We are delighted to announce that Chelsea Academy winger Chris Atherton has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The 17-year-old joined the Blues ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, arriving from Glenavon in Northern Ireland after signing his scholarship. He had already made history prior to his move, becoming the youngest-ever senior debutant in UK football at just 13 years old.
Since arriving at Cobham, he has been a regular feature for Hassan Sulaiman’s Under-18s side and has also appeared in the Under-17 Premier League Cup, scoring for both teams. He opened his account in the Under-17 Premier League Cup against Charlton Athletic at Cobham, before adding another goal in the Under-18 Premier League by rounding off a 4-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
On the international stage, he has represented Northern Ireland at Under-17 level, gaining valuable experience with his national side.
Congratulations, Chris!