2025 Flying Eagles invitee Chizaram Ezenwata has been shortlisted for the U18 Premier League Player of the Season after a breakout campaign for Chelsea.  

The tri-national centre-forward, who is also eligible to represent the national teams of Cameroon through his mother and England where he was born, signed his first professional contract with Chelsea in December 2025.

The 17-year-old directly participated in 22 goals this season, registering 15 goals along with seven assists, to lead Chelsea 118s in both categories.

Ezenwata's excellent season included braces against Reading and West Brom, as well as a prolific run that saw him score in six consecutive matches between matchdays two and seven.

The 17-year-old was nominated for Chelsea's Goal of the Month for October and December 2025.

Beyond his U18 exploits, he gained important experience with Chelsea's development squad in the Premier League International Cup, Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy, in addition to featuring in the UEFA Youth League.

In his bid to win the award, Ezenwata faces competition from Chelsea teammate Mathis Eboue, Joseph Junior Gabriel (Man Utd), Teddie Lamb (Man City), Albert Mills (Man Utd), Joe Roberts (Middlesbrough), Joshua Sonni-Lambie (Liverpool) and Tyler Tingey (Spurs).

The winner will be announced at the Premier League Youth Development Conference on Tuesday, May 12.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel