Chelsea’s current crop of youngsters in the academy must be so inspired when they look up at the first-team squad.
The Blues academy has produced so many success stories in recent decades, from John Terry to Reece James, and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon either.
It’s encouraging to see so many individuals in Chelsea’s senior squad with links back to Cobham. As well as club captain James, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Tyrique George, and Josh Acheampong developed in the club’s academy system.
The good news is that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly values the importance of the academy. On top of that, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca has shown a clear willingness to promote so many rising stars into his senior group at the right opportunity.
Chelsea confirm academy scholars for the 2025/26 season
On Friday morning, Chelsea confirmed via their official website that 16 players have signed as first-year scholars with them ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Here is a look at the young prospects who have signed new deals as they look to kick on at Stamford Bridge next year.
| Player | Position |
| Chris Atherton | Attacker |
| Toby Bell | Goalkeeper |
| Jeremiah Berkeley-Agyepong | Attacker |
| Freddy Bernal | Goalkeeper |
| Calvin Diakite | Defender |
| Mathis Eboue | Attacker |
| Chizaram Ezenwata | Attacker |
| Jacob Hall | Defender |
| Charlie Holland | Midfielder |
| Ryan Kavuma-McQueen | Attacker |
| Isago Silva | Defender |
| Ibrahim Rabbaj | Attacker |
| Lewi Richards | Defender |
| Joel Philbert | Attacker |
| Dante Waite | Defender |
| Reggie Walsh | Midfielder |
Seven academy graduates were in Chelsea’s 2021 squad when the club won the second Champions League in their history. Let’s hope some of the names above go on and achieve similar success in the years ahead.
Thiago Silva’s son one of the familiar faces
Some of the names in Chelsea’s new batch of academy scholars are likely to grab the eye of supporters.
First of all, 16-year-old defender Isago Silva, who’s the son of former Blues star Thiago Silva, has signed a contract. It would be quite some story if he can kick on and one day reach the first-team picture to emulate his father.
Elsewhere, Reggie Walsh, 16, actually played two senior games last season for Maresca’s side, both coming in the Conference League.
Chelsea skipper James is a huge fan of Walsh, admitting he didn’t realise just how good the teenage central midfielder was until he played with him.
The outside noise on Chelsea is around how the club sign so many young and exciting talents, but nobody should forget about the top work that goes on in the academy as well.
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