Anita Asante

Former Professional Footballer for Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa & The Grand National Team, Former First-Time Coach of Bristol City FC & Leading BBC Pundit

Anita Asante’s Biography:

Anita Asante is a former professional footballer, coach and broadcaster who represented England at the highest level and later transitioned into leadership roles within the women’s game. With over 70 international caps and experience across top clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa, Anita is widely respected for her intelligence on the pitch and her advocacy off it. Today, she is a sought-after speaker on leadership, equality and high-performance sport, drawing on a career that spans elite competition, coaching and media.

Anita began her senior career at Arsenal Women FC, becoming part of one of the most successful eras in the club’s history. In 2007, she played a key role in the historic quadruple-winning squad that secured the UEFA Women’s Cup, FA Women’s Cup, league title and League Cup. Her club career went on to include spells in the United States and Sweden, where she won domestic honours and gained valuable international experience, further broadening her understanding of the global game.

Internationally, Anita represented the England women’s national football team across major tournaments and was selected to represent Great Britain women’s Olympic football team at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Known for her composure, tactical awareness and leadership from defence, she was part of a generation that helped raise the profile and professionalism of women’s football in England.

Following her playing career, Anita moved into coaching and broadcasting. She became First Team Coach at Bristol City Women FC and later a technical coach with England’s women’s development pathway. Alongside coaching, she has built a strong media presence as a pundit for the BBC and other networks, offering expert analysis while championing gender, racial and LGBT+ equality in sport.

Why Hire Anita Asante?

Anita is hired as a speaker for her rare perspective spanning elite performance, coaching and broadcasting within international football. She speaks with authority on teamwork, resilience and performing under pressure, while also addressing the importance of representation and inclusion in sport. Her lived experience across different leagues and cultures gives her powerful insight into leadership and adaptability.

Through her broadcasting work with the BBC and other major platforms, Anita has become a prominent voice for equality and diversity in football. She has also spoken to corporate audiences, including Heathrow’s diversity network, enhaNCE, sharing her experiences of inclusion, allyship and building high-performance cultures. She delivers thoughtful, engaging talks that connect sport to wider conversations about culture, opportunity and creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

Anita Asante’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Anita Asante’s inspirational career:

• 2025 – Spoke on The Lioness Effect: 20 Years in Women’s Football panel at SXSW London, reflecting on the growth and future of the women’s game.
• 2023 – Inducted into the Women’s Super League Hall of Fame in recognition of her impact on English football.
• 2023 – Appointed Technical Coach for the England Women’s Under-23s, supporting the next generation of international players.
• 2022 – Served as a BBC pundit during coverage of the UEFA Women’s European Championship.
• 2022 – Appointed First Team Coach at Bristol City Women FC.
• 2020 – Signed for Aston Villa Women, continuing her professional playing career in the FA Women’s Super League.
• 2012 – Represented Team GB at the London Olympic Games as part of the women’s football squad.
• 2007 – Member of Arsenal’s historic quadruple-winning team, securing European and domestic titles in a single season.
• 2003 – Began her senior professional career with Arsenal Women FC.