Carney Chukwuemeka

Chukwuemeka is of Igbo descent. He was born in Austria to Nigerian parents and was raised in Northampton, England. His older brother Caleb plays for Aston Villa.

Chukwuemeka joined the Aston Villa academy from the Northampton Town academy in March 2016. He signed his first professional contract with Villa in July 2020.

Chukwuemeka made his senior debut for the team on 19 May 2021 in a 2–1 away victory over Tottenham Hotspur, hitting the post within minutes of entering the game. On 23 May 2021, he was named Aston Villa Academy Player of the Season for the 2020–21 season. The following day, Chukwuemeka was part of the Aston Villa U18s squad that won the FA Youth Cup, beating Liverpool U18s 2–1 in the final.

Chukwuemeka made his first senior start on 28 August 2021 in a 1–1 draw against Brentford, a performance Paul Merson hailed as "outstanding", adding "he will be an absolute star".

On 2 August 2022, Aston Villa and Chelsea confirmed that the clubs had reached an agreement for the permanent transfer of Chukwuemeka, subject to the player agreeing personal terms and undergoing a medical. On 4 August 2022, Chelsea announced the signing of Chukwuemeka on a six-year contract.

Chukwuemeka is eligible to play for the national teams of England, Nigeria and Austria. After making two appearances for England U17 national team, on 29 March 2021, he made his debut for the England U18 squad in 2–0 victory over Wales.

On 2 September 2021, Chukwuemeka made his debut for the England U19s during a 2–0 victory over Italy U19s at St. George's Park, he also captained the side. On 10 November 2021, he scored his first England U19 goal, in a 4–0 victory over Andorra U19 in a 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualification match.

On 17 June 2022, Chukwuemeka was named in the England squad for the 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals. Chukwuemeka featured in every game of their tournament, scoring in group stage victories against Austria and Serbia. On 1 July 2022, he scored the second goal in England's 3–1 extra time victory over Israel in the final. His performances during the competition led to his inclusion in the UEFA team of the tournament.