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Alex Mighten
Alex Mighten
from Wikipedia

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

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Nottingham Forest

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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

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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

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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

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A versatile player, his main position is as a winger, where he utilises his extreme pace and one-on-one ability.[41]

Career statistics

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As of match played 10 August 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
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
  1. ^ Appearances in play-offs
  2. ^ Appearances in EFL Trophy

Honours

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Alexander Cole Mighten is an English-American professional footballer who plays as a left winger for club . Born on April 11, 2002, in , , to English parents—his father, Eddie Mighten, a former professional footballer who worked as a soccer analyst for —he relocated with his family to , , at the age of three, where he grew up and developed his career. Holding dual nationality, Mighten is eligible to represent either the or internationally, though he has primarily featured for 's youth teams up to the under-20 level. Mighten joined the youth academy of Nottingham Forest in 2009 at age seven and progressed through the ranks, making his senior debut for the club in September 2019 during an match against . Over the next five seasons, he accumulated 65 professional appearances for Forest across all competitions, scoring five goals and providing two assists, while also gaining experience through loan spells at EFL clubs Sheffield Wednesday and Port Vale, as well as side in 2023–24. In August 2024, Mighten transferred to expansion club for a reported $50,000 in General Allocation Money, signing a contract through 2026 with an option for 2027; he was loaned to until the end of 2024 before joining San Diego for the 2025 MLS season, marking his move to as an opportunity for further development and a potential pathway to the United States men's national team. Standing at 1.71 meters (5'7") tall, he is known for his pace, creativity, and versatility on the flanks.

Early life and background

Family and origins

Alexander Cole Mighten was born on 11 April 2002 in , , while his father, Eddie Mighten, was employed as a soccer analyst and host for . Eddie Mighten, who had previously been a promising footballer in before transitioning to media, provided the family with deep soccer expertise, including hosting shows like PressPass alongside during his time in the U.S. Alex has two siblings: an older sister named Jaime and a younger brother, David, who plays as a and pursued at Medaille College in . The family relocated to , , when Alex was three years old, following Eddie Mighten's career move back to the , which immersed the young Mighten in English football culture from an early age. This U.S. birth combined with an English upbringing granted him dual nationality, reflecting his bicultural roots without immediate career implications. This early family dynamic laid the groundwork for Mighten's introduction to organized youth football in Nottingham.

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. 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. In 2009, at the age of seven, Mighten joined the Nottingham Forest from Arnold Town, beginning a decade-long progression through the club's . His family's relocation from the to played a key role in encouraging his participation in local soccer. 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. By his mid-teens, he became a key player in the under-18 squad, focusing on technical development under academy coaching that emphasized , ball control, and positional awareness. Mighten's youth career highlighted several milestones, including notable contributions in the during the 2018–2019 season, where he scored in a 5–1 third-round victory over Maidenhead United. 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. This phase of development prioritized versatility and tactical understanding, preparing him for higher-level competition without rushing his physical maturation.

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 third-round loss to at the . Mighten's first start arrived on 6 January 2020 in an third-round defeat to Chelsea. His debut followed on 22 February 2020 as a substitute in a 0–0 draw against Queens Park Rangers. Under manager in 2019 and 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. On 19 December 2020, Mighten scored his maiden senior goal, equalizing in a 1–1 draw with at . He added further goals against Blackburn Rovers in February 2021 and Queens Park Rangers in April 2021, contributing to Forest's push for the that season with 27 appearances and three goals overall. In August 2020, amid his breakthrough, Mighten extended his contract until June 2025. 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. He contributed to 's promotion via the playoffs, serving as an unused substitute in the final against Huddersfield Town on 29 May 2022, which won 1–0 to return to the after 23 years. Between 2019 and 2024, Mighten amassed over 60 senior appearances for across all competitions, netting four goals, before departing for loan spells to further his development.

Loan spells

Mighten joined 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. During his time at Hillsborough, he made 9 league appearances, starting 7, and scored 1 goal, helping the team secure promotion to the via the play-offs. 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 club on a 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. 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 club Port Vale in February 2024 for the remainder of the 2023–24 season, seeking consistent minutes in a relegation battle. 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. This stint focused on building endurance and versatility in wide roles under pressure. Mighten's final loan came in August 2024 to side , arranged immediately after his transfer to , 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 ( and ), enhancing his adaptability, match sharpness, and exposure to varied competitive levels, which proved instrumental in his overall professional growth.

San Diego FC

On August 30, 2024, 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. Immediately following the signing, Mighten was loaned to in the for the remainder of 2024, allowing him to join in January 2025 pending his International Transfer Certificate. Mighten made his MLS debut with 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 . His prior loan experiences in leagues like the helped facilitate this adjustment, providing familiarity with diverse playing styles. 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. 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. Adapting to MLS's emphasis on physicality and high-pressing tactics, Mighten noted differences from the English , such as increased travel and a more direct style of play. As of November 2025, Mighten's contract remains active through 2026 with the extension option, positioning him as a core young talent for FC's growth; his performances have enhanced his visibility for potential U.S. national team opportunities, given his birth in and dual eligibility.

International career

Youth international appearances

Alex Mighten, born in the United States, debuted for the under-15 national team in 2017, marking the start of his youth international career with the country of his family's heritage. 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 in March 2018. 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. At the under-18 stage in 2019–2020, he featured in 9 matches and netted 4 goals, with standout performances including a in a 3–2 win over during the and the winner against (5–2) in another tournament fixture. Mighten made a single appearance for the under-20 team in 2021, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against at St. George's Park. Overall, these efforts resulted in approximately 26 youth international caps and 8 goals for , with his last involvement in 2021; his scoring efficiency shone brightest in the under-17 and under-18 groups.
Age GroupYears ActiveAppearancesGoals
U152017Undisclosed0
U162017–201891
U172018–201973
U182019–202094
U20202110
Total2017–2021~268

Eligibility and senior opportunities

Born in West Hartford, Connecticut, on April 11, 2002, Alex Mighten holds dual eligibility for the men's national team (USMNT) through his birthplace and for the national team via his parents' nationality and his upbringing after moving to at a young age. He opted to represent at the youth international level, earning caps from U15 through U20 squads. As of November 2025, Mighten has not earned any senior international caps for either nation. 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 . Mighten's transfer to Major League Soccer's in August 2024 has heightened his potential pathways to the USMNT, positioning him for consideration in upcoming international cycles such as qualifying. 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 .

Style of play

Technical attributes

Alex Mighten is renowned for his 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 rating in performance analyses. His ability to draw fouls frequently underscores this strength, with scouts noting his directness and composure under pressure during youth and senior appearances. 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. 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. 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. Match reports from his loan spells, including at Sheffield Wednesday, frequently note his quick feet in evading challenges and creating scoring opportunities. 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. 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. This vision was key in youth setups, where he contributed to England's U18 successes, including a against that showcased his ability to combine with teammates effectively. 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. 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.

Positional versatility

Alex Mighten primarily operates as a winger, demonstrating comfort on both the left and right flanks throughout his career. His right-footedness enables effective inverted play, particularly when deployed on the left wing, where he can cut inside to deliver crosses or shots. This adaptability has been evident in senior appearances, with games on both sides. In secondary roles, Mighten has shown capability as an attacking midfielder or second striker, particularly during youth matches and loan spells. 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. 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. His pace aids this wide play, enabling quick recoveries and transitions. Since joining in , 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.

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. These totals encompass his time at Nottingham Forest, various loan spells, and his tenure with , excluding youth-level matches. At Nottingham Forest, Mighten accumulated 66 appearances and 4 goals, primarily in the where he featured in 56 matches. His loan periods across multiple clubs yielded 36 appearances and 1 goal, while with , he has made 31 appearances and scored 1 goal, including contributions in the 2025 MLS regular season, , and MLS Cup Playoffs. The following table summarizes his professional statistics by season, club, league, appearances, goals, and assists (where recorded):
SeasonClubLeague/CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
2019/20Nottingham Forest800
/200
2020/21Nottingham Forest2431
/300
2021/22Nottingham Forest2311
/400
2022/23Nottingham Forest100
100
2022/23Sheffield Wednesday (loan)910
/500
2023/24 (loan)1000
200
2023/24Port Vale (loan)1000
2025MLS2711
300
MLS Cup Playoffs100
Note: Assists data is limited for earlier seasons and cups; totals reflect verified senior professional matches only.

Individual awards

Alex Mighten received the David Howard Trophy for Nottingham Forest's Young Player of the Year in the 2020–21 season, awarded by the club's Supporters' Club for his breakthrough performances that season. This honor recognized his transition from academy prospect to first-team regular, where he made 27 appearances across all competitions, including 13 starts, while contributing 3 goals and 1 assist, highlighted by his debut senior goal in a 3–1 victory over Queens Park Rangers. The award underscored Mighten's maturity, technical skill, and rapid development at age 18, elevating his profile amid limited opportunities under manager Chris Hughton and paving the way for subsequent loan spells to further his career. As of November 2025, Mighten has not received additional individual awards at the senior international level or with in , reflecting his status as an emerging talent focused on establishing consistency in a new league following his transfer in August 2024. His early contributions with , including goals in competitive matches, have positioned him as a key winger, though no formal honors have been bestowed yet.

References

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