Meet Mathis Eboue, the 17-year-old Chelsea winger who has taken the Under-18s Premier League by storm. With six goals and three assists in his final six matches, the "resilient" forward played a starring role in his side's title triumph just a fortnight ago. But his journey to the top is anything but ordinary.
Eboue's breakthrough season has been nothing short of remarkable. He earned his first professional contract, made his debut in the EFL Trophy, UEFA Youth League, and Premier League International Cup, and even found himself on Chelsea's first-team bench against Liverpool. Now, he's been nominated for the league's Player of the Season award alongside teammate Chizaram Ezenwata.
Operating as an inverted left winger, Eboue uses his blistering pace to cut inside, score goals, and create chances. It's a style that caught the eye of Chelsea just 18 months ago, when he joined amid interest from Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Wolves. But those close to him know that his rise hasn't been a straight line—it's been fueled by resilience.
Behind the scenes, Eboue is praised as a selfless teammate, but he's also faced a significant challenge off the pitch. Diagnosed with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy in April 2022, he manages a condition that can cause muscle jerks and, if not carefully controlled, seizures. It hasn't stopped him from excelling in elite sport, but it's a testament to his determination.
His mother, Aurelie Bertrand, has guided his career since he first kicked a ball at age four. She helped him join the Total Football Academy in north London, where former Arsenal academy player Jo Kuffour became a mentor. It was at the Top Ballerz Academy that Eboue was spotted by Watford at age 13—unusually late for a player of his caliber—before eventually landing at Chelsea.
As a child, Eboue idolized Neymar, but he now looks to Cristiano Ronaldo for inspiration, particularly admiring his relentless work ethic. That drive will be crucial as he aims to establish himself at Chelsea. With more goals, continued hard work, and the same resilience that has defined his journey so far, Eboue is determined to maximize his potential and make his mark on the senior stage.