Ex-Chelsea whizkid and one of footy's brightest stars won scholarship for Eton

30 July 2023 , 18:27

676     0

Tudor Mendel Idowu scores against Bradford City U18 in January this year (Image: Clive Howes Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Ex- Chelsea whizkid Tudor Mendel-Idowu is one of football’s brightest stars – in all senses. The brain-box-to-box midfielder, 18, who has just signed for Belgium side Anderlecht won a King’s Scholar award at Eton. It made him one of just 14 boys selected each year for no or reduced fees after acing exams in eight subjects. He has just done A-levels in Latin, Greek and history at the posh school and plans to go into foreign policy or international relations after football.

He was one of just 14 boys selected each year for no or reduced fees

Describing his academic ability the ex-England Under17s player told Fifa last year: “I think it’s come to the point where teammates respect my dual endeavours – but largely due to my footballing quality. As long as I keep performing on the pitch, as I do, I don’t think they care too much!” Last week the star left boyhood club Chelsea to join Anderlecht who fought off interest from Barcelona.

Mendel-Idowu in action in the Derby County Under 18 game in November (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

In 2014, aged eight, Tudor took part in Channel 4 ’s Child Genius competition – but ended up crying on camera when he came second. But two years later Mendel-Idowu from Wokingham, Berkshire, 30 miles from Eton, learned Portuguese, Mandarin and Arabic to beat 1,000 kids in a language contest. Dad Tolu, 48, said: “If he puts his mind to anything he goes for it with all of his heart.” Anderlecht must be delighted.

Dan Warburton