Mathis Éboué, the son of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Éboué, has officially joined Chelsea as part of their academy intake for 2025. The 16-year-old forward, who made the switch from Watford earlier this year, has signed a deal with the club, that will see him remain a member of the Chelsea U18 squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
From Arsenal legacy to Cobham future
Éboué had arrived at Cobham in January after shining at youth levels for Watford, frequently playing a year above his age group and attracting interest from various leading clubs. He also plays at U16 level for England and scored in the Challenge Trophy final against France, demonstrating an eye for the line of a player well beyond his teenage years.
Despite being the son of an Arsenal cult hero, Mathis Éboué has forged his own path on the day that he signed for their London rivals, choosing a long-term project at Chelsea. The Blues beat out interest from several Premier League academies to secure his signature, completing the tightly regulated five-step process required to sign youth players from rival clubs under Premier League rules.
Those around the player describe him as “humble but hungry,” and a quick-thinking attacker with great football IQ, the versatility to play across the front line and a mentality made for the big-game moments. Éboué is doing well as the prototypically dynamic forward who is comfortable out wide or in the middle.
Chelsea double down on next-gen
As of now with the U18s set-up officially, with Hassan Sulaiman and Éboué was one of 17 first-year scholars announced by the club in July 2025. That list also includes Isago Silva, the son of former Blues captain Thiago Silva, as the club continues to focus on the big-name youth market.
Chelsea now focus heavily on elite development, and Éboué clearly fits the blueprint—technically sharp, physically mature, and ambitious enough to rise through the Cobham ranks. The club has poured major investment into academy infrastructure and next-gen talent for years, and Éboué’s signing sends a strong message about the Blues’ long-term plans.
Eboué’s arrival is another big signal of intent about the strength of Chelsea’s youth revolution. With the proper roadway, he might soon resound through Stamford Bridge chants in the years to come.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
