Forward · #22
Emmanuel Emegha
Netherlands · 6'5" · 23
His story
- 01Drama
His own fans told him to hand back the captain's armband
Emegha remained Strasbourg captain after agreeing to join Chelsea, the other major club in BlueCo's ownership group, the following summer. Supporters who opposed the multi-club model unveiled a banner calling him a pawn and demanding the armband back. Manager Liam Rosenior said the striker was devastated by a protest aimed as much at the owners as at him.
- 02Record
He created one goal and scored the other in a cup final
Sturm Graz faced Rapid Wien in the 2023 Austrian Cup final, and Emegha decided it. He created the goal that put Sturm ahead, then scored the second himself to secure the first trophy of his senior career. One year earlier, he had barely played during a short spell at Royal Antwerp.
- 03Off the pitch
From the Schilderswijk to a £22m striker
Emegha grew up in the Schilderswijk, one of the poorest neighbourhoods in The Hague, and began playing at a small club in nearby Rijswijk. Sparta Rotterdam, Royal Antwerp, Sturm Graz and Strasbourg carried him steadily upward. Six clubs in six years later, Chelsea paid £22m for him while he was still only 23.
Career
Antwerp2021
Sturm Graz2022
Strasbourg2024–2025
Chelsea2026–
