The Chelsea Academy Class Of 2025
As the 2025–26 academy season approaches, Chelsea’s youth setup enters the new campaign with more clarity and expectation than at any time in recent memory. The annual announcement of first-year scholars — sixteen-year-olds embarking on the journey toward professional football — is typically met with intrigue, but this year, familiarity replaces uncertainty. The majority of this sixteen-player cohort have already left an impression at Under-18 level, and many have played above their age group.
Head coach Hassan Sulaiman leaned heavily on this talented generation last season. Together, they accounted for nearly half of all Under-18 appearances, helping Chelsea stay in the title race until the final stretch. Several players even featured under Development Squad manager Filipe Coelho, while Reggie Walsh made a senior debut in the UEFA Conference League. With such significant exposure already behind them, expectations are naturally high heading into a season where silverware — including a long-awaited return of the FA Youth Cup to Cobham — is a key objective.
The Class of 2025 also arrives at a time when Chelsea continues to fast-track talent. The Dev Squad was one of the youngest in Premier League 2 last season and will likely grow younger with older players moving on. That gives room for the likes of Landon Emenalo and others to step up, while the emerging Under-16 group — featuring talents such as Reggie Watson, Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, and Heze Grimwade — is well-placed to repeat that progression.
Meet the Scholars
Chris Atherton (Forward)
The former Glenavon prodigy became the youngest senior debutant in UK history at just under 14. Now at Chelsea full-time, the left-winger combines creativity with a cutting edge, able to link play through midfield or attack the box directly.
Toby Bell (Goalkeeper)
An England youth international, Bell has faced injury setbacks but brings strong shot-stopping ability and confidence in possession. Fit again, he’ll be pushing for a breakout year.
Freddy Bernal (Goalkeeper)
Arguably one of the most technically gifted goalkeepers to come through the academy. Already an England Under-18 cap, Bernal stands out with his handling and distribution.
Jeremiah Berkeley-Agyepong (Defender)
A versatile left-sided player who missed most of last season with a broken leg. Upon his return, he impressed with technical skill and attacking instinct, particularly in the Under-16 Premier League Cup Final.
Calvin Diakite (Defender)
A strong, confident left-footed centre-back with ball-playing ability. Regularly featured under Sulaiman last year and is ready to step into a more prominent role.
Mathis Eboué (Forward)
Signed mid-season from Watford, Eboué is a two-footed winger who missed much of the campaign recovering from surgery. His brief April return hinted at high potential.
Chizzy Ezenwata (Forward)
A goal-scorer in every sense. Signed from Charlton, Ezenwata scored nearly 50 goals across various levels last year and already has a taste of Under-21 football.
Jacob Hall (Defender)
A tall, elegant defender capable of deceiving opponents with unexpected footwork and composure. A technically intriguing player still uncovering his full potential.
Charlie Holland (Midfielder)
First spotted training with Frank Lampard’s senior squad at 14, Holland is a dynamic box-to-box presence with natural attacking instincts and leadership qualities.
Ryan Kavuma-McQueen (Forward)
One of the most electric attacking prospects in the country. Kavuma-McQueen scored spectacular goals at every level and came close to a senior debut. His versatility and finishing mark him out as a name to watch closely.
Joel Philbert (Forward)
A left-footed wide player signed from West Ham, Philbert offers creativity and set-piece quality. Injuries hampered his impact last season, but a full campaign could see his rise.
Ibrahim Rabbaj (Forward)
A classic left-footed playmaker with vision, flair, and end product. If he can add ruthlessness to his creative instincts, he could become a key figure.
Lewi Richards (Defender/Midfielder)
A true utility player who can line up at right back, centre back or midfield. Strong, committed, and a natural leader — a glue guy for any team.
Isago da Silva (Defender)
Son of Chelsea legend Thiago Silva, Isago brings composure and defensive intelligence. A left-footed defender who can slot in anywhere across the back line.
Dante Waite (Defender)
A vocal leader and commanding central defender who has captained his sides regularly. Combines physical dominance with ball-playing ability.
Reggie Walsh (Midfielder)
Already a senior player at 16, Walsh made two Conference League appearances last season. A complete modern midfielder with tactical intelligence, end product, and positional flexibility.
What’s Next
Walter Nutter, who also featured last season, may leave amid interest from elsewhere. Meanwhile, Chelsea are expected to finalise more additions to this group in the coming weeks.
If several current scholars step into the Under-21 squad early, the door opens for the rising Under-16 group. Watson, Grimwade, Nicoll-Jazuli, and Isaac Badu da Silva are among those ready to contribute, while England youth internationals Jake Murray, Isaac Collinson, George Jobling, and Poland’s Marko Gasiorowski also wait in the wings.
Departures are part of the academy journey too, and Chelsea bid farewell to several players who will now pursue scholarships at other clubs, including Fulham, Arsenal, Southampton, Bournemouth, and Ipswich. This continued success is testament to the recruitment department’s long-term strategy, shaped over two decades by Darren Grace, who departed this summer after an extraordinary tenure.
Looking Ahead
Chelsea’s Under-18s will begin pre-season with trips to Belgium and the Netherlands before competitive fixtures kick off in late August. With a blend of experience, expectation, and exciting new talent, the Class of 2025 is well-placed to make their mark — and perhaps restore Chelsea’s status at the very top of English academy football.
The Chelsea Academy Class Of 2025
