Chris Mepham
Welsh footballer.
Chris Mepham is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League and the Wales national team. Born on November 5, 1997, in London, England, Mepham's journey to the top flight of English football is a tale of perseverance and determination. After facing early rejections from Chelsea, Watford, and Queens Park Rangers, Mepham's career took a positive turn when he was spotted by a Brentford scout while playing for North Greenford reserves. He joined Brentford's youth setup and progressed through the ranks, making his professional debut for the club in 2017. His performances in the Championship caught the eye of Premier League side Bournemouth, who signed him in January 2019 for a reported fee of £12 million. Since then, Mepham has established himself as a regular in Bournemouth's defense, making over 100 appearances for the club across all competitions.
His rise from non-league football to the Premier League and international football with Wales is a testament to his resilience and hard work. Mepham's journey serves as an inspiration to young players facing setbacks in their early careers, demonstrating that with determination and the right opportunities, it's possible to reach the highest levels of professional football.
Early life & youth football
Chris Mepham's early life and youth career were marked by both challenges and opportunities. Born in Hammersmith, London, Mepham grew up as a Queens Park Rangers supporter and attended Queensmead School in South Ruislip. His football journey began at Chelsea's youth academy, which he joined at the age of 10 in 2008. However, after four years, Chelsea released him in 2012. This setback was followed by unsuccessful trials at Watford and Queens Park Rangers, leaving the young Mepham considering giving up on his football dreams. A turning point came when he joined non-league side North Greenford United, where a standout performance caught the eye of a Brentford scout.
This led to Mepham joining Brentford's youth setup in 2012, reigniting his professional football aspirations and setting the stage for his future success.
Professional career
He joined Brentford's academy in 2012 after being spotted by the club's Head of Academy Recruitment while playing for North Greenford United's reserve team.Mepham progressed through Brentford's youth ranks, signing a scholarship deal in June 2014. His talent and dedication were evident, as he made 43 appearances and scored two goals for the youth team during his scholarship period. On February 2, 2016, Mepham signed his first professional contract with Brentford, joining the club's development squad.
The 2016-17 season proved to be a breakthrough for Mepham. His consistent performances for the B team earned him a two-year contract extension on January 6, 2017. The following day, he made his senior debut as a late substitute in a 5-1 FA Cup victory over Eastleigh. His impressive development was recognized when he was named Brentford's B Team Player of the Year for the 2016-17 season.
Mepham's rise continued in the 2017-18 season. Following the departure of centre-back Harlee Dean on August 30, 2017, Mepham was promoted to the first team squad and signed a new five-year contract. He made his first start for Brentford in an EFL Cup match against Norwich City on September 19, 2017.Despite a challenging start, Mepham gradually established himself in the team.
Injuries to other defenders provided him with opportunities, and he took full advantage. A significant moment came on Good Friday when he scored his first senior goal, equalizing in a 1-1 draw with Sheffield United. He finished the 2017-18 season with 23 appearances and one goal.The 2018-19 season saw Mepham cement his place as Brentford's first-choice centre-back in league matches.
However, his rapid progress attracted attention from Premier League clubs. After making 27 appearances in the first half of the season, Mepham left Brentford in January 2019 for AFC Bournemouth in a club-record transfer fee, reported to be £12 million.During his time at Brentford, Mepham made a total of 48 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal. Mepham's time at AFC Bournemouth began on January 22, 2019, when he signed a long-term contract with the Premier League club for a reported fee of £12 million.
This move marked a significant step up in his career, transitioning from Championship side Brentford to the top flight of English football.Mepham made his debut for Bournemouth just eight days after signing, coming on as a substitute for Junior Stanislas in a 4-0 victory over Chelsea. This quick integration into the first team was a sign of things to come, as Mepham soon established himself as a regular in the Cherries' defense. He finished the 2018-19 season having made 13 Premier League appearances, impressing with his composure and ability to read the game.
The 2019-20 season saw Mepham continue to grow as a player. He scored his first Premier League goal, and his first ever goal for Bournemouth, on August 10, 2019, in a 1-1 home draw against newly promoted Sheffield United. This goal showcased his ability to contribute offensively, particularly from set-pieces.Mepham made a further ten appearances in the Premier League for Bournemouth throughout the first half of the 2019-20 season, including a standout performance in a 1-0 away win and clean sheet at Chelsea on December 14.
However, his progress was halted when he suffered a "significant knee injury" in an FA Cup game against Luton Town on January 4, 2020, which sidelined him for several months.Despite this setback, Mepham remained an important part of Bournemouth's squad. Over the following seasons, he continued to feature regularly for the Cherries, adapting to life in the Championship following Bournemouth's relegation in 2020, and then playing a role in their promotion back to the Premier League in the 2021-22 season.Mepham's versatility has been a valuable asset for Bournemouth, with the defender capable of playing in a back four or as part of a three-man defense.
His ability on the ball and composure in possession have made him well-suited to Bournemouth's style of play, often initiating attacks from the back.As of September 2024, Mepham has made a total of 107 appearances for Bournemouth across all competitions, scoring two goals.
National team
Chris Mepham's youth international career with Wales began in his late teens, representing the country at various age-group levels. He was eligible to play for Wales through his grandmother on his father's side of the family. Mepham's first involvement with the Welsh national setup came at the U20 level, where he made his debut in 2017. His performances at this level quickly earned him a call-up to the U21 squad, where he continued to impress.
Mepham's time with the Welsh youth teams was crucial in his development as a player, exposing him to international football and helping him adapt to different styles of play. His leadership qualities began to emerge during this period, often captaining the youth sides. These experiences at the youth international level were instrumental in preparing Mepham for senior international football, honing his skills against top young talents from other countries and familiarizing him with the Welsh national team setup. His progress through the youth ranks caught the attention of then-Wales manager Ryan Giggs, who approached Mepham about the prospect of representing Wales at the senior level.Chris Mepham's senior international career with Wales began in 2018 when he made his debut in a friendly match against China on March 22. Since then, he has become a regular fixture in the Welsh national team, accumulating 33 caps as of September 2024.
Player’s style
Mepham's style of play is characterized by his composure on the ball, aerial ability, and reading of the game. Standing at 1.90m (6ft 3in), Mepham uses his height effectively in defensive duels and set-piece situations. He is comfortable playing out from the back, often initiating attacks with his precise passing.
Mepham's positional awareness allows him to make timely interceptions and blocks. While not the fastest defender, he compensates with good anticipation and tactical understanding. His leadership qualities are evident on the pitch, often organizing the defensive line. Mepham's versatility allows him to play in a back four or as part of a three-man defense, adapting well to different tactical setups.
His ability to stay calm under pressure and make sound decisions has made him a reliable presence in both club and international football.