Chelsea’s Cobham Academy has become a powerhouse of talent production over the past two decades. While the club is famous for developing midfielders and attackers, it has also produced some excellent right-backs who have made a mark in top-level football.
Here’s a look at the top 5 right-backs from Cobham.
Top 5 Right-Backs From Cobham
1. Reece James
- Senior Debut: 2019
- Clubs: Chelsea
- Major Honors: Champions League (2021), UEFA Super Cup (2021), Club World Cup (2022)
Without a doubt, Reece James is Cobham’s best right-backs from Cobham product. After an impressive loan spell at Wigan Athletic, James returned to Chelsea and quickly became a key player.
Known for his defensive solidity, crossing ability, and versatility, he is one of the best right-backs in world football today. His performances in big games, such as the 2021 Champions League final, have cemented his reputation as a world-class defender.
2. Tariq Lamptey
- Senior Debut: 2019 (Chelsea)
- Clubs: Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion
- International Team: Ghana
A product of Cobham’s youth system, Tariq Lamptey made his Chelsea debut in 2019 but moved to Brighton in search of regular first-team football.
His explosive pace and attacking intent make him a dangerous modern full-back. Though injuries have slowed his progress, Lamptey remains a highly talented defender with the potential to shine at the highest level.
3. Livramento (Tino Livramento)
- Senior Debut: 2021 (Southampton)
- Clubs: Chelsea (Youth), Southampton, Newcastle United
- Major Honors: (TBC at Newcastle)
Tino Livramento was one of Cobham’s standout youth prospects but left Chelsea for Southampton in 2021 to secure first-team football.
His excellent dribbling, defensive awareness, and attacking play have made him one of England’s most exciting young full-backs. Now at Newcastle United, he is proving his quality in the Premier League and could be a future England international.
4. Ola Aina
- Senior Debut: 2016 (Chelsea)
- Clubs: Chelsea, Hull City (loan), Torino, Nottingham Forest
- International Team: Nigeria
- Major Honors: Premier League (2016/17), FA Cup (2018)
A versatile defender who can play both right-back and left-back, Ola Aina came through Chelsea’s youth ranks and was part of Antonio Conte’s title-winning squad in 2017.
While he didn’t get many opportunities at Chelsea, Aina has built a solid career in Italy and England, earning regular starts for Torino and Nottingham Forest. He is also a key player for the Nigerian national team.
5. Dujon Sterling
- Senior Debut: 2017 (Chelsea)
- Clubs: Chelsea, Coventry City (loan), Stoke City (loan), Rangers
- Major Honors: FA Youth Cup (multiple titles with Chelsea Youth)
A strong and athletic right-back, Dujon Sterling was highly rated in Chelsea’s youth system. Though injuries affected his progress, he has continued to develop, securing a move to Rangers in 2023.
If he stays fit, Sterling could still make a name for himself at the top level.
Final Thoughts
Cobham’s reputation for producing top-tier right-backs is growing, with Reece James leading the charge as one of the best in world football. Meanwhile, talents like Livramento, Lamptey, and Aina have shown their quality elsewhere, proving that Chelsea’s academy consistently develops high-caliber full-backs.
With more young talents coming through, it wouldn’t be surprising to see another world-class right-back emerge from Cobham in the near future.
Right-Backs From Cobham: Upcoming Talents:
The Cobham Academy continues to cultivate promising right-backs poised to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors.
Josh Acheampong
Born on May 5, 2006, Josh Acheampong joined Chelsea’s academy as an Under-8 and has progressed through the ranks, signing his first professional contract on January 3, 2024. Standing at 1.96 meters, Acheampong is versatile, capable of playing both right-back and center-back positions.
He made his professional debut on May 2, 2024, in a Conference League clash against FC Astana and has since extended his contract until June 2029. Acheampong has also represented England at various youth levels, showcasing his potential on the international stage.
Genesis Antwi
Genesis Antwi became a full-time scholar at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, having joined Chelsea as an Under-12. Known for his pace, Antwi excels as a right-back or wing-back.
He featured in the Under-18 Premier League during his final schoolboy year and was included in the Chelsea squad against Leicester City, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Top 5 Right-Backs From Cobham: (FAQ)
Who are the top 5 right-backs produced by Chelsea’s Cobham Academy?
- Reece James
- Tariq Lamptey
- Tino Livramento
- Ola Aina
- Dujon Sterling
Who is the most successful right-back to come from Chelsea’s Cobham Academy?
Reece James is widely regarded as the most successful right-back produced by Cobham, having secured major honors with Chelsea, including the UEFA Champions League.
Which Cobham Academy right-backs have represented their national teams?
Reece James (England), Tariq Lamptey (Ghana), and Ola Aina (Nigeria) have all represented their respective national teams.
Are there any upcoming right-backs from Cobham to watch out for?
Yes, Josh Acheampong and Genesis Antwi are among the promising right-backs emerging from Cobham, with both showing significant potential in their early careers.
