Reece James: Always a Blue

Chelsea’s captain Reece James: beloved and praised throughout England and across the whole world. But who is Reece James?

Reece James grew up in a family where football was never far away. James Sr., a former defender himself is a respected coach with clubs such as Fulham and Tottenham on his résumé. The football talent was not limited to James Sr. and Reece James but clearly runs in the family as Reece’s sister plays as a forward for Chelsea Women and the English national team.

The right-footed right-back, Reece James began his career with Chelsea at the age of six, joining the Chelsea Academy. His potential was quickly noticed and in 2018 he was named Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Year. Only one year later, he made his debut in Chelsea’s first team in a League cup match against Grimsby Town. He immediately made his mark by scoring a goal and offering two assists. Since then, he has worn the blue colors with pride and even being rewarded with the captains band in 2023. Apart from a loan at Wigan Athletic during the 2018-2019 season James has always been a Blue at heart.

Renowned for his powerful assists, James has always stood out because of his capability of influencing the game both defensively and offensively. He can work his magic as an explosive full-back but can also shine in the midfield. This talent and hard work secured him matches at the highest level and his trophy cabinet quickly filled with the Champions League, UEFA super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Unfortunately every high has its low: James’s career has been marked by a series of injuries keeping him that have kept him from playing the game he loves most. Time after time he persevered through hard  rehabilitation processes, from knee problems to hamstring recoveries.

James’s talent even stood out among England’s best when he received his first call-up to the England youth national team. There, he not only won the U18 Young Lions cup but also the U19 European Championship title in 2017. It was only a matter of time before he earned his call up-up to the Three Lions squad in 2020, helping the team reach the UEFA Euro 2020 final.