English professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Chelsea and England, known for his attacking prowess, leadership and Champions League success
Reece James was born in Redbridge, London in 2000. Chelsea's academy developed him and Wigan gave him his first professional football. He made his Chelsea debut in 2019 and has been the club's most important defensive player since. He was a member of the 2021 Champions League-winning squad and a finalist at Euro 2024. He became Chelsea's captain in 2023 — the youngest captain in the club's history. His combination of crossing from deep — considered among the finest in the Premier League — with defensive reliability and the physicality to compete with elite wingers makes him the most complete right-back in English football. Persistent hamstring and knee injuries have limited him to fewer than half of Chelsea's games in multiple seasons, frustrating the development of what most observers believe is a player capable of being the best right-back in the world. His older sister Lauren James also plays for Chelsea and England. His father Nigel James played semi-professional football.
Being one of the most complete modern full-backs with exceptional crossing and attacking output
How They Played
Attack-minded right-back with powerful crossing, set-piece delivery and strong defensive abilities
Lasting Impact
James represents the modern attacking full-back and has established himself as one of the Premier League's finest defenders of his generation.
Career Honours
- Champions League (2021)
- FA Cup (2021)
- League Cup (2024)
- Euro runner-up (England 2024)
- Champions League 2021
- FA Cup 2021
- League Cup 2024
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | 2019–2024 | — | 147 | 4 | #24 |
| Wigan Athletic | 2019–2019 | Loan | 46 | 3 | — |
 England | — | — | 29 | 1 | — |