About Ethan Nwaneri

Ethan Chidiebere Nwaneri (born 21 March 2007) is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Premier League club Arsenal and the England U21 national team.

Born in North London, Nwaneri joined Arsenal's Academy at the age of eight. He made his Premier League debut against Brentford on 18 September 2022, becoming the youngest player to appear in the top flight of English football, at 15 years and 181 days old.

Ethan Nwaneri was born on 21 March 2007 at Whittington Hospital in Islington, London, to a Nigerian father of Igbo origin, and an English-French mother. He attended St John's Senior School in Enfield, North London.

Nwaneri is eligible to represent Nigeria and France through his parents, but has chosen to represent England at youth level. After starring in qualifying, Nwaneri was named in the England squad for the 2023 UEFA European Under-17 Championship on 17 May 2023. He scored the winner in the opening match against Croatia at Balmazújvárosi Városi Sportpálya.

On 2 November 2023, Nwaneri was included in the England squad for the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He scored his only goal of the tournament in their opening group game against New Caledonia in Jakarta. Nwaneri also played in the other group fixtures against Iran and Brazil. He came off the bench as a substitute during their round of sixteen defeat against Uzbekistan.

On 20 May 2024, Nwaneri was included in the England squad for the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He once again scored in the opening game of the tournament, this time a 4–0 win over France in Larnaca. Nwaneri also scored in a group stage victory over Spain. His third and last goal of the competition came in their quarter-final elimination against Italy.

On his 18th birthday, 21 March 2025, Nwaneri made his England U21 debut as a substitute during a 5–3 defeat to France in Lorient. Just 3 days later he scored his first goal for England U21 in his first full debut to bring England 4–2 victory against Portugal.

Nwaneri was selected for England's squad at the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, featuring in all six matches, including the final in which the England U21's secured the title for a second consecutive tournament.

On 23 May 2026, it was announced Nwaneri was one of four players (alongside Alex Scott, Josh King and Rio Ngumoha) that would join the senior team for the squad's preparation camp before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He scored on his unofficial debut during the 6–0 victory against Miami FC which was played behind closed doors on 11 June 2026.