Nathan Aké

Chelsea

Early career

Aké agreed to join the Chelsea youth system from Feyenoord in 2010 at age 15. He had played at Feyenoord since age 12 after joining the club from ADO Den Haag.

First-team breakthrough

Aké made his Premier League debut on 26 December 2012 against Norwich City as a 17-year-old, replacing Juan Mata in added time at the end of a 1–0 win at Carrow Road. He made his first start for the club in the FA Cup on 27 February 2013 in a 2–0 win against Championship team Middlesbrough. He was chosen to start in a defensive midfield position for Chelsea in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final clash with Rubin Kazan in Russia on 11 April, a match that finished in a 3–2 loss but resulted in a 5–4 aggregate victory. Aké was an unused substitute for Chelsea in the 2013 UEFA Europa League final against Benfica at the Amsterdam Arena on 16 May, which Chelsea won 2–1. He was voted Chelsea's Young Player of the Year on 16 May, and made his first Premier League start three days later in the 2–1 win against Everton at Stamford Bridge on the last matchday of the season. On 8 August 2013, Aké signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea, lasting until 2018. Following his permanent promotion to the first team, on 21 October 2014, Aké made his UEFA Champions League debut from the substitutes' bench, coming into the match for Cesc Fàbregas in the 60th minute during a 6–0 home win over Maribor, and provided an assist for Eden…

Aké has represented the Netherlands at every youth level since his under-15 debut in 2009, making 54 appearances in total. He was a member of the squads that won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2011 and 2012. Aké was also eligible to represent the Ivory Coast through his father Moise. On 31 May 2017, he made his senior international debut in a friendly match against Morocco, who were beaten 1–2 by the Netherlands. He scored his first goal in a 1–1 draw with Italy on 4 June 2018. Aké was a member of the Netherlands squad for UEFA Euro 2020, appearing twice as a substitute in group matches against Ukraine and Austria. Aké started all five matches for the Netherlands at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as they reached the quarter-finals, where they were knocked out by eventual winner Argentina in a penalty shootout. In June 2023, he was part of the Netherlands' squad for the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals, where he started at left back against both Croatia in the semi-final and Italy in the third place play-off. On 29 May 2024, Aké was named in the Netherlands' squad for UEFA Euro 2024. On 27 May 2026, Aké was named in the Netherlands' squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He came on as a substitute in their opening 2–2 draw against Japan, and was a starter in their 3–1 win against Tunisia and 1–1 draw against Morocco, in which they eventually got eliminated in a penalty shootout.

Aké has been praised for his versatility, passing range, reading of the game, ability to play at full back, centre-back, and in defensive midfield, which has been attributed to a good work ethic, professionalism and gifted technique. His calmness on the ball and appearance have led to comparisons to former Dutch international player Ruud Gullit. Aké is a strong and physical defender who is comfortable in one-on-one situations and is adept at making tackles and interceptions. He is also strong in the air and is capable of winning aerial duels in both boxes. Ake's reading of the game is another key part of his style of play, and he is often in the right position to make crucial blocks and clearances.

Nathan Benjamin Aké was born on 18 February 1995 in The Hague, South Holland, to an Ivorian father, and a Dutch mother.