Benoni’s Wonderkid: Camden Schaper Signs for Chelsea in Record Breaking Deal

Benoni Born Camden Schaper Makes History with R17 Million Chelsea Deal

At just 13 years old, Camden Schaper has become the most expensive footballer in his age group and he’s proudly South African.

Originally from Benoni, the prodigy has signed with english football giants Chelsea FC in a deal reportedly worth a jaw-dropping R17 million(£700 000) according to The Sun UK. While Chelsea has yet to confirm the signing publicly (standard practice for youth deals in England), the football world is already buzzing.

Schaper’s story is far from ordinary and it’s only just beginning.

From SuperSport to Stamford Bridge

Schaper’s journey started on the youth fields of SuperSport United, where he quickly made a name for himself during an under-11 tour to Spain in 2021. That trip marked the first international spark of a dream that now sees him heading to one of the biggest football clubs on the planet.

After moving to England with his family, Camden joined the Blackburn Rovers Under-14 squad. There, he lit up the 2024/2025 season with a staggering 45 goals and 65 assists, catching the attention of Premier League giants like Manchester City, Liverpool FC, Arsenal and Manchester United.

But it was Chelsea who ultimately secured the signature of South Africa’s newest export.|

A middle Name That Says It All

Camden’s middle name is Cesc, and yes it’s believed to be a nod to Spanish maestro Cesc Fàbregas, who famously played for Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea.

A fitting tribute, considering the young attacking midfielder already shares some of Fabregas’s vision and creativity on the pitch. His style of play has drawn comparisons to top European talents, and with a move to Chelsea, fans are hoping to see that flourish further.

Social Media Star and Adidas Athlete

Schaper is also building his personal brand off the pitch. With over 11,000 followers on Instagram and a growing TikTok presence, the youngster has already signed a sponsorship deal with Adidas an achievement few teenagers can boast.

He shared the news with his followers last year, writing:“Just a kid from Africa but here we are, dreams are valid… Proud to represent the biggest brand in football doing what I love the most – playing football. Let’s go!”

What South Africans are saying

Locals have taken to social media to share pride in Camden’s record-breaking move. On X , one user posted, “Camden Schaper is living proof that talent knows no age. R17 million at 13? The future of SA football is bright!”

Others have called for more investment in youth development programs back home, using Schaper’s rise as a rallying cry to nurture local talent before they’re snapped up abroad.

A Big Step For a Small Star

While some fans have raised eyebrows at such a hefty fee for someone so young, the modern game is no stranger to mega youth signings. What sets Camden apart is not just his stats — it’s his poise, professionalism and passion for the game.

Whether he ends up breaking into Chelsea’s senior squad in years to come or carving his own path elsewhere, one thing’s for sure: South Africa will be watching.

Source:IOL

Read More: Back to Where the Dream Began: SA Teen Wonderkid Returns to Kaizer Chiefs

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