Junior Tchamadeu
122 posts


Academy Spotlight | Pathway Proven One of the defining strengths of the U's Academy is its pathway, not only developing players from a young age, but identifying talent later in their academy journey and providing a genuine route into first-team football. It’s a model we’ve continued to use this season with players such as Makise Evans, Kurai Musanhi and Kaion Lisbie and one of the clearest examples of its success is Junior Tchamadeu. After progressing through academy football elsewhere, Junior joined the U's at U16 level in the summer of 2020. Attracted by the club’s clear pathway and belief in young players, he quickly made an impression and wasted no time taking his opportunity. Within just four months of beginning his scholarship, Junior was fast-tracked into the first-team and, in December 2020, became the youngest player in Colchester United’s history, playing a full 90 minutes in a home win over Grimsby. What followed was a rapid rise. Despite his age, Junior established himself as a regular in the side, going on to make 95 appearances for the U’s. His standout 22/23 season saw him feature 46 times, playing a key role throughout the campaign. That year brought widespread recognition, including multiple Player of the Year awards at Colchester United, selection in both the EFL and PFA League Two Teams of the Year, and being crowned EFL League Two Young Player of the Season. In September 2023, Championship side Stoke City moved swiftly to secure his signature on deadline day. Junior has continued his upward trajectory at the bet365 Stadium, featuring regularly in the Championship and becoming a near ever-present last season with 41 league appearances. His progress has also been rewarded internationally. Junior made his senior debut for Cameroon in November 2023 and has since earned eight caps. During AFCON, he emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers, scoring in the Round of 16 before injury curtailed his competition as Cameroon exited in the quarter's. A powerful example of the U’s pathway in action, offering opportunity, accelerating development, and supporting players to reach the highest levels of the game. #ColU | #WeAreUnited







How scoring the opener feels like! 🇨🇲 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025










