Ian Wright net worth, Eni Aluko fallout, childhood trauma and incredible gesture

Ian Wright will be back on punditry duty for the Women’s Euro 2025 final as England look to defend the title they won three years ago.

The Lionesses take on Spain in Basel, Switzerland (5pm kick-off), in what is a replay of the World Cup final from just two years ago. Spain came out as winners that day with England looking for revenge.

Wright made his ITV comeback for England’s semi-final on Tuesday night when they overcame Italy 2-1 after extra time. The Lionesses did look to be heading out of the tournament as they were trailing 1-0 going into stoppage time.

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But Michelle Agyemang was the hero with a last gasp equaliser. England completed the turnaround in the second half of extra time when Chloe Kelly made no mistake from her rebounded penalty.

Clips shared by ITV showed Wright’s celebrations for Agyemang’s equaliser alongside presenter Laura Woods and fellow pundit Karen Carney. England fans will be hoping for similar celebrations for the final.

Net worth

According to Celebritynetworth.com, Wright’s net worth is estimated to be around £15.27 million. His punditry work with both ITV and BBC reportedly earn him around £150,000 per year.

Away from football, he has ventured into some presenting, including hosting the ITV quiz ‘Moneyball. He also was one of the contestants on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here in 2019, which netted him a reported £400,000.

Childhood trauma

Speaking ahead of a release of a ‘Home Truths’ documentary with the BBC, Wright explained the abuse he suffered as a child and how football was his escape.

“When I was younger, football was all about fun, but at the same time, it was a huge release for me,” he said. “What many people don't realise is that while I was playing, a lot of the anger I showed was not being channelled in the right way.

“It wasn't just my desire to win or my frustration at how the game was going; a lot of it was pain and unhappiness. I was always on edge. It was trauma within myself that took me years to process.

“This was something that had been happening from when I was a little guy. I could be playing football on the estate and start crying if we lost. I could get into a fight if I didn't like the way someone spoke to me.

“All of this stemmed from my situation at home. I was not happy. My stepdadwas horrible. It wasn't just physical abuse but the emotional abuse - the words that were used on a daily basis.

“Hurtful words that came from my mum that never leave you. It was a repressive environment. Home was a difficult place to be and I always wanted to escape. I didn't feel like I could talk to anyone apart from my older brother Maurice. He was my guy. He protected me as much as he could.”

Incredible gesture

Wright has been known for his support for the women’s game over the years; an incredible gesture was highlighted earlier this year.

It emerged that Wright has personally funded the rehabilitation costs of former Stoke City player Kayleigh McDonald following ACL surgery. Following the injury, it is said that the player was advised to seek treatment through the NHS.

It led to her setting up a GoFundMe page to try and raise funds. Wright is said to have come across the situation and paid for a lawyer to address Stoke’s duty of care, leading to the club covering the cost of surgery.

He then personally covered the cost of her £1700-per-month rehabilitation.

Eni Aluko fall-out

Earlier this year a fallout between Wright and fellow pundit Eni Aluko emerged after Aluko accused the former Arsenal striker of obstructing opportunities for women in football.

After Aluko made the comments, Wright responded on social media.

"I have to talk about this week and what's going on, I don't want to endlessly be asked about it,” he said. "I've got to say, I'm very disappointed about what Eni has said, she knows how I've helped her, supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she's had with me and my management.

"I've seen the apology on social media, but I can't accept it. But I also want to move on. For anyone watching this, I really don't need any further social commentary directed on any of this. The thing about where the women's gameis, it isn't about me - it has to be about the collective.

"Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women's game for 50 years, because of the past we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it's going to take everyone to help fixes. So for me, I always give back to the game, it's given me so much."