Jaidon Anthony
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Jaidon Anthony is an English professional footballer who currently plays as a left winger for Burnley, on loan from AFC Bournemouth. Born on December 1, 1999, in London, Anthony began his senior career with Bournemouth in 2020 after progressing through their youth academy. He made his first-team debut for the Cherries in September 2020 and quickly established himself as a promising talent. Anthony played a crucial role in Bournemouth's promotion to the Premier League in the 2021-22 season, contributing with eight goals and six assists in the Championship. He continued to feature for Bournemouth in the Premier League, making 33 appearances and scoring three goals across two seasons. In August 2024, Anthony joined Burnley on a season-long loan with an option to buy. Known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to create chances, Anthony has shown potential to become a valuable player in English football.
Early life & youth football
Jaidon Anthony's early life and youth career began in London, where he joined Arsenal's academy at the age of six in 2005. He spent 11 years in the Gunners' youth setup, developing his skills and showcasing his potential. However, in 2016, at the age of 16, Anthony was released by Arsenal. This setback didn't deter him, and he soon joined AFC Bournemouth's academy. At Bournemouth, Anthony continued his development, impressing in the youth teams and earning a professional contract in 2018. His performances for Bournemouth's U18 and U23 teams caught the eye of the first-team coaching staff, leading to his integration into the senior squad in 2020.
Professional career
Jaidon Anthony's 2019/20 season was primarily spent with AFC Bournemouth's youth teams, but he also gained his first taste of senior football during a loan spell at Weymouth. Anthony joined Weymouth in January 2020, making 5 appearances in the National League South. He scored his first senior goal in a 3-2 win over Dorking Wanderers on July 25, 2020. This loan spell provided Anthony with valuable experience in competitive senior football, helping to bridge the gap between youth and first-team levels. His performances at Weymouth, combined with his progress in Bournemouth's youth setup, where he had previously helped win the EFL Youth Alliance Cup and EFL Merit League Two title, set the stage for his breakthrough into Bournemouth's first team the following season.In the 2020/21 season, Jaidon Anthony made his first-team debut for AFC Bournemouth. He appeared in 7 matches across all competitions, including 5 in the Championship. Anthony made his debut for the Cherries on December 2, 2020, against Preston North End, where he provided an assist in a 3-2 loss. While his playing time was limited, this season marked Anthony's transition from youth prospect to first-team squad member. He gained valuable experience training with the senior squad and made appearances off the bench, showcasing his potential. Although he didn't score any goals this season, his assist on his debut highlighted his ability to contribute in attacking play. This season laid the foundation for Anthony's more prominent role in the following campaign.In the 2021/22 season, Jaidon Anthony emerged as a key player for AFC Bournemouth, playing an instrumental role in their promotion to the Premier League. He made 48 appearances across all competitions, including 45 in the Championship, where he scored 8 goals and provided 6 assists. Anthony's breakthrough moment came early in the season when he netted his first goal for Bournemouth in a 2-0 victory against Birmingham City on August 18, 2021. His pace and dribbling skills made him a constant threat on the left wing, allowing him to exploit defensive weaknesses. Anthony's versatility was evident as he also played on the right flank and occasionally in a more central role, adapting to various tactical setups employed by manager Scott Parker. His contributions were vital during crucial matches, helping Bournemouth secure a second-place finish in the Championship. Anthony’s performances earned him recognition as one of the standout young talents in the league, culminating in a nomination for the EFL Championship Player of the Month award. His ability to create chances and score important goals showcased his attacking prowess, solidifying his place in Bournemouth's starting lineup. The season marked a significant step in Anthony's career, transitioning from a promising youth prospect to an established first-team player, setting high expectations for his future performances in the Premier League.In the 2022/23 season, Jaidon Anthony faced the challenge of adapting to life in the Premier League with AFC Bournemouth. He made 34 appearances across all competitions, including 30 in the Premier League, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist. While his overall output was lower than during his breakout Championship season, Anthony demonstrated resilience and determination as he adjusted to the demands of top-flight football. He scored his first Premier League goal on November 12, 2022, in a convincing 3-0 victory against Everton, showcasing his ability to find the net against elite opposition. Despite facing stiff competition for playing time from established wingers and new signings, Anthony's versatility allowed him to feature on both flanks and even as an attacking midfielder when needed. His work rate and defensive contributions were essential as Bournemouth fought to secure their place in the Premier League. The team finished 15th in the league, which was considered a successful campaign given their recent promotion. Although Anthony's individual statistics did not match those of the previous season, he gained invaluable experience competing against some of the best players in England. This season served as a crucial learning opportunity for Anthony, helping him identify areas for improvement while building his confidence at the highest level of English football.In the 2023/24 season, Jaidon Anthony joined Leeds United on a season-long loan as part of a swap deal involving Luis Sinisterra. At Leeds, he aimed to make an impact in a squad that was determined to return to the Premier League after their relegation. Anthony made 38 appearances across all competitions, including 31 in the Championship, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist. He found the back of the net for Leeds for the first time during a dominant performance against Watford on September 23, 2023. While his goal tally was lower than anticipated, Anthony's contributions were valuable as he provided width and creativity on the left flank. His ability to adapt to different tactical setups under manager Daniel Farke showcased his versatility as he played both as a winger and wing-back when required. Leeds reached the Championship play-off final but fell short of promotion after a hard-fought match against Sheffield Wednesday. Despite not securing promotion, Anthony's loan spell allowed him to gain consistent playing time and further develop his skills in a competitive environment. The experience was beneficial for his growth as a player and helped him build relationships with teammates while enhancing his understanding of high-pressure situations within a promotion-chasing team.
National team
Jaidon Anthony has not yet represented England at the senior international level. However, he has been on the radar of the Jamaican national team due to his eligibility through his heritage.
Player’s style
Jaidon Anthony's style of play is characterized by his pace, dribbling ability, and creativity on the left wing. He is known for his direct approach, often looking to take on defenders and create chances for his teammates. Anthony's quick feet and close ball control allow him to navigate tight spaces effectively, making him a threat in one-on-one situations. He has shown a good eye for goal, capable of cutting inside from the left to shoot with his stronger right foot. Anthony's work rate and willingness to track back and contribute defensively make him a valuable asset in modern tactical systems. His crossing ability and vision enable him to create opportunities for strikers, while his versatility allows him to play on either wing or in a more central attacking role when required.