Nikita Parris

Nikita Parris is a professional footballer currently playing as a forward for Brighton & Hove Albion and the England national team. Alongside her football career, Nikita is a passionate racial equality speaker, motivated by her own lived experiences and a strong commitment to creating a more inclusive world. She uses her platform to empower underrepresented voices and to challenge racial and gender inequalities, particularly within sport. Nikita speaks on a wide range of topics including performing under pressure, resilience, maximising success, leadership, adversity, development, and equality within BAME communities. Her expertise extends to women’s football, Olympic football, and the growth of the Women’s Super League, as well as perspectives drawn from American football.

Growing up in Toxteth, Liverpool, Nikita began her career with Everton, making her first-team debut at just 16. Her early talent and determination saw her rise rapidly through the ranks, later joining Manchester City, where she won the FA WSL and FA Cup, and became the Women’s Super League’s all-time leading goal scorer at the time. Her drive was shaped not only by her sporting ambition but also by her experience as a Black woman navigating the professional game. That experience has given her a unique perspective, making her an authentic and powerful voice in conversations about diversity and inclusion.

In recent years, Nikita has continued to make an impact both on and off the pitch. She helped Manchester United secure their first Women’s FA Cup title in 2024, and in 2022 was part of the England squad that triumphed at the UEFA Women’s Euro. Off the pitch, she has been a consistent advocate for equality, regularly engaging with schools, sports organisations, and corporate audiences to speak about overcoming adversity, building resilience, and the importance of representation in sport. In 2025, her outstanding form at Brighton earned her a recall to the national team, underscoring her continued excellence.

Organisations hire Nikita for her ability to connect real-life sporting lessons with broader leadership and development strategies. Whether discussing peak performance in high-pressure environments, overcoming barriers in traditionally white spaces, or building inclusive cultures, she delivers with clarity and authenticity. Her insight into both women’s and Olympic football, along with her commitment to racial equality and empowering BAME communities, makes her a sought-after voice for events focused on resilience, success, and inclusive leadership.