Reece James is another young star which has leapt onto the big stage and shone. A Champions League winner at 21 with Chelsea with much more success to come.

Reece James is an English right-back for Premier League club Chelsea as well as the England national team.

Since returning on loan from Wigan Athletic, Reece James has had a significant impact on his Chelsea team, playing a key role in their 2020/21 Champions League title win.

James also earned himself a place in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 squad, featuring for the full 90 minutes in the group stage match against Scotland.

Wigan Athletic to Champions League glory

James joined Chelsea aged six and worked his way through the youth ranks, before signing his first professional contract with the club in 2017.

James captained the Chelsea under-18 side to FA Youth Cup success in 2017/18. He was named Academy Player of the Year, signing a new four-year deal with the club.

The defender joined Championship side Wigan Athletic on loan for the 2018/19 campaign. His form there saw him selected to the 2018/19 Championship Team of the Season, as well as winning Wigan's Player of the Year award.

James made his senior Chelsea debut in an EFL Cup match against Grimsby Town during the 2019/20 season.He scored one and assisted two in a 7-1 win.

James became Chelsea's youngest goalscorer in the Champions League, netting the fourth in a terrific comeback against Ajax. The following season, the Englishman scored his first Premier League goal for the club, netting in a 3-1 win against Brighton & Hove Albion.

To conclude a fine 2020/21 season on a personal level, James helped his side beat Manchester City in the Champions League final - his first European title.

International career

James has represented England at both under-18 and under-21 level. He helped England retain the Toulon Tournament in 2017 and was a member of the European Under-19 Championship-winning squad, starting in the semi-final.

The defender made his under-21 debut in 2019, a 3-0 victory over Albania.

In October 2020, the Englishman made his first senior appearance for Gareth Southgate, debuting in a 3-0 win over Wales.

James was also a member of the England Euro 2020 squad and played the whole 90 minutes in the 0-0 draw against Scotland at Wembley.

Personal life

James' sister Lauren is also a professional soccer player, representing Manchester United Women.

Net worth