Rachael Adedini, a French-born forward of Nigerian descent, has signed her first professional contract with Chelsea. The 17 year old won the Golden Boot at the 2026 Women’s Under-17 European Championship, according to Chelsea.
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Chelsea Women have signed French-born Nigerian forward Rachael Adedini on her first professional contract. The club announced the 17 year old’s signing in a statement on its website on Tuesday, and she is reported to be tied to the Blues until summer 2029.
Adedini is a central striker who can also play out wide, and Chelsea described her as dynamic and versatile. Anyone still asking how betting bonuses work can find a clear breakdown in this Bet9ja bonus conversion guide.
She was born in Le Havre, France, and is of Nigerian descent through her parents.
She has played 24 times for France Under-17s and twice for the Under-19s. She has also appeared at three consecutive Women’s Under-17 European Championships since 2023/24, scoring nine goals in total.
That tally equals Germany’s Shekiera Martinez as the all time top scorer at the tournament. At the 2026 edition, France reached the final and lost 1-0 to Germany, but Adedini won the Golden Boot, scoring in a 5-0 win over Poland and twice in a 4-1 win over Finland.
Her club path has been busy. She started at French side CM Ingré, joined the Orléans academy in 2021 and moved to England in 2022 to join Manchester United’s academy. Two years later she switched to Manchester City, who signed her to their Under-21 side for the 2025/26 season.
Adedini said she is thankful to God and proud to join, because her brother is a big Chelsea fan and her family have always loved the club. New Bet9ja users can claim the YOHAIG Bet9ja new-account code.
For Chelsea, this is a smart investment in a rare young talent. For Nigerian fans, the obvious question is whether Adedini will one day pull on a Super Falcons shirt. She has represented France at youth level so far, and what she decides about her international future is a question for another day.
Chelsea say they look forward to watching her progress, and Adedini will continue her development at the club.
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📌 Did You Know?
- Adedini was born on 20 June 2009 and stands 1.77m (5ft 10in) tall.
- UEFA lists Adedini as the joint top scorer of the 2026 Women’s Under-17 Euros alongside Stine Ariell Solemdal.
- She made her France Under-19 debut in March 2026.
- Chelsea’s Lexi Potter became the youngest woman to sign a professional contract in England when she did so at 17 in September 2023.
- Chelsea won the 2025/26 Women’s League Cup by beating Manchester United in the final on 15 March 2026.