Christian Mbulu facts for kids

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Christian Mbulu

Mbulu with Braintree Town in April 2017
Personal information
Full name	Christian Mbulu
Date of birth	(1996-08-06)6 August 1996
Place of birth	Newham, England
Date of death	26 May 2020(2020-05-26) (aged 23)
Place of death	Cottam, England
Height	1.93 m
Playing position	Defender
Youth career
	Thurrock
	East Thurrock United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2013–2015	Brentwood Town	64	(2)
2015–2018	Millwall	0	(0)
2016	→ Canvey Island (loan)	3	(0)
2017	→ Braintree Town (loan)	3	(0)
2018–2019	Motherwell	6	(0)
2019–2020	Crewe Alexandra	4	(0)
2020	Morecambe	3	(0)
Total		83	(2)
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Christian Mbulu (6 August 1996 – 26 May 2020) was an English professional footballer who played as a defender. During his career he played for Brentwood Town, Millwall (including loans to Canvey Island and Braintree Town), Motherwell, Crewe Alexandra and Morecambe.

Club career

Brentwood Town

Mbulu began his senior career at the age of 17 when he signed to non-League club Brentwood Town in the 2013–14 season, following spells at fellow Essex-based clubs Thurrock and East Thurrock United.

Millwall

After a successful 2015–16 pre-season trial, Mbulu signed his first professional contract for Millwall on his 19th birthday, 6 August 2015. Mbulu rejected a contract offer from Colchester United where he had also been on trial. During his time at the South London club he attracted interest from clubs such Chelsea, Swansea City, Watford, and Crystal Palace and a loan spell to Braintree Town respectively. He spent three seasons at Millwall before they released him at the end of the 2017–18 season.

Loans

In January 2016, Mbulu joined Canvey Island on a one-month loan. Mbulu made three appearances during his time at the club.

In March 2017, Mbulu moved to Braintree Town on a month-long loan deal.

Motherwell

On 10 August 2018, Mbulu signed a one-year contract with Motherwell after his release from Millwall at the end of the previous season. In October 2018, Mbulu was named as Player of the Round for the third round of the Scottish Challenge Cup after scoring to help Motherwell's under-21 side to a 2–0 win against League of Ireland club Sligo Rovers. Mbulu made his league debut for Motherwell on 11 November, when he came on as a second-half substitute in the 77th minute of a game against Rangers at Ibrox. On 9 December, two Hearts supporters were arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Mbulu during a match at Tynecastle. On 21 May 2019, Motherwell confirmed that Mbulu would be released at the end of his contract on 31 May 2019.

Crewe Alexandra

On 30 October 2019, Mbulu signed a short-term contract with Crewe Alexandra until January 2020, making his debut in an EFL Trophy tie against Everton U21s at Gresty Road on 5 November 2019. He left Crewe Alexandra by mutual consent on 24 January 2020.

Morecambe

Following his release from Crewe, Mbulu joined Morecambe on a deal until the end of the season, making his Morecambe debut in a 2–0 win at Walsall on 28 January 2020.

Personal life

Mbulu was of Congolese descent.

Death

Mbulu died on 26 May 2020, aged 23. Police were called to his home in Preston at 1:30 p.m. and did not treat the death as suspicious. His team placed a picture of him on the substitutes bench during a visit to Chelsea in the FA Cup in January 2021 and at the Wembley play-off final against Newport in May 2021.

Career statistics