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Reece James

Reece James is an English professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Chelsea and the England national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Reece James is an English professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Chelsea and the England national team. He came through Chelsea’s academy, established himself in the first team after a loan spell at Wigan Athletic, and has served as Chelsea captain since 2023. He has won major club honours with Chelsea, including the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.

Early life and youth career

James was born in London and developed through Chelsea’s academy after joining as a child. England Football lists Kew Park Rangers as his grassroots club and identifies him as a product of Chelsea’s youth system.

Club career

After becoming professional in 2017, James spent a loan period at Wigan Athletic before returning to Chelsea and becoming a first-team regular. He later became club captain and won multiple domestic and international trophies with Chelsea.

International career

James represented England at youth level before making his senior debut in 2020. England Football lists him as a senior international defender with 29 caps and 1 goal, and notes that he was included in England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Playing style

England Football describes James as a powerful and pacy right-back. He is right-footed and is listed at 180 cm tall.

Key facts

  • Joined Chelsea’s academy as a youth and turned professional in 2017.
  • Captain of Chelsea’s under-18 side in their FA Youth Cup-winning 2017–18 season and named Academy Player of the Season.
  • Had a productive loan spell at Wigan Athletic before breaking into Chelsea’s first team in 2019.
  • Won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea in 2021.
  • Appointed Chelsea captain in 2023.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Reece James?
Reece James is an English professional footballer who plays for Chelsea and the England national team, usually at right-back.
When was Reece James born?
He was born on 8 December 1999 in London, England.
What position does Reece James play?
He primarily plays as a right-back.
When did Reece James make his England debut?
He made his senior England debut on 8 October 2020.
What major trophies has he won with Chelsea?
His honours with Chelsea include the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in 2021, plus the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup in 2025.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reece_James
    Supports: Chelsea academy background, loan to Wigan Athletic, major club honours, captaincy, contract extension to 2032.
  2. England Football — https://www.englandfootball.com/england/mens-senior-team/squad/reece-james
    Supports: Date/place of birth, position, preferred foot, England debut, senior caps/goals, youth and grassroots background, 2026 World Cup squad note.
  3. Premier League — https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/225796/reece-james/overview
    Supports: Nationality, preferred foot, date of birth, appearances, goals, assists.