Zimbabwean teen Mheuka breaks Chelsea's European record

Shumaira Mheuka has achieved the distinction of being the youngest player to start for Chelsea in a major European competition, accomplishing this feat at the age of 17 years and 137 days.

The promising forward was included in the starting lineup for the UEFA Conference League round of 16 first-leg match against FC Copenhagen on Thursday.

In doing so, he surpassed the previous record held by the club, which was set at 17 years and 137 days by Joel Kitamirike. Kitamirike, who was born in Kampala, Uganda, established this record during a UEFA Cup match against Hapoel Tel Aviv in October 2001, when he was 17 years and 196 days old. Notably, that match was his sole appearance for Chelsea, following which he had a lackluster career.

Before achieving this milestone, Mheuka made his European debut against FC Astana on December 12, 2024. He also made his Premier League debut in Chelsea's 4-0 victory over Southampton on February 25, where he played for just one minute after coming on for Enzo Fernandez in the 90th minute.

In the match against the Danish team, the teenager played for 45 minutes before being substituted for Christopher Nkunku at halftime. Chelsea ultimately secured a 2-1 victory in that encounter.

Born in Birmingham, England, Mheuka has rapidly progressed through the Chelsea Academy after joining from Brighton & Hove Albion at the conclusion of his Under-14 season.

During the 2023-24 season with the Blues' U18 team, he netted 12 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions, including his debut at Stamford Bridge during the U18 Premier League national final against Manchester United.

On the international front, Mheuka was part of the England squad for the European Under-17 Championship this summer, where he scored in the opening match against Spain.

He also marked his first call-up to the Under-19s with goals against both France and the Netherlands in October 2024.

Despite his ties to England, he remains eligible to represent the Zimbabwe national team at the senior level.

SportsLigue