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Alex Mighten
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Alexander Cole Mighten (born 11 April 2002) is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for Major League Soccer club San Diego FC. Born in the United States, he represented England at youth international level.
Key Information
Mighten joined Nottingham Forest from Arnold Town in 2009 and made his professional debut in September 2019. He was an unused substitute in the 2022 EFL Championship play-off final and made his Premier League debut in August of that year. He joined League One side Sheffield Wednesday on loan for the first half of the 2022–23 season and spent the first half of the 2023–24 season on loan at Belgian club KV Kortrijk, before being loaned to Port Vale for the second half of the campaign. He signed with San Diego FC of Major League Soccer in August 2024 and was immediately loaned out to Danish club Nordsjælland.
Early and personal life
[edit]Alexander Cole Mighten was born on 11 April 2002 in West Hartford, Connecticut, United States, while his father, Eddie Mighten, worked for ESPN.[3][4] His family returned to Nottingham, England when he was three years old.[4] His brother, David, played college soccer at Medaille College in Buffalo, New York.[5]
Club career
[edit]Nottingham Forest
[edit]Mighten joined the Nottingham Forest academy in 2009 after previously playing for Arnold Town.[6] During his development in the club's Academy, Mighten received support from former Forest players Des Walker and David Johnson, as well as from Academy manager Gary Brazil.[7] On 24 September 2019, Mighten made his professional debut when he appeared as a 78th-minute substitute during a 5–0 loss in an EFL Cup fixture at Arsenal.[8] He signed his first professional contract three months later.[9] He then made his first start for the Reds on 5 January 2020, in a 2–0 defeat to Chelsea in an FA Cup match; Mighten impressed in the game, winning a penalty for Forest only for it to be ruled out by a marginal VAR decision.[10] He made his league debut on 22 February, in a 0–0 draw with Queens Park Rangers at the City Ground.[11] He went on to make a total of eight Championship appearances by the end of the 2019–20 season.[12]
In August 2020, Mighten signed a new contract extension to keep him at the club until June 2025.[13] He scored his first professional goal in a 1–1 draw at Millwall on 19 December.[14] He scored further goals against Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park Rangers, ending the 2020–21 campaign with three goals in 27 appearances as he saw gametime under both Sabri Lamouchi and Chris Hughton.[15][16][17] Supporters named him the club's Young Player of the Season.[18] He again played 27 games in the 2021–22 season, this time scoring once against Swansea City, and also featured once in the play-off semi-finals and was an unused substitute in the play-off final win over Huddersfield Town at Wembley Stadium.[19][20]
On 29 August 2022, Mighten joined League One club Sheffield Wednesday on a season-long loan.[21] He made his debut a day later against Bradford City in the EFL Trophy, playing 80 minutes.[22] His first goal at Hillsborough came against Morecambe in the FA Cup.[23] He returned to Nottingham Forest on 10 January 2023 having played 14 times and scoring two goals, at times playing out of position at wing-back and centre-forward.[24][25] Wednesday decided to end the loan as they were contributing a significant portion of the player's wages, much to Forest manager Steve Cooper's frustration.[26][27] As Mighten had already played for Forest and Wednesday in the 2022–23 season, this left him unable to join another club on loan and gametime for Forest in the Premier League was an unreaslitic prospect.[28][29] Wednesday manager Darren Moore said that "it was one of the hardest decisions that I have had to make since becoming a manager".[30]
On 5 September 2023, Mighten moved on a season-long loan to KV Kortrijk, who were bottom of the Belgian Pro League.[31] He featured 12 times in all competitions during a four-month stay at the Guldensporen Stadion. However, eight of his league appearances were from the substitute bench.[32] After being recalled by Forest on 9 January 2024, Mighten remained in Nottingham until transfer deadline day, when he was loaned to League One side Port Vale for the remainder of the 2023–24 season.[33] David Flitcroft, the club's director of football, said that "we look forward to watching Alex grow both on and off the pitch throughout his time with the club and with Andy Crosby's team".[34] However, Mighten missed four weeks due to a foot injury picked up in mid-March.[35]
San Diego FC
[edit]On 30 August 2024, Mighten signed with Major League Soccer side San Diego FC ahead of their inaugural season in 2025.[36] Sporting director Tyler Heaps described his "unique and special qualities".[37] The following day he joined Danish Superliga club Nordsjælland on loan for the remainder of the calendar year.[38]
International career
[edit]Mighten first represented England at under-15 level.[4] He scored a hat-trick against Australia for the under-18 team.[6] Mighten received his first call-up to the under-19 squad in March 2021.[39] On 6 September 2021, Mighten made his debut for the under-20 side in a 6–1 victory over Romania at St. George's Park.[40] As Mighten was born in Hartford, Connecticut, United States, he is also eligible to represent the United States.[4]
Style of play
[edit]A versatile player, his main position is as a winger, where he utilises his extreme pace and one-on-one ability.[41]
Career statistics
[edit]- As of match played 10 August 2025
| Club | Season | League | National cup | League cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Nottingham Forest | 2019–20[12] | Championship | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 10 | 0 | |
| 2020–21[15] | Championship | 24 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 27 | 3 | ||
| 2021–22[19] | Championship | 23 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1[a] | 0 | 27 | 1 | |
| 2022–23[42] | Premier League | 1 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | — | 3 | 0 | |||
| 2023–24[43] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2024–25[44] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total | 56 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 67 | 4 | ||
| Sheffield Wednesday (loan) | 2022–23[42] | League One | 9 | 1 | 2 | 1 | — | 3[b] | 0 | 14 | 2 | |
| KV Kortrijk (loan) | 2023–24[2] | Belgian Pro League | 10 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 12 | 0 | ||
| Port Vale (loan) | 2023–24[43] | League One | 10 | 0 | — | — | — | 10 | 0 | |||
| Nordsjælland (loan) | 2024–25[2] | Danish Superliga | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| San Diego FC | 2025[2] | Major League Soccer | 20 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 20 | 1 | ||
| Career totals | 105 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 123 | 7 | ||
- ^ Appearances in play-offs
- ^ Appearances in EFL Trophy
Honours
[edit]Nottingham Forest
References
[edit]- ^ "Club list of registered players: As at 19th May 2019" (PDF). English Football League. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
- ^ a b c d e Alex Mighten at Soccerway
- ^ a b Dell'Apa, Frank (24 October 2018). "Could a Connecticut-born player break through at Nottingham Forest?". New England Soccer Journal. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ^ a b c d Sciaretta, Brian (5 March 2021). "ASN: Hartford-born Mighten enjoys awaited breakthrough at Nottingham Forest". www.americansoccernow.com. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ^ Wobschall, Leon (3 September 2022). "Sheffield Wednesday's Alex Mighten on the role of his analyst dad in his career to date". The Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ^ a b Lamb, Ethan (8 June 2022). "Alex Mighten: Nottingham Forest's latest academy star". VAVEL. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
- ^ Taylor, Paul (27 August 2020). "Forest must do all they can to bring Mighten and Johnson through to first team". The Athletic. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
- ^ "Emery praises 'fighter' Martinelli". BBC Sport. 24 September 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ^ "Nottingham Forest FC". Nottingham Forest Football Club. 13 December 2019. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
- ^ Clapson, Sarah (5 January 2020). "Forest fans react to VAR call in FA Cup clash with Chelsea". Nottinghamshire Live. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ^ Phillips, Owen (22 February 2020). "Forest held to goalless draw by QPR". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
- ^ a b "Games played by Alex Mighten in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
- ^ "Mighten pens new contract". www.nottinghamforest.co.uk. 24 August 2020. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
- ^ "Forest hit back to draw with Millwall". BBC Sport. 19 December 2020. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ^ a b "Games played by Alex Mighten in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
- ^ "Nottingham Forest: Sabri Lamouchi sheds light on his plans for Alex Mighten". thisisfutbol.com. 5 September 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
- ^ "Alex Mighten grasping 'good opportunity' to fire Forest forward – Chris Hughton". fourfourtwo.com. 2 April 2021. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
- ^ Clarke, Lee (10 May 2021). "Alex Mighten claims Nottingham Forest award - now Chris Hughton must make him integral". Nottingham Forest News. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
- ^ a b "Games played by Alex Mighten in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
- ^ a b Woodcock, Ian (29 May 2022). "Forest return to Premier League after 23-year wait". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ^ "Alex Mighten joins Owls on loan". Sheffield Wednesday FC. 29 August 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
- ^ "Gaffer pleased with Mighten capture". Sheffield Wednesday FC. 31 August 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ "Happy it hit the back of the net!". Sheffield Wednesday FC. 4 November 2022. Retrieved 4 November 2022.
- ^ "Mighten returns to Forest". www.swfc.co.uk. 10 January 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ^ Charlesworth, Ricky (28 December 2022). "Nottingham Forest loanee Alex Mighten set Sheffield Wednesday challenge by Moore". Yorkshire Live. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
- ^ Miller, Alex (11 January 2023). "Reason behind Alex Mighten's Sheffield Wednesday exit revealed after Nottingham Forest return". Sheffield Star. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
- ^ Clapson, Sarah (12 January 2023). "Nottingham Forest boss frustrated with Owls' decision to end Mighten loan". Nottinghamshire Live. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
- ^ Clapson, Sarah (9 June 2023). "Mighten at a crossroads as Nottingham Forest decision looms". Nottinghamshire Live. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
- ^ Charlesworth, Ricky (10 January 2023). "Sheffield Wednesday set to wave goodbye to Mighten as history repeats itself". Yorkshire Live. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
- ^ Miller, Alex (13 January 2023). ""To look him in the face.." Sheffield Wednesday boss responds to Alex Mighten cut and Nottingham Forest frustration". Sheffield Star. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
- ^ "Alexander Mighten Op Huurbasis Naar Kvk". KV Kortrijk (in Dutch). Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ^ Clapson, Sarah (1 February 2024). "Nottingham Forest youngster Mighten completes loan move". Nottinghamshire Live. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
- ^ "Port Vale sign Mighten & Lopata on loan". BBC Sport. 1 February 2024. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
- ^ "Mighten loaned to Port Vale". Nottingham Forest Football Club. 1 February 2024. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ^ Baggaley, Mike (7 April 2024). "Improving Vale out of drop zone with hard-earned Wigan point". Valiant's Substack. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
- ^ "Mighten departs". Nottingham Forest FC. 30 August 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ "San Diego FC acquire Alex Mighten from Nottingham Forest | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer. 31 August 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ "FC Nordsjælland lejer Alex Mighten" [FC Nordsjælland rents Alex Mighten]. www.fcn.dk (in Danish). 31 August 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ "England Mu19s Squad Set for Training Camp at St. George's Park". The FA. 19 March 2021. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ^ Veevers, Nicholas. "England MU20s beat Romania by 6-1 at St. George's Park in their 2021-22 season opener". englandfootball.com. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ^ Baggaley, Mike (1 February 2024). "Mighten signs as Vale look at more transfer deadline day business". Valiant's Substack. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
- ^ a b "Games played by Alex Mighten in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
- ^ a b "Games played by Alex Mighten in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
- ^ "Games played by Alex Mighten in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
External links
[edit]- Alex Mighten at Soccerway.com
- Alex Mighten at WorldFootball.net
- Alex Mighten at Soccerbase.com
- Alex Mighten at FBref.com
- Alex Mighten at BDFutbol
- Alex Mighten at kicker (in German)
- Alex Mighten at 11v11.com
- Alex Mighten at Major League Soccer
- Alex Mighten at Premier League (archived)
- Profile at the Nottingham Forest F.C. website
Alex Mighten
View on GrokipediaEarly life and background
Family and origins
Alexander Cole Mighten was born on 11 April 2002 in West Hartford, Connecticut, United States, while his father, Eddie Mighten, was employed as a soccer analyst and host for ESPN.[1][3] Eddie Mighten, who had previously been a promising footballer in England before transitioning to media, provided the family with deep soccer expertise, including hosting shows like PressPass alongside Tommy Smyth during his time in the U.S.[3][9] Alex has two siblings: an older sister named Jaime and a younger brother, David, who plays as a goalkeeper and pursued college soccer at Medaille College in Buffalo, New York.[10][11] The family relocated to Nottingham, England, when Alex was three years old, following Eddie Mighten's career move back to the UK, which immersed the young Mighten in English football culture from an early age.[2][9] This U.S. birth combined with an English upbringing granted him dual nationality, reflecting his bicultural roots without immediate career implications.[1][2] This early family dynamic laid the groundwork for Mighten's introduction to organized youth football in Nottingham.[10]Youth development in England
Mighten's introduction to organized youth football came through Arnold Town, a local club in Nottinghamshire, where he played from an early age until approximately 2009.[12] This period marked his initial steps in structured training and matches, building foundational skills in a community setting before transitioning to a professional academy environment.[13] In 2009, at the age of seven, Mighten joined the Nottingham Forest academy from Arnold Town, beginning a decade-long progression through the club's youth system.[2] His family's relocation from the United States to England played a key role in encouraging his participation in local soccer.[13] Despite his smaller stature early on, which initially led to placements in lower age groups for physical protection, Mighten quickly established himself as a standout prospect, advancing through the under-9s to under-16s with consistent performances.[13] By his mid-teens, he became a key player in the under-18 squad, focusing on technical development under academy coaching that emphasized dribbling, ball control, and positional awareness.[14] Mighten's youth career highlighted several milestones, including notable contributions in the FA Youth Cup during the 2018–2019 season, where he scored in a 5–1 third-round victory over Maidenhead United.[15] At age 17, he made his under-23 debut in 2019, impressing with his speed and creativity on the wing, which solidified his transition toward senior opportunities while continuing to hone his skills in Premier League 2 matches.[16] This phase of development prioritized versatility and tactical understanding, preparing him for higher-level competition without rushing his physical maturation.[17]Club career
Nottingham Forest
Alex Mighten joined Nottingham Forest's academy in 2009 and signed his first professional contract with the club in December 2019. He made his senior debut on 24 September 2019, substituting in during a 5–0 EFL Cup third-round loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.[18][19] Mighten's first start arrived on 6 January 2020 in an FA Cup third-round defeat to Chelsea.[2] His Championship debut followed on 22 February 2020 as a substitute in a 0–0 draw against Queens Park Rangers.[20] Under manager Sabri Lamouchi in 2019 and Chris Hughton from October 2020, Mighten began integrating into the first team during the 2020–21 season, where he recorded his first league start on 15 December 2020 in a 2–0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.[21] On 19 December 2020, Mighten scored his maiden senior goal, equalizing in a 1–1 draw with Millwall at The City Ground.[5] He added further goals against Blackburn Rovers in February 2021 and Queens Park Rangers in April 2021, contributing to Forest's push for the playoffs that season with 27 appearances and three goals overall.[22][3] In August 2020, amid his breakthrough, Mighten extended his contract until June 2025.[23] The 2021–22 campaign under Steve Cooper saw Mighten feature in 27 matches, including scoring in a 5–1 home win over Swansea City on 30 April 2022.[24] He contributed to Forest's promotion via the playoffs, serving as an unused substitute in the final against Huddersfield Town on 29 May 2022, which Forest won 1–0 to return to the Premier League after 23 years.[25] Between 2019 and 2024, Mighten amassed over 60 senior appearances for Forest across all competitions, netting four goals, before departing for loan spells to further his development.[18]Loan spells
Mighten joined EFL League One side Sheffield Wednesday on a season-long loan in August 2022, which was cut short in January 2023 when he was recalled by Nottingham Forest.[26] During his time at Hillsborough, he made 9 league appearances, starting 7, and scored 1 goal, helping the team secure promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.[27] This spell provided Mighten with his first sustained exposure to senior football outside Nottingham Forest, adapting to a competitive environment in England's third tier. In September 2023, Mighten moved to Belgian Pro League club KV Kortrijk on a loan until the end of the year, aiming to gain regular playing time in a different football culture. He featured in 10 league matches, accumulating 244 minutes without scoring, as Kortrijk struggled near the bottom of the table.[27] The experience emphasized tactical discipline and physical demands of continental leagues, contributing to his technical refinement despite limited starts. Following his return, Mighten was loaned to EFL League One club Port Vale in February 2024 for the remainder of the 2023–24 season, seeking consistent minutes in a relegation battle.[28] He appeared in 10 league games, starting 3, and logged 365 minutes without goals, offering valuable lower-division match fitness amid the team's eventual relegation.[27] This stint focused on building endurance and versatility in wide roles under pressure.[29] Mighten's final loan came in August 2024 to Danish Superliga side FC Nordsjælland, arranged immediately after his transfer to San Diego FC, for the remainder of 2024; it concluded as scheduled in January 2025 without any senior appearances. The brief arrangement aimed at European development but yielded no on-pitch impact due to integration challenges. Across these loans, Mighten amassed 29 league appearances in two countries (England and Belgium), enhancing his adaptability, match sharpness, and exposure to varied competitive levels, which proved instrumental in his overall professional growth.[27]San Diego FC
On August 30, 2024, San Diego FC acquired Alex Mighten from Nottingham Forest on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee, signing him to a two-and-a-half-year contract through the 2026 MLS season with a club option for 2027; he was assigned jersey number 77.[7][2][1] Immediately following the signing, Mighten was loaned to FC Nordsjælland in the Danish Superliga for the remainder of 2024, allowing him to join San Diego FC in January 2025 pending his International Transfer Certificate. Mighten made his MLS debut with San Diego FC during their inaugural 2025 season as an expansion franchise, facing initial adaptation hurdles in transitioning from European leagues to the physical demands and travel schedule of Major League Soccer.[30] His prior loan experiences in leagues like the Danish Superliga helped facilitate this adjustment, providing familiarity with diverse playing styles.[7] In the 2025 season, Mighten contributed in 26 appearances across league and cup matches, recording 1 goal and 0 assists while accumulating 1,045 minutes with 11 starts as of October 22, 2025.[31] He demonstrated versatility on the wing, helping build team chemistry amid the expansion club's challenges of integrating a new roster and establishing cohesion in a competitive league.[27] Adapting to MLS's emphasis on physicality and high-pressing tactics, Mighten noted differences from the English Premier League, such as increased travel and a more direct style of play.[32] As of November 2025, Mighten's contract remains active through 2026 with the extension option, positioning him as a core young talent for San Diego FC's growth; his performances have enhanced his visibility for potential U.S. national team opportunities, given his birth in Connecticut and dual eligibility.[33][1][34]International career
Youth international appearances
Alex Mighten, born in the United States, debuted for the England under-15 national team in 2017, marking the start of his youth international career with the country of his family's heritage.[2] He advanced to the under-16 squad later that year, accumulating 9 appearances and 1 goal across the 2017–2018 period, including his sole strike against Cameroon in March 2018.[35] Mighten's progression continued at under-17 level from 2018 to 2019, where he secured 7 caps and scored 3 goals, notably in friendlies against Portugal and Brazil, as well as the decisive goal in the Syrenka Cup final victory over Belgium (6–2), helping England claim the tournament title.[36][37][38] At the under-18 stage in 2019–2020, he featured in 9 matches and netted 4 goals, with standout performances including a hat-trick in a 3–2 win over Australia during the Pinatar Cup and the winner against Russia (5–2) in another tournament fixture.[39][40] Mighten made a single appearance for the under-20 team in 2021, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against Romania at St. George's Park.[41] Overall, these efforts resulted in approximately 26 youth international caps and 8 goals for England, with his last involvement in 2021; his scoring efficiency shone brightest in the under-17 and under-18 groups.[42]| Age Group | Years Active | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| U15 | 2017 | Undisclosed | 0 |
| U16 | 2017–2018 | 9 | 1 |
| U17 | 2018–2019 | 7 | 3 |
| U18 | 2019–2020 | 9 | 4 |
| U20 | 2021 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 2017–2021 | ~26 | 8 |
Eligibility and senior opportunities
Born in West Hartford, Connecticut, on April 11, 2002, Alex Mighten holds dual eligibility for the United States men's national team (USMNT) through his birthplace and for the England national team via his parents' nationality and his upbringing after moving to Nottingham at a young age.[43][7] He opted to represent England at the youth international level, earning caps from U15 through U20 squads.[2] As of November 2025, Mighten has not earned any senior international caps for either nation.[44] His last involvement with England's youth teams occurred in 2021, coinciding with a period of increased focus on club development, including multiple loan spells in the English Football League.[13] Mighten's transfer to Major League Soccer's San Diego FC in August 2024 has heightened his potential pathways to the USMNT, positioning him for consideration in upcoming international cycles such as World Cup qualifying.[7] Strong performances in MLS could serve as a key gateway, though he has made no formal declaration of intent and has yet to receive a senior call-up from the United States.[45]Style of play
Technical attributes
Alex Mighten is renowned for his dribbling prowess and one-on-one capabilities, particularly effective on the flanks where his quick feet allow him to beat defenders with skillful maneuvers. Described as a "box of tricks" by Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall, Mighten's close control and bravery in demanding the ball enable him to unbalance opponents in tight spaces, as evidenced by his strong dribbling rating in performance analyses.[10][46] His ability to draw fouls frequently underscores this strength, with scouts noting his directness and composure under pressure during youth and senior appearances.[46] San Diego FC sporting director Tyler Heaps highlighted Mighten's "unique and special qualities with his ability to unbalance defenders" upon his 2024 signing, emphasizing how these traits translate to professional transitions and counter-attacks.[7] Mighten's pace and acceleration are standout attributes, providing explosive bursts that facilitate rapid transitions and exploit spaces on the wing. Academy manager Gary Brazil praised his sharpness in training sessions, where he darted into dangerous areas to trouble elite defenders, such as during a youth match against Chelsea.[10] This "very sharp" acceleration, combined with his low center of gravity at 171 cm, allows him to accelerate away from markers, contributing to his role in quick counter-attacks for clubs like Nottingham Forest and San Diego FC.[10] Match reports from his loan spells, including at Sheffield Wednesday, frequently note his quick feet in evading challenges and creating scoring opportunities.[47] In terms of crossing and passing, Mighten demonstrates proficiency in delivering balls from wide areas, leveraging his vision to set up assists, particularly evident in his youth international and early senior statistics. Across his career, he has recorded 5 assists in over 140 appearances, often from key passes into the box during transitions.[48] His preference for short passes and layoffs, as per style analyses, aids in maintaining possession on the flanks before whipping in crosses or threading through balls to forwards.[46] This vision was key in youth setups, where he contributed to England's U18 successes, including a hat-trick against Australia that showcased his ability to combine with teammates effectively.[10] Mighten's goal-scoring from wide positions highlights his finishing technique, with 14 career goals frequently stemming from cut-ins onto his stronger right foot or opportunistic plays near set pieces. Notable examples include a deflected strike from the right flank against Blackburn Rovers in 2021 and a left-footed finish from a loose ball during a 2025 MLS match against LAFC, demonstrating his composure in converting wide-area chances.[48][49][50] His technical finishing, often involving quick adjustments inside the box, aligns with his winger profile, where he cuts in to shoot rather than relying solely on headers.[46]Positional versatility
Alex Mighten primarily operates as a winger, demonstrating comfort on both the left and right flanks throughout his career.[1] His right-footedness enables effective inverted play, particularly when deployed on the left wing, where he can cut inside to deliver crosses or shots.[51] This adaptability has been evident in senior appearances, with games on both sides.[6] In secondary roles, Mighten has shown capability as an attacking midfielder or second striker, particularly during youth matches and loan spells.[6] He has featured in attacking midfield and as a centre-forward in professional games, often providing support in advanced areas during his time at clubs like Sheffield Wednesday and Port Vale.[6] These positions highlight his utility in fluid attacking setups, where he contributes to link-up play beyond wide duties. Mighten's tactical flexibility allows him to fit into formations such as 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, where he can shift to perform defensive tracking when required.[51] His pace aids this wide play, enabling quick recoveries and transitions.[1] Since joining San Diego FC in Major League Soccer, Mighten has evolved toward greater central involvement, with heat maps showing notable touches in central areas alongside his left-wing activity, building on his European experience.[52]Career statistics and achievements
Professional statistics
As of 19 November 2025, Alex Mighten has recorded 133 appearances and 7 goals in his professional career across all competitions.[53][29] These totals encompass his time at Nottingham Forest, various loan spells, and his tenure with San Diego FC, excluding youth-level matches. At Nottingham Forest, Mighten accumulated 66 appearances and 4 goals, primarily in the EFL Championship where he featured in 56 matches. His loan periods across multiple clubs yielded 36 appearances and 1 goal, while with San Diego FC, he has made 31 appearances and scored 1 goal, including contributions in the 2025 MLS regular season, Leagues Cup, and MLS Cup Playoffs.[29][27][54] The following table summarizes his professional statistics by season, club, league, appearances, goals, and assists (where recorded):| Season | Club | League/Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019/20 | Nottingham Forest | EFL Championship | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| EFL Cup/FA Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2020/21 | Nottingham Forest | EFL Championship | 24 | 3 | 1 |
| EFL Cup/FA Cup | 3 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2021/22 | Nottingham Forest | EFL Championship | 23 | 1 | 1 |
| EFL Cup/FA Cup | 4 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2022/23 | Nottingham Forest | EFL Championship | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2022/23 | Sheffield Wednesday (loan) | EFL League One | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| EFL Cup/FA Cup | 5 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2023/24 | KV Kortrijk (loan) | Belgian Pro League | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Belgian Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2023/24 | Port Vale (loan) | EFL League One | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | San Diego FC | MLS | 27 | 1 | 1 |
| Leagues Cup | 3 | 0 | 0 | ||
| MLS Cup Playoffs | 1 | 0 | 0 |
