Explore the journey of Chelsea’s academy stars who left and made their mark in football, showcasing their talent and success beyond Cobham
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London: Chelsea has built a strong reputation for developing young talent from its famous academy over the past decade. Many players who graduated from Cobham have gone on to achieve great success in football.
While some have helped Chelsea win major trophies, others have carved out their own paths at different clubs. The club has focused on nurturing young players and often sells them for a profit, leading to many former academy stars now playing across the Premier League and beyond.
This article highlights some of the notable names who have made a name for themselves in football after their time at Chelsea’s Cobham academy.
Although many players have left the academy, some still represent Chelsea. The new coach, Maresca, sees these players as key to the team’s future.
Reece James is a standout example. He joined Chelsea at six and signed a professional contract in 2017. He led the under-18 team to victory in the FA Youth Cup and earned the Academy Player of the Season award.
James had a successful loan at Wigan Athletic, where he gained valuable experience and recognition. Upon returning to Chelsea, he quickly became a vital part of the team, debuting in 2019 and scoring his first goal shortly after.
He established himself as a key player, helping Chelsea win the Champions League in 2021. In August 2023, he became the club captain, with fans believing he will leave a lasting legacy at Chelsea.
Another promising talent is Levi Colwill, known for his defensive skills. He joined Chelsea’s academy at a young age and made his first-team debut in 2022 after successful loan spells.
Colwill’s performances have earned him a spot in the England squad, showcasing his potential as a rising star in English football.
Tyrique George is another young player from Chelsea’s academy. He has recently gained first-team minutes in the UEFA Conference League, showing his versatility and technical skills.
The Chelsea Academy continues to produce talent, with players like Kiano Dyer and Josh Acheampong training with the first team. Several academy products are also on loan, gaining experience in the Championship.
Conor Gallagher is one of the academy stars who left Chelsea. Known for his work rate, he had successful loan spells before moving to Atletico Madrid, where he has become an important player.
Mason Mount, another notable name, transferred to Manchester United after establishing himself at Chelsea. His versatility and work ethic made him a key player for both club and country.
Dominic Solanke, who began his career at Chelsea, moved to Liverpool and later to Bournemouth, where he has become a key player.
Jamal Musiala, a talented German player, started at Chelsea but moved to Bayern Munich due to personal reasons related to Brexit. He has since become a star in Germany.
Declan Rice, now at Arsenal, was released by Chelsea at 14 but has since become one of the best midfielders in Europe, raising questions about what could have been.
Ola Aina, who made his debut for Chelsea in 2016, has had a successful career after leaving the club, currently playing for Nottingham Forest.
Callum Hudson-Odoi, once a bright talent, faced challenges at Chelsea and eventually moved to Nottingham Forest, where he has regained form.
In summary, Chelsea’s academy has produced many talented players who have made significant contributions to football. The club’s commitment to developing young talent remains strong, ensuring a bright future for the next generation of stars.