Nicolas Jackson

Nicolas Jackson was born in Banjul, The Gambia, and started out in the game at Tilene before moving to Senegal to join Casa Sports in 2018. A year later he crossed to Spain, joining Villarreal's youth ranks, and it was there that his development took shape: he broke through at Villarreal B, then spent a loan spell at CD Mirandés in the Segunda División before returning to the club's B side and, in October 2021, making his first-team debut against Real Betis.

His run in Villarreal's first team was short but productive — 35 La Liga appearances and 12 goals between 2021 and 2023 — and it culminated in the La Liga Player of the Month award in May 2023.

Chelsea signed Jackson from Villarreal that June, in a deal reported at around £32 million, and tied him to an eight-year contract through to 2031. He made his debut for the club in August 2023 against Liverpool.

On the international stage, Jackson qualifies through Senegal and made his debut for the national side in November 2022, at the World Cup in Qatar, in a match against the Netherlands. He has since become a regular fixture in the squad.