By premierleague.com
Chelsea’s Zimbabwe-linked teenage striker Shumaira Mheuka has been named the Premier League 2 Player of the Season after a sensational campaign for Chelsea FC Under-21s.
The 18-year-old forward, who was born in England to Zimbabwean parents, captained Chelsea to the Premier League 2 title and finished as the competition’s top scorer with 18 goals in 19 appearances.
Mheuka played a pivotal role as Chelsea won 14 of their 20 league matches to finish top of the standings and clinch the PL2 crown.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, the Birmingham-born striker expressed his delight at receiving the prestigious award.
“It has been a great season for me and I’m very proud to receive this award,” Mheuka said.
“I’ve worked hard throughout the year and I’m grateful to my family, the staff and my team-mates for all of their support.”
Mheuka began the 2025/26 season in outstanding fashion, scoring four goals in his first three matches, including a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over defending champions Manchester City FC.
His early-season form earned him the PL2 Player of the Month award for August, and he maintained that momentum throughout the campaign.
The talented striker, who joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion FC at the end of his Under-14 season, has also gained valuable first-team experience.
Last season he featured in the Premier League, UEFA Conference League, EFL Cup and the FA Cup, including Chelsea’s 4-0 fourth-round victory over Hull City AFC in February.
Mheuka was selected as PL2 Player of the Season by the Premier League Football Development Panel, joining a distinguished list of previous winners that includes Reiss Nelson, Curtis Jones, Liam Delap and James McAtee.
Mheuka remains eligible to represent Zimbabwe through his parents, and his rapid rise at Chelsea will be of keen interest to the Zimbabwe Football Association as they continue to monitor talented dual-national players.