Nathaniel Chalobah facts for kids
![]() Chalobah training with Chelsea in 2016
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Personal information | |||
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Date of birth | 12 December 1994 | ||
Place of birth | Freetown, Sierra Leone | ||
Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.87 m) | ||
Playing position | Defensive midfielder | ||
Club information | |||
Current club | Sheffield Wednesday | ||
Number | 4 | ||
Youth career | |||
2004–2005 | Fulham | ||
2005–2012 | Chelsea | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
2012–2017 | Chelsea | 10 | (0) |
2012–2013 | → Watford (loan) | 38 | (5) |
2013–2014 | → Nottingham Forest (loan) | 12 | (2) |
2014 | → Middlesbrough (loan) | 19 | (1) |
2014–2015 | → Burnley (loan) | 4 | (0) |
2015 | → Reading (loan) | 15 | (1) |
2015–2016 | → Napoli (loan) | 5 | (0) |
2017–2021 | Watford | 75 | (3) |
2021–2023 | Fulham | 24 | (0) |
2023–2024 | West Bromwich Albion | 46 | (0) |
2024– | Sheffield Wednesday | 7 | (0) |
National team | |||
2008–2009 | England U16 | 6 | (0) |
2009–2011 | England U17 | 34 | (1) |
2011–2012 | England U19 | 13 | (2) |
2014 | England U20 | 4 | (0) |
2012–2017 | England U21 | 40 | (1) |
2018 | England | 1 | (0) |
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Nathaniel Chalobah, born on December 12, 1994, is a professional football player. He plays as a defensive midfielder for the club Sheffield Wednesday. Nathaniel was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, but he has played for the England national team.
Contents
- Nathaniel Chalobah's Football Journey
- Nathaniel Chalobah's International Career
- How Nathaniel Chalobah Plays
- Nathaniel Chalobah's Personal Life
- Honours and Awards
- See also
Nathaniel Chalobah's Football Journey
Starting at Chelsea's Academy
Nathaniel Chalobah began his football journey at the academy of Fulham. When he was 10 years old, he moved to the Chelsea academy.
While still a schoolboy, Nathaniel played for Chelsea's reserve team in the 2010–11 season. They even won the national championship that year! In 2011–12, he often led both Chelsea's youth and reserve teams as captain. He also led the team that won the FA Youth Cup in 2012.
In January 2012, soon after turning 17, he signed his first professional contract with Chelsea. He was even a substitute for the Chelsea first team when he was just 15. He also traveled with the team to the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final, which Chelsea won. In August 2013, Chalobah signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea, hoping to stay with the club his whole career.
Playing on Loan: Gaining Experience
To get more playing time, Nathaniel was often loaned out to other clubs. This helped him gain valuable experience.
Loan to Watford (First Time)
On August 31, 2012, Chalobah joined Watford, a club in the Championship league, on loan. He played his first game for Watford on September 18, 2012. He scored his first goal for Watford in November 2012, helping them win 2–1 against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He extended his loan until the end of the 2012–13 season. In April, he scored an amazing goal from 35 yards away! Watford reached the Championship play-off final that season but lost to Crystal Palace.
Loan to Nottingham Forest
In September 2013, Nathaniel went on loan to Nottingham Forest. Their manager, Billy Davies, said he was a "tremendous young talent." Chalobah played his first game for Forest on September 21, 2013. He scored his first goal for them in October 2013.
Loan to Middlesbrough
Next, Chalobah joined Middlesbrough on loan in January 2014. He made his debut on January 25, 2014. On April 5, 2014, he scored his first goal for Middlesbrough, helping them win 1–0 against Derby County.
Loan to Burnley
On September 1, 2014, Chalobah moved to Premier League club Burnley on loan. He made his debut on September 28, 2014. However, he got an injury soon after, which kept him out for a bit. He returned to Chelsea in January 2015 after making only four appearances for Burnley.
Loan to Reading
In January 2015, Chalobah joined Reading on loan. He played his first game for them in an FA Cup match on January 24, 2015. Just a few days later, he scored his first goal for Reading in a 2–0 win against Sheffield Wednesday. He played 20 games for Reading during his loan.
Loan to Napoli
On September 1, 2015, Nathaniel went on loan to the Italian club Napoli. He made his debut in a UEFA Europa League game on October 1, 2015. He scored his first goal for Napoli on December 10, 2015, in a 5–2 win. He also played his first Serie A game in January 2016.
Back at Chelsea: 2016–17 Season
In the summer of 2016, Chelsea's new manager, Antonio Conte, was impressed with Chalobah. He decided Nathaniel should stay with the first team instead of going on another loan. Chalobah made his first team debut for Chelsea on September 20, 2016. On October 15, 2016, he made a great pass that led to a goal in a 3–0 win over Leicester City.
Return to Watford (Permanent Move)
On July 13, 2017, Chalobah signed a permanent five-year contract with Watford. Sadly, he suffered a knee injury in September 2017 and needed surgery.
Playing for Fulham
On the last day of the summer 2021 transfer window, Chalobah joined Fulham on a free transfer. He was happy to work again with manager Marco Silva. He played his first game for Fulham on September 15, 2021, in a 4–1 win.
Time at West Bromwich Albion
On January 31, 2023, Chalobah moved to West Bromwich Albion. He signed an eighteen-month contract. On January 7, 2024, he scored his first goal for the club in an FA Cup game. He left the club in the summer of 2024 when his contract ended.
Joining Sheffield Wednesday
On July 13, 2024, Chalobah joined Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer. He made his debut in the EFL Cup on August 27, 2024. His first league game for Sheffield Wednesday was on December 1, 2024.
Nathaniel Chalobah's International Career
Nathaniel Chalobah started playing for England's under-16 team when he was just 13 years old in October 2008. He then played for the under-17 team at age 14. He even captained the under-17 team at 15 and helped them win the 2010 UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2010!
He made his debut for the England under-19 team in September 2011 and also became their captain. In November 2012, he was called up to the England under-21 squad and made his debut.
Even though he was born in Sierra Leone, Chalobah feels a strong connection to England, where he grew up.
In August 2017, Chalobah was chosen for the senior England squad for the first time. He made his debut on October 15, 2018, playing for a few minutes at the end of a game against Spain. This game officially tied him to playing for England permanently.
How Nathaniel Chalobah Plays
Chalobah is known for being able to play in different positions. He is also very fit and works hard, both when defending and attacking. People describe him as "tall, athletic, and quick at tackling." He can play in midfield or defense.
Nathaniel Chalobah's Personal Life
Nathaniel was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He moved to England when he was seven years old and grew up in London. He started playing football when he was nine. His younger brother, Trevoh Chalobah, also plays football and has played for Chelsea and England's youth teams.
Honours and Awards
Chelsea
- Premier League: 2016–17
Fulham
- EFL Championship: 2021–22
England U17
- UEFA European Under-17 Championship: 2010
England U21
- Toulon Tournament: 2016
Individual Awards
- England Men's Youth Player of the Year: 2012
- Football League Young Player of the Month: May 2013
See also
In Spanish: Nathaniel Chalobah para niños
- List of England international footballers born outside England