Chelsea have surprisingly added 33 names to their Champions League squad ahead of their clash with Ajax tonight. The list, which forms part of the club’s UEFA B list, includes a mix of academy prospects, familiar surnames, and rising stars from Cobham.
Among the notable inclusions are Thiago Silva’s son Isago, former director Michael Emenalo’s son Landon, and Michael Olise’s younger brother Richard. Eight of the players named are just 16 years old, reflecting Chelsea’s deep investment in youth talent.
Also included are promising youngsters like Shim Mheuka, Genesis Antwi, Harrison Murray-Campbell, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen — the latter being one of the most talked-about players in Chelsea’s academy setup.
Kavuma-McQueen, nicknamed the “next Rio Ngumoha,” impressed after scoring four goals for England’s U17s against Germany earlier this season. Another standout, Ibrahim Rabbaj, has been dubbed the “Moroccan Messi” by fans for his flair and technical skill.
Chelsea’s decision to register the players now ensures eligibility for future matches without needing to submit individual names before each game. Clubs are allowed to add unlimited players to their UEFA B list provided they were born on or after January 1, 2004, and meet other criteria.
The move gives manager Enzo Maresca a wide pool of youth options to choose from as the Blues prepare to host Ajax at Stamford Bridge — a fixture remembered for Reece James’ breakout moment in the famous 4-4 draw back in 2019.
With Chelsea’s academy continuing to produce top-tier talent, tonight’s match could mark the start of another Cobham breakthrough under the Champions League lights.
Chelsea’s UEFA B List Additions:
Goalkeepers: Ted Curd, Max Merrick, Jack Austin, Hudson Sands, Toby Bell
Defenders: Genesis Antwi, Richard Olise, Harrison Murray-Campbell, Kobe Barbour, Harry McGlinchey, Kaiden Wilson, Olutayo Subuloye, Joseph Wheeler-Henry, Calvin Diakite, Isago Silva, Lewi Richards, Dante Waite
Midfielders: Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Jimi Tauriainen, Reggie Walsh, Harrison McMahon, Leo Cardoso, Landon Emenalo, Sol Gordon, Ollie Harrison, Yahua Idrissi, Frankie Runham, Shaun Wade, Charles Holland, Ibrahim Rabbaj
Forwards: Ato Ampah, Shim Mheuka, Chizaram Ezenwata, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, Joel Vidal Philbert
