18 Josh Acheampong

Joshua Kofi Acheampong (born 5 May 2006) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Premier League club Chelsea. Born in London, he is of Ghanaian descent. Acheampong joined Chelsea’s academy as an Under-8, progressing through the ranks to establish himself as a promising talent.

Club Career

On 3 January 2024, Acheampong signed his first professional contract with Chelsea. Just two months later, on 11 March 2024, he was named in the Chelsea first-team squad for a Premier League match against Newcastle United but remained an unused substitute.

Acheampong made his professional debut on 2 May 2024, coming on as a substitute in the 85th minute of Chelsea’s 2–0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge. Despite a temporary absence from the first team due to contract extension discussions, he made his full debut against FC Astana on 12 December 2024 in the UEFA Conference League.

On 18 December 2024, Chelsea announced an agreement to extend Acheampong’s contract until June 2029. His first Premier League start came on 4 January 2025 in a 1–1 draw against Crystal Palace, where Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca hailed him as the best player on the pitch.

International Career

Acheampong has represented England at multiple youth levels. In May 2023, he was part of the England Under-17 squad that finished fifth at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship. Later that year, in November, he played in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, scoring a goal in England’s opening match against New Caledonia.

Continuing his international rise, Acheampong made his England U19 debut on 4 September 2024 against Italy in Nedelišće. The following month, on 10 October 2024, he made his U20 debut in a 2–1 victory over Italy in Frosinone.

Acheampong’s steady rise through Chelsea’s ranks and England’s youth teams marks him as a promising talent for both club and country.