REGGIE WALSH is the latest young superstar to have emerged from the Chelsea academy – and he went toe-to-toe with a legend on Sunday.
Born in October 2008, the midfielder made his debut for the Blues in the Conference League semi-final first leg against Djurgardens last season.
He came off the bench late in the clash for a two-minute cameo, becoming the third-youngest Chelsea first-team player ever behind Ian Hamilton and Kingsley Whiffen.
Walsh then became the club’s youngest-ever European starter the following week in the second leg.
He was named in the line-up alongside the likes of Reece James, Jadon Sancho and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at Stamford Bridge.
The 16-year-old was preparing for his GCSEs when he made his full debut.
At the time, head coach Enzo Maresca said: “His talent is very good. Technique is fantastic. I really like him. Between the lines is good, you can see immediately he has something.
“For sure at 17, 18, he needs to work hard and continue. I like also the personality, he’s worked with us during the season.
“He’s not shy, he’s asking for the ball, he’s shouting and talking. I like it, he’s a good player.”
Walsh missed out on a place in Chelsea’s travelling Club World Cup squad earlier this summer.
But he was handed some minutes during the club’s final pre-season friendly against AC Milan on Sunday.
The teenager shared the pitch with Real Madrid icon and six-time Champions League winner Luka Modric, who is 23 years older than him, during the 4-1 win.
It came just 11 days before he is due to receive his GCSE results.
Due to his age, Walsh is currently unable to sign a professional contract.
He will likely pen his first pro deal when he turns 17 in October.
Walsh joined Chelsea at the age of seven and progressed through the age groups before making his first-team debut last season.
He spent much of the 2024-25 campaign playing for the Under-18s.
The midfielder scored four goals and provided two assists for the U18s last term.
He has also made 11 appearances for England at youth level.
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