When Eni Aluko appeared as a pundit on Match of the Day in 2014 she made history, becoming the first woman to do so and paving the way for the likes of Alex Scott and Steph Houghton to follow in her footsteps. In the years since, the former England, Chelsea and Juventus forward has become a regular feature of football coverage with broadcasters including ITV and TNT Sports. But in the past week she has reignited a debate first sparked a year ago about the presence of male pundits in women's football, claiming that opportunities for female former players are being reduced by men blocking the way. The row erupted over radio, podcasts and television, generating heated arguments online, and drawing in other pundits and presenters. BBC Sport explores how the matter has become a talking point again.

Source: BBC February 11, 2026 04:09 UTC