Shumaira "Shim" Mheuka (born 20 October 2007) is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Chelsea.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Shumaira Mheuka[1] | ||
| Date of birth | 20 October 2007 | ||
| Place of birth | England | ||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Chelsea | ||
| Number | 86 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2017–2022 | Brighton & Hove Albion | ||
| 2022– | Chelsea | ||
| International career‡ | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2022 | England U15 | 4 | (2) |
| 2022–2023 | England U16 | 12 | (4) |
| 2023– | England U17 | 10 | (6) |
| ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 21:14, 30 May 2024 (UTC) | |||
Club career
editBorn in England to Zimbabwean parents, Mheuka joined Brighton & Hove Albion at the age of nine.[2] He progressed well through Brighton & Hove Albion's academy, making his debut at under-18 level while only fourteen years old.[3]
In July 2022, Mheuka signed with fellow Premier League club Chelsea.[4][5][6] He made his debut for Chelsea's under-18 team in a 2–1 win over West Bromwich Albion in October 2022.[7]
International career
editMheuka has represented England at under-15 and under-16 level.[1] He remains eligible to represent Zimbabwe at international level.[2]
On 6 September 2023, Mheuka made his England U17 debut and scored during a 3-2 defeat to Portugal at the Pinatar Arena.[8] He was included in the squad for the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship and scored during the last group game against Spain.[9] He also started in their quarter-final elimination against Italy.[10]
Personal life
editFamily
editHis father, Malcom, was born in Dangamvura, Mutare, Zimbabwe, and played as an attacking midfielder for the Zimbabwe Saints and Circle Cement in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League.[2] His younger brother, Tendah, plays for the academy of Brighton & Hove Albion.[3]
Sponsorship
editMheuka is sponsored by German sportswear manufacturer Adidas.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b "Shim Mheuka". WorldFootball.net. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
- ^ a b c "Who Is Shumaira Mheuka? 15-Year-Old Zimbabwean English Starlet Signed By Chelsea". soca263updates.com. 11 July 2022. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
- ^ a b c "Chelsea signs a teen from Mutare, Shumaira Mheuka". hararelive.com. 22 July 2022. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
- ^ Chigandiwa, Tafadzwa (15 July 2022). "Zim teenager Shumaira Mheuka signs for Chelsea developmental side". nehandaradio.com. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
- ^ Silverberg, Lucien (10 August 2022). "Photo: Chelsea complete the signing of "one of the most exciting strikers" in youth football". caughtoffside.com. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
- ^ Emmanuel, Ifeanyi (10 August 2022). "Chelsea complete signing of talented African striker for youth team". allnigeriasoccer.com. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
- ^ "West Bromwich Albion U18 1-2 Chelsea U18". Soccerway. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
- ^ Smith, Frank (6 September 2023). "Report: England MU17s 2-3 Portugal". EnglandFootball.com. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
- ^ Gibson, Thomas (27 May 2024). "Report: England MU17s 3-1 Spain". EnglandFootball.com. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ Gorrie, Jonathan (31 May 2024). "Ethan Nwaneri stunner not enough as England U17 beaten on penalties by Italy". Evening Standard. Retrieved 6 June 2024.