Harry Dotun Plumptre, a Yoruba man originally from Abeokuta in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria, who was born in Lagos. Harry Dotun Plumptre migrated to the United Kingdom, where he married a white British woman. This Nigerian lineage through her paternal grandfather made Ashleigh Plumptre eligible to represent Nigeria internationally, a decision that would define her career.
The connection to her grandfather was particularly meaningful for Ashleigh Plumptre. Before his passing, she spent considerable time with him, learning about Nigerian culture, traditions, and what it meant to be part of the Yoruba heritage. These experiences laid the foundation for her deep emotional connection to Nigeria.
Who is Ashleigh Plumptre Mother
Information about Ashleigh Plumptre’s mother remains relatively private, though it is known that she is British. Ashleigh has a stepmother named Jo Plumptre, who appears in family photographs shared on social media. Ashleigh has spoken fondly about the women in her family, celebrating both her mother and grandmother on Mother’s Day with heartfelt tributes.
Siblings
Ashleigh Plumptre has one younger sister named Bayleigh Bisi Plumptre, born on May 26, 2010. Bayleigh is a talented drummer who has recently begun serving in the British Army Music Summer Academy. The bond between the sisters is particularly strong, with both sharing mixed Nigerian-British heritage. Interestingly, Ashleigh has mentioned that conversations with her sister about their Nigerian heritage played a significant role in her decision to represent the Super Falcons. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sisters bonded over exploring their Nigerian roots and what their heritage meant to their identities.
Education
Primary and Secondary Education
Ashleigh Plumptre attended primary school in Melton Mowbray, where she grew up. Details about her secondary education are limited, though she attended The Becket School, where she was named Player of the Year in 2012-13. During her school years, Ashleigh Plumptre was not only focused on football but also excelled in athletics, competing in high jump and triple jump competitions where she broke school records.
University of Southern California
In 2016, Ashleigh Plumptre moved to the United States to attend the University of Southern California on a scholarship. She majored in human biology, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence alongside her athletic pursuits. Her academic success at USC earned her Pac-12 academic recognition in both 2017 and 2018. She was also named to the 2018 CoSIDA Academic All-District second team and the 2019 United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America second team.
This period at USC was transformative for Ashleigh Plumptre, combining rigorous academics with high-level collegiate football competition. The experience helped shape her as both a student and an athlete, broadening her perspectives and developing her leadership qualities.
Early Interests and Inspirations
Football captured Ashleigh Plumptre’s heart at the tender age of four when she joined Asfordby Amateurs. This early start revealed a natural talent and passion for the sport that would define her life. Growing up in Leicester, she was a devoted supporter of Leicester City, even attending the parade when the men’s team won the remarkable 2015-16 Premier League title.
Beyond football, Ashleigh Plumptre showed athletic versatility. She competed in high jump and triple jump, achieving a personal best of 1.62 meters in high jump. She also participated in netball through the Leicestershire County Academy Excel Programme. This multi-sport background contributed to her athleticism and competitive spirit.
Career Journey
How Ashleigh Plumptre Started in Football
Ashleigh Plumptre’s professional journey began at age eight when she joined the Leicester City Centre of Excellence. She spent seven formative years with the club, progressing through the under-10 to under-15 levels. This solid foundation in youth football provided the technical skills and tactical understanding that would serve her throughout her career.
In 2013, she left Leicester to join Birmingham City’s under-17 team, where she had the valuable opportunity to train with the senior WSL 1 team. This exposure to professional football at such a young age accelerated her development. She briefly joined Derby County’s Centre of Excellence in 2014 before making her senior debut.
Breakthrough Moment
Ashleigh Plumptre’s breakthrough came in 2014 when she joined WSL 1 side Notts County. On August 24, 2014, at just 16 years and 108 days old, she made her senior debut as a substitute in a match against Liverpool, becoming Notts County’s youngest-ever debutant. This historic moment announced her arrival on the professional stage.
During her time with Notts County, Ashleigh Plumptre reached two cup finals – the 2015 FA Women’s Cup final (the first to be played at Wembley Stadium) and the 2015 FA Women’s League Cup final, though she was an unused substitute in both matches. She scored her first and only goal for Notts County on August 30, 2015, in a 5-0 League Cup victory.
University of Southern California Trojans
The move to USC in 2016 marked a new chapter for Ashleigh Plumptre. As a freshman, she made 17 substitute appearances and played a key role in USC’s successful NCAA postseason campaign. In the College Cup final, she played 27 minutes as USC defeated West Virginia 3-1 to claim the second national championship in program history. The team was even invited to the White House to celebrate their achievement.
Ashleigh Plumptre gradually increased her playing time, becoming a regular starter by her junior year. In 2019, she transitioned to playing centre-back and started all 23 of USC’s games during a season that included a postseason run to the NCAA Tournament quarter-finals. Her performances earned individual recognition with All-Pacific first team and All-Pac-12 second team honors in 2019.
Notable Works and Club Career Achievements
LA Galaxy OC (2019): During the college offseason in March 2019, Ashleigh Plumptre signed with LA Galaxy OC in the UWS. The team finished second in the West Conference during the regular season before winning the Championship final, giving her first professional title.
Leicester City (2019-2023): In December 2019, despite projecting as a late-first or early-second round NWSL College Draft pick, Ashleigh Plumptre chose to return to England and rejoin her hometown club Leicester City in the FA Women’s Championship. She made her senior Leicester debut on January 19, 2020, registering an assist in a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.
Her debut season was limited to three appearances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the 2020-21 season proved transformative. Leicester City became fully professional for the first time after being taken over by King Power. On April 4, 2021, Leicester City clinched the league title, earning their first-ever promotion to the top-flight FA WSL. Ashleigh Plumptre was instrumental, playing in all but one game during the title-winning campaign.
Al-Ittihad (2023-Present): On September 13, 2023, Ashleigh Plumptre made headlines by signing for Saudi Premier League club Al-Ittihad, becoming the first marquee signing of the Middle Eastern professional women’s football league. This groundbreaking move positioned her as a trailblazer for women’s football in Saudi Arabia and made her one of the highest-paid Nigerian female footballers. She currently serves as captain of the team.
International Career – The Nigerian Connection
Ashleigh Plumptre initially represented England at various youth levels, including under-15, under-17, under-19, and under-23 teams. She featured in the 2014 and 2015 UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship tournaments. Playing predominantly as a forward or attacking midfielder at youth level, she scored twice in a commanding 9-0 victory over Moldova in the 2015 UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship qualifying round. She made a combined 30 appearances at youth level, scoring 10 goals for England.
However, Ashleigh Plumptre’s heart drew her toward Nigeria. In June 2021, she expressed interest in representing the Super Falcons, and in November 2021, she attended a training camp in Nigeria for the first time. In December 2021, she was officially cleared by FIFA to represent Nigeria.
On February 18, 2022, Ashleigh Plumptre made her senior Nigeria debut, starting in a 2-0 win over Ivory Coast during the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations qualification. This moment represented more than just a debut – it was an embrace of her heritage and a connection to something bigger than herself.
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand served as Ashleigh Plumptre’s grand stage. Included in the 23-player Nigeria squad, she started all four games for the Super Falcons. Playing as a center-back, she helped Nigeria keep three clean sheets as the team reached the round of 16 before being eliminated by England on penalties after a goalless draw.
Following Nigeria’s elimination, Ashleigh Plumptre was lauded for her consistency and named among the best performers for Nigeria at the World Cup. Notably, she was the only African player named to the Team of the Round of 16 by Whoscored.com. Her performances significantly boosted her social media following, with her Instagram account gaining over 50,000 new followers during the tournament.
2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
Ashleigh Plumptre emerged as one of the standout defenders of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, earning her spot in the Team of the Group Stage. As Al-Ittihad’s captain, she proved crucial in Nigeria’s pursuit of a record-extending 10th continental crown.
She played in all of Nigeria’s matches, including the dramatic final where the Super Falcons came from two goals down to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2. This triumph was particularly emotional for Ashleigh Plumptre, who described feeling an incredible connection with the squad. After the victory, President Bola Tinubu conferred the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and awarded each a three-bedroom apartment and $100,000 cash prize.
Awards and Recognitions
- NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship (2016) with USC Trojans
- White House invitation as part of USC’s National Championship celebration (2017)
- UWS Championship (2019) with LA Galaxy OC
- FA Women’s Championship title (2020-21) with Leicester City
- All-Pacific first team honors (2019)
- All-Pac-12 second team honors (2019)
- Pac-12 academic recognition (2017, 2018)
- CoSIDA Academic All-District second team (2018)
- United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America second team (2019)
- Team of the Round of 16, FIFA Women’s World Cup (2023)
- Team of the Group Stage, Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (2024)
- Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) (2024)
Current Projects
As captain of Al-Ittihad, Ashleigh Plumptre continues to lead both on and off the pitch. She has also begun working toward her UEFA coaching license, demonstrating her commitment to remaining in football beyond her playing career. Her goal is to pass on what she has learned and help shape the next generation, particularly in Nigeria. She has expressed particular passion about developing women’s football infrastructure in Africa.
Personal Life
Is Ashleigh Plumptre Married
As of January 2026, Ashleigh Plumptre is not married. Despite numerous inquiries from fans about her marital status, she has maintained that marriage and relationships are not currently her focus. During a session on Lagos Talks Sports Zone, when asked about her relationship status and whether she could marry a Nigerian man, the 27-year-old stated that she has no time for relationships at the moment as she concentrates on her football career.
Ashleigh Plumptre Husband
Ashleigh Plumptre does not have a husband. While there has been speculation about her dating life, she prefers to keep details of her personal relationships private. Some sources have suggested she may be in a relationship, but the identity of any partner has not been made public. The consensus among reliable sources is that Ashleigh Plumptre is currently single and focused on her professional career.
Relationships and Dating History
Information about Ashleigh Plumptre’s dating history remains largely unknown, as she has successfully kept her romantic life out of the public eye. She has not publicly confirmed any past relationships or dating experiences. This privacy is respected by her fans, who continue to support her primarily for her football achievements.
Children
Ashleigh Plumptre does not have any children.
Hobbies and Interests Outside Football
Beyond the pitch, Ashleigh Plumptre is a well-rounded individual with diverse interests. She is an avid reader and values academic pursuits, having excelled in her human biology studies at USC. She has shown interest in medical and clinical research, having worked as an assistant clinical research coordinator and assistant medical coordinator during her time in the United States.
Ashleigh Plumptre is also deeply connected to her Nigerian culture. She has expressed love for Nigerian cuisine and Afrobeat music, embracing the cultural richness of her heritage. She maintains close relationships with her family, particularly her sister Bayleigh, and enjoys spending quality time with them.
She serves as an ambassador for Menphys, a UK-based charity organization, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the community. This philanthropic work reflects her values of service and making a positive impact beyond football.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Estimated Net Worth
As of 2024-2025, Ashleigh Plumptre’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million USD. This substantial wealth positions her as one of Nigeria’s highest-paid female footballers and among the most financially successful African women athletes globally.
Income Sources
Ashleigh Plumptre’s wealth comes from multiple revenue streams:
Club Salary: Her move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia represents her most lucrative contract to date. While exact figures remain confidential, reports suggest that overseas players’ base salaries in the Saudi women’s league can range from $60,000 to $120,000 per year tax-free, with well-known internationals like Ashleigh Plumptre commanding even higher wages. As the league’s marquee signing and team captain, she likely earns at the upper end of this range or beyond.
International Football: Representing Nigeria at major tournaments comes with prize money. Following Nigeria’s World Cup campaign in 2023, each player received part of FIFA’s World Cup payment worth approximately $60,000. The 2024 WAFCON victory brought additional rewards including $100,000 cash prize from President Tinubu.
Endorsements: Ashleigh Plumptre has endorsement deals with global brands including Nike. Her social media presence with over 135,000 Instagram followers makes her an attractive partner for brands targeting football fans and the African market.
Brand Collaborations: Beyond traditional endorsements, Ashleigh Plumptre engages in various brand collaborations and sponsorship agreements that contribute to her income.
Houses and Lifestyle
Ashleigh Plumptre owns property in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria. Following the 2024 WAFCON victory, she was awarded a three-bedroom apartment in Abuja’s Renewed Hope Estate by the Nigerian government, joining the property portfolio she already maintained in England.
While details about luxury cars remain private, photographs shared on social media indicate she enjoys a comfortable lifestyle befitting a professional athlete of her status. She maintains residences that allow her to balance her international career between Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and England.
Brand Collaborations
As one of the most recognizable faces in Nigerian women’s football, Ashleigh Plumptre has collaborated with various brands. Her partnership with Nike is her most prominent endorsement deal. Her growing social media influence, particularly following her World Cup performances, has made her increasingly attractive to brands seeking authentic connections with football audiences.
Social Media Presence
Ashleigh Plumptre’s Instagram account (@ashleighhplumptre) boasts an impressive following of over 135,000 followers as of January 2026, making her one of Nigeria’s most followed female athletes. Her Instagram growth has been remarkable, gaining over 50,000 new followers during and after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup alone.
On Instagram, Ashleigh Plumptre shares a mix of professional content including match photos, training sessions, and team celebrations, alongside personal glimpses into her life. She posts about her family, cultural experiences in Nigeria, and behind-the-scenes moments that give fans insight into her personality beyond football.
She also maintains a secondary Instagram account (@heartspoken.x) where she shares more personal reflections and creative content.
Twitter/X Profile
On Twitter/X (@ashplumptre), Ashleigh Plumptre commands a substantial audience of over 50,000 followers. She uses this platform to engage with football discussions, share match updates, and express her thoughts on women’s football development. Her tweets often reflect her thoughtful perspective on the game and her pride in representing Nigeria.
How She Interacts with Fans Online
Ashleigh Plumptre maintains an active and engaging presence on social media. She responds to fans’ messages, shares their creative content featuring her, and uses her platforms to promote women’s football. Her posts often carry messages of gratitude toward her supporters and emphasize the importance of representing something bigger than herself.
Her social media strategy balances professional updates with authentic personal moments, creating a genuine connection with her audience. She frequently posts about her Nigerian heritage, sharing cultural experiences and expressing pride in her roots, which resonates strongly with Nigerian fans.
Following major matches or tournaments, she takes time to acknowledge fan support with heartfelt messages. Her approachable online persona has contributed to her popularity and made her one of the most beloved figures in Nigerian women’s football.
Controversies and Public Image
Ashleigh Plumptre has maintained a relatively controversy-free career. The most significant public discussion surrounding her involved her decision to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria. Some critics questioned whether she was an ‘England reject’ seeking easier opportunities, a narrative she firmly addressed.
A minor social media controversy emerged during the 2024 WAFCON when photographs showed her father Tim Plumptre with a white woman in the stands, leading to speculation about her mother. Ashleigh Plumptre later clarified that the woman was not her mother but a fan she calls her ‘social media mom,’ putting the speculation to rest.
Public Statements and Responses
Ashleigh Plumptre has been vocal and articulate in explaining her decision to represent Nigeria. She has emphasized that it was not about rejecting England but about embracing her Nigerian identity and heritage. In interviews, she has stated: ‘I don’t just play because I enjoy the sport. I have to play for more. Throughout everything I’ve done in my career so far has always been about representing something bigger than myself.’
When discussing her Nigerian heritage, she has credited her father for ensuring she maintained connections with her grandfather and extended Nigerian family, which helped her understand and embrace her roots. She has described representing Nigeria as an opportunity to connect with her identity and inspire others, particularly young girls who look like her or come from similar backgrounds.
Media Coverage
Media coverage of Ashleigh Plumptre has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly in Nigeria where she is celebrated as a symbol of diaspora connection and national pride. Nigerian media outlets frequently feature her performances, with praise for her commitment despite being born and raised in England.
International media has highlighted her as a trailblazer, especially following her groundbreaking move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad. Coverage has focused on her role in developing women’s football in the Middle East and her advocacy for the growth of the game globally.
Her performances at the 2023 World Cup and 2024 WAFCON earned widespread acclaim, with sports journalists praising her consistency, defensive solidity, and leadership qualities. She is often described in media coverage as intelligent, well-spoken, and a positive role model for young footballers.
Fun Facts About Ashleigh Plumptre
- She became Notts County’s youngest-ever debutant at just 16 years and 108 days old
- Ashleigh Plumptre was invited to the White House in 2017 as part of USC’s National Championship winning celebrations
- She holds a degree in human biology and considered a career in medical research before fully committing to football
- She broke her school’s year 10 record in high jump in 2012-13 with a personal best of 1.62 meters
- Her grandfather, Harry Dotun Plumptre, was originally from Abeokuta in Ogun State before being born in Lagos
- Ashleigh Plumptre started playing football at age four with Asfordby Amateurs
- She was predominantly a forward or attacking midfielder at England youth level before transitioning to center-back
- Her younger sister Bayleigh is a talented drummer who has performed before royalty at military musical events
- She chose to return to Leicester City in 2019 despite being projected as a first or second-round NWSL Draft pick
- Ashleigh Plumptre attended the Leicester City Premier League title parade in 2016 as a lifelong fan of the club
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, she bonded with her sister over exploring their Nigerian heritage, which influenced her decision to play for Nigeria
- She scored the game-winning goal for USC against Washington State on October 22, 2017, in a 2-1 victory
- Her father Tim Plumptre serves as both her father and her agent, managing her professional career
- She was named to the Team of the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup – the only African player to receive this honor from Whoscored.com
- Her Instagram following grew by over 50,000 followers during the 2023 World Cup, reflecting her rising star power
Conclusion
Ashleigh Plumptre represents the best of modern football – a player who combines exceptional talent with intelligence, cultural pride, and a commitment to something greater than personal success. From her early days kicking a ball at Asfordby Amateurs at age four to captaining Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia and starring for Nigeria’s Super Falcons, her journey exemplifies dedication, identity, and excellence.
Her story continues to unfold, promising even greater achievements as she pursues her goals both on the field and in her future coaching career, ensuring her legacy will inspire generations to come.
