Jordan Obita

Reading

Early career and loans

Born in Oxford, Obita had trials with his hometown club, but chose instead to sign for Reading, joining their Academy at the age of seven. He played initially as a central midfielder but competition for places and his abundance of pace meant he was moved out to the wing. He made his first team debut for Reading aged 16 in the first round of the League Cup against Torquay United on 11 August 2010, coming on as a 113th-minute substitute for Michail Antonio. He travelled with the first team squad for Reading's pre-season trip to Slovenia prior to the 2011–12 season and made his first senior start in a League Cup game against Charlton Athletic in August that season. On 27 January 2012 he signed for League Two side Barnet on loan, making his debut for the club the following day against Crewe Alexandra. After one month with Barnet he joined Gillingham on a similar arrangement and scored his first professional goal against his former loan side. He scored twice in the next game against Cheltenham Town and made a further three appearances before returning to Reading in April after turning down the chance to extend his stay. During his loan spell he was also nominated for 2011–12 Football League Championship Apprentice of the Year though he ultimately lost out to Coventry City's Gael Bigirimana. In August Obita signed for League One club Portsmouth on a one-month loan, adding that he "didn't have to think twice" about joining the…

Obita was born in England and is of Ugandan descent. Obita represented England at under-18 and under-19 level. In May 2014 he was called up by the England under-20s and under-21s for the Toulon Tournament and a game against Wales. He was an unused substitute for the game against Wales, but started the first game of the Toulon Tournament and scored the opening goal in a 3–0 win over Qatar. In May 2025, Obita was called up to the Uganda squad for the first time for their matches against Cameroon and Gambia on 6 and 9 June.

Club

As of match played on 4 October 2025

International

As of match played 14 October 2025

Reading Player of the Season: 2013–14 Maurice Edelston Memorial Trophy: 2008–09