Ex-Arsenal forward Ian Wright consistently demonstrates his legendary status extends beyond his playing career.
The 61-year-old has long been a significant supporter of women`s football.
In a remarkable show of support last April, he aided a player facing a potentially career-ending injury.
Following Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald`s ruptured ACL injury against Burnley, she had to start a GoFundMe fundraiser because her club initially wouldn`t cover the surgery costs.
Stoke later reversed their decision, a change reportedly influenced significantly by Wright`s involvement.
According to reports, he funded a sports lawyer to represent McDonald.
When the club stopped funding her rehabilitation late last year, Wright personally covered the expenses.
McDonald stated that her monthly rehabilitation costs are approximately £1,700.
McDonald believes Wright`s generous act warrants greater acknowledgment.
She told Telegraph Sport, “I wouldn`t be in a good mental state without Ian Wright.”
“I`d likely still be waiting for my surgery if not for him.”
“For him to do this for a stranger like me, I feel he deserves more recognition.”
This report of the Arsenal legend`s remarkable generosity follows recent criticism from former England player Eni Aluko, who accused him of “blocking” opportunities for women in football commentary.
Speaking on Radio 4 Woman`s Hour, Aluko commented, “I`ve worked with Ian for a long time and think he`s a brilliant broadcaster, but he should be aware of the extent of his involvement in the women`s game.”
“The reality is, there are limited spots available [in broadcasting].”
“If opportunities for broadcasters and coaches were equal in the men`s and women`s games, it would be different.”
“However, that`s not the current situation. I cannot dominate the men`s game the way you used Ian as an example.”
When asked if she felt it was wrong for Wright to be prominent in women`s football coverage, Aluko clarified, “I wouldn`t say wrong, but we need to be mindful and ensure women have clear paths into broadcasting within the women`s game.”
“It`s a developing sport with finite opportunities, and I believe men should recognize this.”
“Men should understand they are participating in a sport growing specifically for women, where opportunities haven`t always existed. It`s about awareness and helping other women navigate this path.”
Wright has consistently supported the development of women`s football in recent years.
In 2023, he partnered with Barclays to establish the Ian Wright Coaching Fund, aiming to increase female coaches at the grassroots level.
He contributed £15,000 and funded Level One training courses for 664 female coaches.
Following England`s victory over Sweden in the 2022 European Championship semi-final, he strongly advocated for all schoolgirls to have the chance to play football.
Wright commented, “Regardless of the final result, if girls don`t get the same opportunity to play football in PE as boys, what are we even doing?”
“We must ensure they have the ability and opportunity to play.”
Last year, the ex-Arsenal striker launched a women`s football podcast with Manchester City icon Steph Houghton and is a regular pundit for ITV`s coverage of the Lionesses.
