Luke Matheson

Rochdale

Matheson was born in Fallowfield, Manchester. He attended Trinity Church of England High School in Hulme, Manchester. Progressing through Rochdale's academy, Matheson made his first-team debut on 4 September 2018, during their EFL Trophy group-stage tie against Bury at the age of 15 years and 336 days, making him the club's youngest ever debutant. As well as this, Matheson was awarded with the man-of-the-match award for his performance in the 2–1 victory. On 19 January 2019, Matheson made his English Football League debut in a 1–1 League One draw at home to Fleetwood Town, as a half-time substitute for Matt Done. On 25 September 2019, at the age of just 16, he scored the equaliser in a 1–1 draw against Manchester United in the EFL Cup third round at Old Trafford, which Dale eventually lost 5–3 on penalties. On 31 October, he signed a three-year professional contract with the club, having turned 17 earlier in the month. Matheson scored his first league goal on 11 January 2020, opening a 2–0 home win over Bolton Wanderers.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

On 31 January 2020, Matheson signed for Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, before re-joining Rochdale on loan for the remainder of the season. The transfer fee was £1 million. During his time at Wolves he struggled with injury, missing almost two entire season with various injuries. In 2026, Matheson described his time at Wolves as "torrid" due to injuries and "a step backwards" due to going from…

In February 2019, Matheson made his international debut for the England under-17 team against France. On 11 October 2019, Matheson made his England U18 debut during a 5–2 win away to Poland.

As of match played 16 February 2026

Matheson's parents were both teachers. Due to his serious injuries, he considered life after football, and in September 2025, he graduated with a diploma in sporting directorship through the Professional Footballers' Association business school, graduating alongside Tim Krul and Adrian Mariappa. Matheson became friends with Ethan McLeod as both were rehabilitating at the same time at Wolverhampton Wanderers. They both signed for Macclesfield in 2025, but due to injuries only played together once, three days before McLeod's death at age 21. Matheson reflected "You don't realise how much a person almost saved you until they're not there anymore".