24 Reece James

Reece Lewis James was born on December 8, 1999, in Redbridge, Greater London. He attended Isleworth and Syon School and comes from a football-oriented family. His father, Nigel James, is a football coach, and his sister, Lauren James, is also a professional footballer, playing for Chelsea Women. James has Grenadian and Dominican heritage through his father and English roots from his mother.

Club Career

Chelsea Academy and Loan to Wigan

James joined Chelsea’s academy at age six, initially playing as a striker before transitioning to midfield and ultimately settling as a right-back. He captained Chelsea’s U18 team to an FA Youth Cup victory in the 2017–18 season, earning the Academy Player of the Year award.

In 2018, James was loaned to Championship club Wigan Athletic, where he impressed with his performances. He was named in the 2018–19 Championship Team of the Season and won multiple end-of-season awards at Wigan, including Player of the Year.

First-Team Breakthrough and Champions League Glory (2019–2021)

James returned to Chelsea in 2019 and made his first-team debut on September 25, scoring and assisting twice in a 7–1 win over Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup. He became Chelsea’s youngest-ever Champions League goalscorer in a 4–4 draw against Ajax in November 2019.

He continued to impress, scoring his first Premier League goal against Brighton in September 2020. His contributions helped Chelsea secure a Champions League title in May 2021, playing a key role in the final against Manchester City.

Injuries and Captaincy (2021–Present)

James faced injury setbacks during the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons, including a knee issue that ruled him out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite this, he signed a six-year contract extension in September 2022, committing to Chelsea until 2028.

In August 2023, James was named Chelsea captain following César Azpilicueta’s departure. Unfortunately, injuries plagued his 2023–24 season, including a recurring hamstring problem that required surgery. He returned to play in May 2024, providing an assist in a crucial win against Nottingham Forest. He received a red card in Chelsea’s penultimate match of the season, leading to a suspension at the start of the 2024–25 campaign.

International Career

Youth Levels

James represented England from U18 to U21 levels, winning the 2017 Toulon Tournament and the 2017 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. He suffered an ankle ligament injury during the 2019 Toulon Tournament but quickly recovered to earn his first U21 call-up later that year.

Senior Team

James made his senior England debut on October 8, 2020, in a 3–0 win over Wales. He was sent off in his second start against Denmark but was included in England’s Euro 2020 squad, playing in the group-stage draw against Scotland.

Injury kept him out of the 2022 World Cup, but he aimed to reclaim his spot in the England squad for Euro 2024. In November 2023, England manager Gareth Southgate noted that James’ national team place was at risk due to recurring fitness issues.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

James has actively supported charitable causes, including donating to help save Wigan Athletic from financial difficulties. He has volunteered with The Felix Project, a London-based charity fighting food poverty.

James and his sister Lauren made history as the first brother-sister duo to represent England’s senior national teams in the modern era. He credits his father and Chelsea youth coaches for shaping his career.

Playing Style

Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel described James as “strong and influential.” He excels both defensively and offensively, forming a strong wing-back partnership with Ben Chilwell for Chelsea and England. His ability to contribute goals, assists, and defensive stability makes him one of the Premier League’s standout full-backs.