Shumaira "Shim" Mheuka (born 20 October 2007) is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Chelsea.

Shim Mheuka
Personal information
Full name Shumaira Mheuka[1]
Date of birth (2007-10-20) 20 October 2007 (age 17)
Place of birth England
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
Chelsea
Number 76
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)
2024– England U18 2 (0)
2024– England U19 4 (1)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 21:21, 17 November 2024 (UTC)

Club career

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Born 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

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Mheuka 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]

On 4 September 2024, Mheuka made his England U18 debut during a 2–2 draw with Portugal at the Lafarge Foot Avenir.[11]

On 9 October 2024, Mheuka made his U19 debut during a 2–1 defeat to Portugal in Marbella.[12]

Personal life

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Family

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His 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]

Career statistics

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As of match played 29 October 2024[13]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup League Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Chelsea U21 2024–25 2[a] 0 2 0
Career total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0
  1. ^ Appearances in EFL Trophy

Sponsorship

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Mheuka is sponsored by German sportswear manufacturer Adidas.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Shim Mheuka". WorldFootball.net. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ a b c "Chelsea signs a teen from Mutare, Shumaira Mheuka". hararelive.com. 22 July 2022. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  4. ^ Chigandiwa, Tafadzwa (15 July 2022). "Zim teenager Shumaira Mheuka signs for Chelsea developmental side". nehandaradio.com. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ Emmanuel, Ifeanyi (10 August 2022). "Chelsea complete signing of talented African striker for youth team". allnigeriasoccer.com. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  7. ^ "West Bromwich Albion U18 1-2 Chelsea U18". Soccerway. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  8. ^ Smith, Frank (6 September 2023). "Report: England MU17s 2-3 Portugal". EnglandFootball.com. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  9. ^ Gibson, Thomas (27 May 2024). "Report: England MU17s 3-1 Spain". EnglandFootball.com. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  10. ^ Gorrie, Jonathan (31 May 2024). "Ethan Nwaneri stunner not enough as England U17 beaten on penalties by Italy". Evening Standard. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  11. ^ Drury, Adam (4 September 2024). "Report: England MU18s 2-2 Portugal". EnglandFootball.com. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  12. ^ Vassell, Zac (9 October 2024). "Report: England Under-19s 1-2 Portugal". England Football. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  13. ^ Shim Mheuka at Soccerway
  NODES
INTERN 4
Note 1