Chelsea's Shumaira Mheuka Breaks Record as Youngest Player to Start in European Competition

Shumaira Mheuka became the youngest player to start for Chelsea in a major European competition, aged 17 years and 137 days, in their UEFA Conference League match against FC Copenhagen.

Shumaira Mheuka has made history by becoming the youngest player to start for Chelsea in a major European competition, aged just 17 years and 137 days. This milestone achievement came as Mheuka was selected to start for the Blues in their UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 first-leg match against FC Copenhagen on Thursday.

By starting for Chelsea at 17 years and 137 days, Shumaira Mheuka broke a 24-year-old record previously held by Joel Kitamirike. Kitamirike, born in Kampala, Uganda, had set the mark in a UEFA Cup match against Hapoel Tel Aviv in October 2001, aged 17 years and 196 days. Notably, that appearance proved to be Kitamirike's only outing for the club, preceding an unremarkable career.

Before eclipsing Kitamirike's record, Mheuka had already gained European experience, making his debut against FC Astana on December 12, 2024. Additionally, he had made his Premier League bow for Chelsea, replacing Enzo Fernandez in the 90th minute of their 4-0 victory over Southampton on February 25, albeit for only a brief one-minute appearance.

Shumaira Mheuka's record-breaking outing against FC Copenhagen lasted 45 minutes, as he was substituted for Christopher Nkunku at halftime. Chelsea went on to secure a 2-1 victory over the Danish side.

17 years and 137 days 😳

Shumaira Mheuka becomes Chelsea’s youngster ever player to start in a European game ✨ pic.twitter.com/e375PUoC0i

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 6, 2025

Born in Birmingham, England, Mheuka has rapidly progressed through the Chelsea Academy ranks since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of his Under-14 season. During the 2023-24 campaign, he impressed for the Blues' U18 team, scoring 12 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions. Notably, he made his Stamford Bridge debut in the U18 Premier League national final against Manchester United.

On the international stage, Mheuka represented England at the European Under-17 Championship, scoring in their opening match against Spain. He marked his first call-up to the Under-19 squad with goals against both France and the Netherlands in October 2024. Despite his England youth appearances, Mheuka remains eligible to represent Zimbabwe at the senior level.