Mathis Eboue is a name Chelsea fans will be hearing a lot more of as the young star edges closer to the first team. The academy prodigy recently made headlines for a surprising shift in his football allegiances—swapping his childhood idol Neymar for none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.

Eboue’s big moment nearly came on Saturday when Chelsea faced Liverpool. After Jesse Derry’s injury against Nottingham Forest, both Eboue and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen were drafted into the squad. While neither got game time due to a formation change that reduced the need for left wingers, it was still a milestone for Eboue, marking his first-ever call-up to the senior squad.

In a recent article for the BBC, Nizaar Kinsella highlighted Eboue’s evolution as a player and a person. The youngster reportedly “shifted” from idolizing Neymar to looking up to Ronaldo, specifically praising the Portuguese legend’s relentless work ethic. Given how Neymar’s career has often been defined by unfulfilled potential, while Ronaldo’s drive has built a legacy of consistent excellence, it’s a smart move from a kid who seems wise beyond his years.

This kind of mindset is exactly what Chelsea’s academy hopes to cultivate. As the Blues continue to blend youth with experience, Eboue’s dedication could make him a fan favorite in the years to come.

Whether he’s the next big thing or just a promising talent, one thing’s clear: Mathis Eboue is already making the right choices off the pitch.