Nikita Parris has become a household name in women's football, known for her incredible journey from the streets of Toxteth to the international stage. Born on March 10, 1994, in Liverpool, she grew up playing football with her brothers, which laid the foundation for her future success. Parris founded her own team at eleven, joined Everton's Centre of Excellence at fourteen, and later thrived at Manchester City and Olympique Lyonnais. Her achievements include winning the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 with England and being named the FWA Women's Footballer of the Year in 2019. Beyond the pitch, she founded the NP17 Football Academy to support young athletes in Liverpool.
Key Takeaways:
- From playing with boys on the streets of Toxteth to winning titles with top clubs, Nikita Parris's journey is a testament to hard work and determination, inspiring young athletes everywhere.
- Nikita Parris's impact goes beyond the field, as she gives back to her community through her football academy and serves as a role model for aspiring athletes, emphasizing the importance of resilience and support.
Early Life and Beginnings
Nikita Parris's journey from the streets of Toxteth to international football stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Let's dive into her early life and how she began her football career.
-
Nikita Josephine Parris was born on March 10, 1994, in Toxteth, Liverpool, England. She grew up in a family of five, with her mother, Jo, working three jobs to support them.
-
Parris has a twin sister and two brothers. Her family's love for football was evident from an early age, with her mother often buying her the latest Liverpool FC kit.
-
At the age of six, Parris started playing football with boys on a grass border near her home. She continued playing with boys until she was sixteen, which laid the foundation for her future career.
-
At eleven, she founded her own football team, Kingsley United, because she wanted a women’s team in the local community. They won the league, and a plaque honoring Parris was installed at the club in 2022.
-
Mo Marley, the head coach of Everton, recruited Parris at the age of ten. She joined Everton's Centre of Excellence at age fourteen, marking the beginning of her formal training in football.
-
Parris attended Bellerive FCJ Catholic College but switched to Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School for her sixth form education because it was a specialist sports college. She earned a degree in sports development from Liverpool John Moores University.
Professional Career
Nikita Parris's professional career has been marked by significant achievements and milestones. Let's explore her journey through various clubs and her impact on the field.
-
Parris began her professional career with Everton in the inaugural Women’s Super League season in 2011. Despite Everton struggling for form, she continued to score goals and was soon touted as a star of the future.
-
In January 2015, she joined Manchester City on loan and thrived with the club, winning several titles including the 2016 league title, the 2016 and 2018–19 League Cup, and the 2016–17 and 2018–19 FA Cup.
-
Her move to Manchester City marked a significant turning point in her career. She initially joined on loan but quickly became an integral part of the team.
-
With Olympique Lyonnais, Parris won several titles including the 2019–20 Champions League, the 2020 Coupe de France (Women's French Cup), the 2019 Trophée des Championnes, and the 2019 International Champions Cup.
-
In the summer of 2021, Parris returned to England by signing with WSL outfit Arsenal. Her move to Arsenal marked a new chapter in her career.
-
As of September 2024, Nikita Parris plays for Women's Super League club Manchester United. She was previously with Brighton & Hove Albion, where she was their top scorer in the previous season.
-
In September 2024, Brighton & Hove Albion is negotiating to secure a permanent transfer for Nikita Parris from Manchester United. Her contract set to lapse next summer, United exercised an option to extend her contract for an additional year.
International Career
Nikita Parris has made significant contributions to the England national team. Her international career is filled with remarkable achievements and memorable moments.
-
Parris has represented England from under-17 to under-23 youth levels. She made her senior international debut in Euro 2017 qualifying.
-
Her six goals during World Cup qualification ranked first within UEFA nations and secured England's place at the top tournament.
-
Parris has been part of several successful England squads, including those that won the SheBelieves Cup in 2019 and the Arnold Clark Cup in 2022.
-
Her most notable achievement was helping England win its first-ever UEFA Women's Euro 2022.
-
She was named the FWA Women's Footballer of the Year in 2019 and included in The Guardian's list of The 100 Best Female Footballers In The World in 2018 and 2019.
-
Parris was awarded the legacy number 196 by the England national team, recognizing her significant contributions to the team.
Personal Life and Community Involvement
Beyond her football career, Nikita Parris is deeply involved in her community and has a rich personal life. Let's explore her off-field endeavors and personal background.
-
Parris is a younger sister of boxer Natasha Jonas. Her first name is sometimes shortened to "Keets."
-
She is a practicing Catholic and a former altar girl. In 2020, Parris founded the NP17 Football Academy, which offers sports qualifications to students in Liverpool.
-
The NP17 Football Academy is supported by international sportswear company Puma and other partners like the Liverpool City Council and the City of Liverpool College.
-
Parris is sponsored by multi-national finance company Visa and Puma. In June 2019, she was featured in a promotional video for Visa and the 2019 World Cup.
-
She has been featured along with her national teammates in the EA Sports' FIFA video game series since FIFA 17, a year after women players were included in the game for the first time.
-
In June 2019, a large mural of her was unveiled on Liverpool's London Road. The same year, a Parris mural by Honduran artist Javier Espinal and local youth was unveiled at the Metropolitan Methodist Centre in Toxteth.
-
Parris has spoken about the importance of fitness and wellness in her career. She emphasizes the resilience of the human body and the need to track menstrual cycles to adapt training accordingly.
-
Parris has often spoken about her role models, including Scottish international player Julie Fleeting, whom she admired as a young player.
-
Her mother's support and encouragement have been instrumental in her career, despite initial doubts about girls playing football.
-
Parris has taken on a leadership role within the England national team. Her experience and success have made her a respected figure among her teammates.
-
Parris is committed to giving back to her community. Her NP17 Football Academy provides sports qualifications to students in Liverpool, helping them develop their skills and pursue careers in football.
Nikita Parris: A Football Icon
Nikita Parris's journey from the streets of Toxteth to the pinnacle of women's football is nothing short of inspiring. Her early days playing with boys, founding her own team, and eventually joining Everton set the stage for a stellar career. With Manchester City, Lyon, and now Manchester United, Parris has consistently showcased her talent, winning numerous titles and accolades. Her impact extends beyond the pitch, with her NP17 Football Academy and community involvement making a significant difference. Parris's dedication, versatility, and leadership have made her a role model for aspiring footballers. As she continues to excel, her legacy in women's football grows stronger. Nikita Parris is not just a footballer; she's a trailblazer, a leader, and an inspiration to many. Her story is a testament to what hard work, passion, and determination can achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.