Ashleigh Plumptre's biography: All you need to know about the Nigerian centre-back

Ashleigh Plumptre's biography: All you need to know about the Nigerian centre-back

Kenneth Mwenda
updated at August 14, 2023 at 6:39 AM

Ashleigh Plumptre’s biography shows a tale of passion, dual heritage, and unwavering dedication to the beautiful football game. Born in the heart of England but deeply connected to Nigeria’s vibrant culture, Plumptre’s journey from Leicester to the international stage is nothing short of inspirational.

Ashleigh Plumptre's biography
Ashleigh Plumptre of Nigeria poses for a portrait during the official FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 portrait session on 16 July 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. Photo: Chris Hyde
Source: Getty Images

The ascent of Ashleigh Plumptre in women’s football has been nothing short of meteoric. Representing both England and Nigeria in her career, this versatile defender has etched her name in football folklore. This comprehensive Ashleigh Plumptre biography offers a deep dive into her life, career, and the roots that connect her to two great footballing nations.

Profile summary

Names

Ashleigh Megan Plumptre

Date of birth

8 May 1998

Age

25 years (as of August 2023)

Place of birth

Leicester, England’s East Midlands

Country of origin

England, UK

Nationality

British-Nigerian

Ethnicity

Mixed (British-Nigerian)

Occupation

Footballer

College

University of Southern California

Height

(5 feet 10 inches) 180 cm

Weight

(138 lbs) 63 kg

Parents

Tim Plumptre (Father)

Sister

Bayleigh Bisi

Net worth

$5 million

Social media

X, Instagram

Ashleigh Plumptre’s biography

Ashleigh Plumptre was born in the football-crazed City of Leicester on 8 May 1998, making her age a youthful 25 years (as of August 2023). Her childhood was steeped in football culture, and early on, it was evident she was destined for greatness.

Ashleigh Plumptre’s ethnicity and roots

Who is Ashleigh Plumptre's father?
Ashleigh Plumptre (L) and Jennifer Echegini of Nigeria during a Nigeria training session on 18 July 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. Photo: Matt Roberts
Source: Getty Images

One of the most intriguing aspects about Ashleigh is her dual heritage and family. “Who is Ashleigh Plumptre’s father?” is a question often raised by fans and journalists alike. Her father, Tim Plumptre, while having deep connections in England, has his roots traced back to Nigeria.

This prompts another frequent question, “Is Ashleigh Plumptre’s father a Nigerian?”. The answer lies in her grandfather, who hailed from Lagos State, establishing Ashleigh’s Yoruba lineage. This dual ethnicity has given her a rich cultural perspective on and off the field.

The English chapter

Ashleigh’s football journey started quite early. At just four, she began her career with Asfordby Amateurs, later at eight years, moving on to spend vital years at Leicester City’s Center of Excellence.

Ashleigh spent seven years with Leicester City club playing from under-10 to under-15 level. Her talent did not go unnoticed, and soon she found herself playing for Birmingham City’s U-17 team and subsequently for Notts County in the WSL 1.

Across the Pond – The American adventure

Ashleigh Plumptre's age
Ashleigh Plumptre (22) of the University of Southern California and Heather Kaleiohi (6) of West Virginia University battle for the ball during the Division I Women’s Soccer Championship held at Avaya Stadium on 4 December 2016 in San Jose, California. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow
Source: Getty Images

Seeking a new challenge and a change of pace, Ashleigh ventured to the United States, where she showcased her talent at the University of Southern California with the USC Trojans team. Her time there not only honed her football skills but also broadened her horizons.

In March 2019, Plumptre agreed to play for LA Galaxy OC in the UWS during her college offseason. The team ranked second in the West Conference after Calgary Foothills in the regular season but clinched the Championship title against the same team.

Ashleigh Plumptre at Leicester City

Ashleigh Plumptre's height
Ashleigh Plumptre of Leicester City Women before the Leicester City v Reading - Barclays Women’s Super League match at King Power Stadium on 2 April 2023 in Leicester, United Kingdom. Photo: Plumb Images
Source: Getty Images

In December 2019, Plumptre chose not to participate in the 2020 NWSL College Draft from college, even though she was anticipated to be a late-first or early-second-round choice. She returned to England, linking up with her local team, Leicester City, in the FA Women’s Championship. Leicester City reportedly outbid other FA WSL teams for her.

She debuted for Leicester City’s senior team on 19 January 2020, setting up Ella Rutherford for a goal in a 3–1 victory against Crystal Palace. From then on, she has been a cornerstone in the team’s defence, particularly in the 2022/23 season, making 23 appearances across all events.

She was a part of the squad that clinched the Barclays Women’s Championship in 2021 and was pivotal during City’s first two seasons in the top-tier women’s league. According to the latest news, after clocking 79 appearances in Leicester City’s colours, she left the club as a free agent (as of 10 August 2023).

The Nigerian connection

Given her background, many have wondered, “Why is Ashleigh Plumptre playing for Nigeria?”. It is a heartwarming story of reconnecting with one’s roots. Despite representing England at the youth level, her Nigerian lineage called out to her. Embracing her heritage, she donned the green and white of the Super Falcons, notably shining in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Ashleigh Plumtre's Sister: Who Is Bayleigh Plumptre?

The Nigerian defender, Ashleigh Plumptre, has a younger sister named Bayleigh, also known by her Yoruba name, Bisi, who is a drummer. In a conversation with the Nigerian Football Federation, Ashleigh detailed that Bisi’s darker complexion and distinct hair texture made her connect more deeply with their shared Nigerian roots.

Ashleigh Plumptre’s height

Ashleigh Plumptre is a tall and athletic defender, standing at 180 centimetres (5 feet 10 inches) and weighing 63 kilograms (138 pounds). Her stature offers her an aerial edge, allowing her to leap higher than the majority of her competitors.

Personal life & relationships

Ashleigh leads a relatively private life away from the spotlight and the football field. We do not have details on whether she is in a relationship, and maybe she has chosen to keep her partner’s identity away from the media’s prying eyes.

Ashleigh Plumptre’s achievement and net worth

Ashleigh Plumptre's biography
Ashleigh Plumptre of Nigeria during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between England and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on 7 August 2023 in Brisbane / Meaanjin, Australia. Photo: Elsa
Source: Getty Images

With an estimated net worth of $5 million, Ashleigh has truly made a mark in women’s football. This impressive figure is not just from her earnings on the field. Endorsements, sponsorships, and her salary from playing all contribute.

Future prospects

Ashleigh’s career is far from over. With her talent and determination, the sky is the limit. Whether she represents Leicester City or plays for Nigeria, fans can expect many more years of football magic.

From Leicester to Lagos and even Los Angeles, Ashleigh Plumptre’s journey is a testament to the dedication, talent, and deep pull of one’s roots. This biography underscores the narrative of a young woman making her mark in a sport she loves, representing her heritage with pride, and inspiring countless others along the way.

READ ALSO: Who is Kristie Mewis, Sam Kerr’s partner? All the facts and details

Sports Brief published an article about Kristie Mewis, Sam Kerr’s partner. Kristie Mewis is a well-known soccer player in the United States. Her career in the game began in high school at a very young age. She also has a sister who is a footballer and a national team teammate.

Kristie recently gained popularity as a result of his alleged relationships with several of her football teammates. Click on the above link to read more!

Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.