The 18-year-old enjoyed a remarkable season for our Under-21s, finishing as the division’s leading scorer with 18 goals in just 19 appearances. The captain's clinical finishing, work-rate and leadership were instrumental in helping the Blues finish top of the Premier League 2 table and lift the league title.

With the Academy season now drawn to a close, we spoke with Mheuka to reflect on a memorable year of goals, silverware and personal growth.

‘I’d say it’s been a solid season for me,’ Mheuka smiled. ‘One of my main aims going into the campaign was to be consistent and perform week in, week out.

‘I feel like I’ve had good performances throughout the year and scoring goals obviously helps. I managed 18 goals in the Premier League 2, which is something I’m proud of. At the same time, as a striker, you always feel like there’s more you can do.

‘You always set targets at the beginning of the season, especially as a forward. You want to score goals, help the team and contribute as much as possible.

‘But I try not to overthink it too much during games. It’s about trusting myself, trusting my team-mates and focusing on the next match, rather than looking too far ahead.’

Mheuka set the tone for the campaign in emphatic fashion, scoring a hat-trick in our opening Premier League 2 fixture against Manchester City at Kingsmeadow.

Another treble followed in a 4-2 victory over Crystal Palace at Cobham, while he also found the net in our crucial 2-0 win over Manchester United. That result proved significant, as our superior goal difference over the Red Devils ultimately secured the league phase title.

Along the way, Mheuka was named Premier League 2 Player of the Month for August and earned another nomination in January, underlining the consistency that defined his season.

‘I think there were a few moments throughout the season where I really showed what I can do,’ he added. ‘Scoring a hat-trick against Manchester City in the first game definitely helped set the tone and the standard I wanted to reach this year.

‘Every time I scored or helped the team, I felt like I was stepping up in my own way. But it’s not just about individual moments. It’s about doing it consistently for the team, and I definitely couldn’t have done any of it without my team-mates.

‘Scoring always feels amazing. I set high standards for myself, so I try not to be too surprised, but you still feel over the moon. When you complete a hat-trick, there’s a real sense of relief and you can finally enjoy the moment.

‘Scoring hat-tricks in important matches, like against Crystal Palace and Manchester City, makes it even more special because you know it’s helping the team in a big way.’

This season carried added significance for Mheuka, who captained the Under-21s on 17 occasions in the Premier League 2.

With several Under-18s and schoolboys stepping up into the squad throughout the campaign, the striker embraced the responsibility of leading a young group both on and off the pitch.

‘It’s been a big responsibility, definitely,’ he explained. ‘A lot of it is about communication. I’ve learned how each team-mate responds, how to speak to different people and how to get the best out of everyone.

‘You’re leading the team in different situations, whether we’re winning, losing or trying to come back in a game. Emotionally, everyone can be in different places, so it’s about keeping things together and staying focused as a group.

‘It’s been a really good challenge and something I’ve learned a lot from. Being captain has helped me massively off the pitch as well.

‘I feel like I understand people better now and I’m more confident speaking to different team-mates. It’s helped me grow as a person, not just as a player.

‘Being seen as a leader, especially at a young age, is something I’m proud of. It’s important to me to set a good example for the younger players coming through.’

Last month, Mheuka and his family attended the Premier League Academy Awards at Wembley Stadium, where he received the Premier League 2 Player of the Season trophy from Alan Shearer. The teenager was understandably delighted to receive the award.

‘I was over the moon when I heard the news,’ he said. ‘I was at home relaxing when Jack [Francis, Academy football operations director] called to tell me I’d won it.

‘I ran upstairs and told my mum straight away. It was a really special moment and a real sense of recognition for all the hard work I’ve put in.

'My family were absolutely delighted. I’m really close with them. They’re my biggest supporters, but also my harshest critics, which I think helps me a lot. They push me every day to be better, not just as a footballer but as a person. I think they were probably even more excited than I was!

‘I also got a lot of support from my team-mates. Team unity is everything. Without my team-mates, none of this would be possible. I wouldn’t be scoring goals or winning awards on my own. The stronger the group is, the better we perform, and that’s something we’ve really shown this season by winning the league.

‘I genuinely think a lot of the credit for this award goes to the team, the staff and everyone around the club. The togetherness here is incredible.’

Since joining Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion at Under-14s level, Mheuka has continued to progress at an impressive rate. He signed his first professional contract in October 2024, before being named Chelsea Scholar of the Year in the summer of 2025.

Mheuka made his senior debut in December 2024, coming on as a substitute in our UEFA Conference League victory over Astana in Kazakhstan. He made his Premier League debut against Southampton in February 2025 at Stamford Bridge and has remained involved with the senior squad, including an appearance in this season’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Hull City.

‘It means a lot to win this award for a club like Chelsea,’ Mheuka said. ‘It’s a huge club with amazing facilities and really high standards every day.

'Being surrounded by top players and top staff pushes you constantly. That environment has definitely helped me develop and improve.

‘Training is demanding, matchdays are intense and everyone expects more from you, which is exactly what you need to grow.

‘I love this club and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Chelsea has given me the perfect environment to progress and improve.’

After a season filled with goals, leadership and silverware, Mheuka’s focus is already on what comes next.

‘More of the same, hopefully!’ he said. ‘I want more goals, more assists and hopefully more moments like this.

'Most importantly, I want to keep enjoying my football, keep improving and keep being myself on and off the pitch. If I can do that, then hopefully this is just the beginning of a lot more to come.’