Kristian Shevchenko has joined non-league side Sholing to begin his professional career after spells in the academies of Chelsea and Tottenham. The 19-year-old, son of Chelsea great and Ballon d'Or winner Andriy Shevchenko, has signed his first professional contract with the Southern League Premier Division South club.
Shevchenko was born in London and came through Chelsea's youth system, where his father scored 22 goals in 77 appearances between 2006 and 2009. After a stint with Tottenham in late 2022 and a move to Watford eight months later, he was released this summer without making a senior appearance. He has earned 15 caps for Ukraine at youth level, including at the 2025 Under-20 World Cup.
Sholing's FA Cup opportunity
His competitive debut could come this Saturday when Sholing visit National League side Ebbsfleet United in the FA Cup third-round qualifying. Sholing, currently 16th in the seventh tier, have won three of their last five games in all competitions. A victory would earn the club £5,625 in prize money and a place in the next round. The club welcomed their new signing on social media, posting: "Join us in welcoming our new signing, Kristian Shevchenko!"
Shevchenko is also eligible to represent England internationally. His move provides a fresh start as Chelsea's first team prepares for their next Premier League fixture. The Blues sit 10th in the table with seven points from five games and host 17th-placed Bournemouth on 10 October.
Sholing have taken ten points from their opening eight league matches this season, averaging 1.25 points per game. The club's squad details, including other recent signing Jonas Mukuna, are available on our squad page. Shevchenko's first outing for his new club is scheduled for the FA Cup tie at Ebbsfleet United, where Sholing will be aiming to progress and add to their season's goal tally of 12 scored and 11 conceded.
This story first appeared at Daily Mirror Football
