Chelsea confirms 25/26 academy scholars, including Thiago Silva’s son and 16-year-old Reece James ratings

Chelsea’s current academy players must be inspired when they look up to the first-team group.

The Blues academy has produced numerous success stories in recent decades, including John Terry and Reece James, and shows no signs of slowing down.

Chelsea’s senior squad includes numerous players with Cobbham roots, which is good. Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Tyrique George, and Josh Acheampong, in addition to club captain James, came up through the club’s academy system.

Todd Boehly, Chelsea’s co-owner, recognizes the value of the program. Furthermore, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca has demonstrated a strong willingness to promote so many rising stars into his senior group when the occasion arises.

Chelsea confirms academy pupils for the 2025/26 season.

Chelsea announced on Friday that 16 players have signed as first-year scholars for the 2025/26 season.

Here’s a look at the young players who have signed new contracts as they prepare to start at Stamford Bridge next year.

Please welcome the Chelsea academy Class of 2025.https://t.co/bOTmSbPyDw pic.twitter.com/v5wemaViks

— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) July 18, 2025

In 2021, Chelsea won their second Champions League title, with seven academy graduates on their roster. Let’s hope some of the names above continue to attain similar success in the years ahead.

Thiago Silva’s son is one of the familiar faces.

Some of the names on Chelsea’s new list of academy scholars are certain to catch the attention of supporters.

16-year-old defender Isago Silva, son of former Blues player Thiago Silva, has signed a contract. It would be quite the tale if he could kick on and one day make the first team, following in his father’s footsteps.

Reggie Walsh, 16, played two senior games for Maresca past season, both in the Conference League.

Chelsea captain James is a major fan of Walsh, claiming he didn’t realize how talented the adolescent central midfielder was until they played together.

The outside focus on Chelsea is on how the club signs so many young and exciting stars, but nobody should overlook the excellent work that goes on in the academy as well.