Asmita Ale

Asmita Ale (, ; born 3 November 2001) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Women's Super League 2 club Leicester City.

During the 2023–24 season, Ale was the only footballer from Britain's South Asian (Nepali) community–male or female–to play top-division football in England.

Career

The daughter of a former Gurkha soldier, she joined Aston Villa at the age of eight. She received her first professional contract after turning 18 in late 2019, becoming the first footballer of Nepalese origin to sign with a Women's Super League side.

On 26 May 2021, Ale won the Aston Villa Women's Players' Player of the 2020/21 Season award.

On 6 August 2021, Ale signed for Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Women on a contract until 2023. She is seen as one of the upcoming young talents in the Women's Super League. Ale made 17 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham during the 2022/23 season and kept clean sheets against Italy and Belgium. On 7 June 2024, Ale left Tottenham after her contract expired.

On 24 January 2024, Ale signed for Leicester City on loan until the end of the 2023/24 season.

On 17 July 2024, Ale signed for Leicester permanently, signing a three year contract.

International career

Asmita Ale is eligible to represent two countries, England (where she was born) and Nepal (through her parents).

On 17 November 2021, Ale was called up to the England U23s for a match against Estonia.

On 2 November 2022, Ale was called up to the England U23s for matches against Netherlands and Italy.

On 29 November 2023, Ale was called up to the England U23s for matches against France and Spain.

Career statistics

Club