H. Ahanor

Honest Ahanor made his Serie A debut for Genoa against Juventus at the age of sixteen years, seven months and five days, becoming the first player born in 2008 to start a match in the league. Born in Aversa to Nigerian parents from Edo State, he began playing at five or six with Progetto Atletico, a grassroots project in Genoa, before moving into Genoa's youth sector. He rose through the club's academy and was part of the Under-18 side that won the national youth title, scoring three goals across four playoff matches on the way.

Genoa extended his contract through 2027 shortly after his first-team breakthrough. A meniscus operation late in 2024 kept him out for around five months, and he returned to action the following spring. In the summer of 2025 he moved to Atalanta in a transfer reported with add-ons.

Ahanor became eligible for Italy upon turning eighteen, having acquired citizenship in February 2026. He was called up to the Under-21s that March and received his first senior call-up in May, ahead of friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece; he has since earned caps for the senior side. A left-footed defender comfortable at centre-back, left-back or as a wing-back, he is regarded for his physical presence and pace.

His path has since taken a further turn: a loan to Crystal Palace for the 2026-27 season, arranged to satisfy Premier League squad rules after Chelsea had already sent Axel Disasi to Palace, and an agreement for Chelsea to sign him from Atalanta on a deal due to take effect the following summer.