Chelsea’s academy at Cobham is one of the finest in England, producing a remarkable number of players who have gone on to achieve success across the football world.
While many fans know about the academy’s big names like Mason Mount and Reece James, there are several players you might not remember started their careers at Chelsea. Here’s a look at 10 of them.
1. Dominic Solanke
Dominic Solanke’s career has been a journey across England, from Chelsea to Liverpool, Bournemouth, and most recently Spurs. He’s now one of the Premier League’s most dependable strikers, finishing in the top five scorers in the 2023/24 season.
Solanke joined Chelsea’s academy at age seven and stayed until he was 20, developing his game before moving to Liverpool in 2017. While his time at Anfield didn’t pan out, he found his footing at Bournemouth and is now thriving at Spurs, where he has 17 goal contributions in just 27 appearances.
2. Eddie Nketiah
Arsenal fans proudly claim Eddie Nketiah as one of their own, but Chelsea fans might beg to differ. Nketiah spent seven years in Chelsea’s academy, joining at nine years old and leaving at 16 to join Arsenal.
Though he debuted and rose to prominence with Arsenal, it’s worth noting his development began in Cobham, making him more of a Chelsea product than many realize.
3. Declan Rice
Declan Rice is now a key player for Arsenal after a record-breaking £100 million move from West Ham, where he became a club legend. But before all that, Rice was a Chelsea boy.
He joined Chelsea’s academy at age seven and spent seven years there before being released in 2013. That decision turned out to be a big miss for Chelsea, as Rice grew into one of the best midfielders in Europe.
4. Ola Aina
Ola Aina has been one of Nottingham Forest’s standout players this season, helping them chase European qualification. Aina began his football journey at Chelsea, joining the academy at 11 and staying until he was 22.
During his time at Chelsea, Aina won numerous youth trophies, including two FA Youth Cups and two UEFA Youth Leagues. He left permanently in 2019, joining Torino before returning to the Premier League with Forest.
5. Nathan Aké
Nathan Aké is now a vital part of Manchester City’s defense, but few remember his Chelsea roots. Aké joined Chelsea at 16 and was sent out on multiple loans before making a name for himself at Bournemouth.
His performances there earned him a £41 million move to City, where he has since become a key player in Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning squad.
6. Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala’s rise at Bayern Munich has been meteoric, but his football journey began at Chelsea. Musiala joined the Blues’ academy at age eight and spent eight years honing his craft before moving to Bayern at 16.
Within a year, he made his senior debut for the Bavarian giants and has since become one of Europe’s most exciting talents. Letting Musiala leave remains one of Chelsea’s biggest what-ifs.
7. Michael Olise
Michael Olise is known for his brilliance at Crystal Palace, but he also spent time at Chelsea. Olise was at Cobham for seven years before brief stints at Manchester City and Reading.
Though he didn’t make it to Chelsea’s first team, his time at the academy played a crucial role in shaping his skills, which are now on display in the Premier League.
8. Andreas Christensen
Andreas Christensen is well-known for his successful stint at Chelsea, but his journey began in their academy. The Danish defender joined the club at 16 and progressed through the ranks to win major honors, including the Champions League and Europa League.
He left Chelsea for Barcelona in 2022, where he continues to shine at the highest level.
9. Rhian Brewster
Before his move to Liverpool, Rhian Brewster was a Chelsea academy product. He joined Cobham at age eight and stayed until he was 15.
Though his career at Liverpool and later at Sheffield United hasn’t reached the heights many expected, Brewster’s talent was evident during his formative years at Chelsea.
10. Bertrand Traoré
Bertrand Traoré has had a globetrotting career, with stints at Lyon, Aston Villa, and Ajax, but his roots trace back to Chelsea. The winger joined the Blues as a teenager in 2013 and stayed until 2017.
Though he didn’t make a lasting impact at Stamford Bridge, Traoré developed his technical skills and flair during his time in the academy.
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