At BVB since
Carney
Chukwuemeka
Midfield
17
03.02.25
Birthday
20.10.03 (22)
Nationality
England
Carney Chukwuemeka
Youth and Senior Career
Carney Chukwuemeka was born on October 20, 2003, in Eisenstadt, Austria. He grew up in England and has Nigerian roots. Among the 1.87-meter-tall central midfielder’s most impressive qualities are his technique on the ball, his vision, and his strength in one-on-one duels despite his rangy build.
As a child, Chukwuemeka initially dreamed of becoming a singer. "But then there was my older brother,” he said on BVB-TV. “I watched him kick the ball around and started enjoying it myself, and that's how I first started playing football."
Carney Chukwuemeka began his youth career with the Northampton Town academy. In March 2016, at age twelve, he then joined the Aston Villa academy. He would join first team training at just 15 years old and realized that he had what it takes to play professionally.
Chukwuemeka made his Premier League debut in Aston Villa's 2-1 away win over Tottenham Hotspur on May 19, 2021. A few weeks later, he won the FA Youth Cup with the club's U-18s. In August 2022, the attacker joined Chelsea FC, signing a six-year contract. He went on to make a total of 32 competitive appearances for the London-based giants.
Unfortunately, Carney Chukwuemeka’s time at Chelsea was repeatedly disrupted by injuries. As a result, he learned to overcome adversity and work his way back — a skill that has made him a better all-round player. In February 2025, Chukwuemeka joined Borussia Dortmund on loan. In reflecting on the move, he said: "I’m grateful to the coach. He really showed me that he trusted me and believed in me."
Previous Clubs
Period | Club |
Since 08/2025 | Borussia Dortmund |
07/2025 – 08/2025 | Chelsea |
02/2025 – 07/2025 | Borussia Dortmund |
08/2022 – 02/2025 | Chelsea |
03/2016 – 08/2022 | Aston Villa |
2011 – 03/2016 | Northampton Town |
Carney Chukwuemeka at BVB
Carney Chukwuemeka returned to Borussia Dortmund in late August 2025, having already been on loan with the Black & Yellow from February through July 2025. During his loan spell, the up-and-comer had impressed with his vision, his ability to keep possession, and his knack for clutch attacking plays.
After impactful performances, Head Coach Niko Kovac has repeatedly referred to Chukwuemeka as a "game changer.” In reflecting on his team’s 4-1 win at Freiburg, to which the triple citizen (Austria, UK & Nigeria) contributed a goal and an assist, Kovac said, "Carney is an excellent footballer who had some ground to make up. He showed us what he's capable of."
In his first five months with Dortmund, the midfielder made 17 competitive appearances, including in four of the five matches at the Club World Cup in the United States. After a brief return to Chelsea, Borussia moved to acquire him outright. "It feels amazing to now be a permanent part of BVB," said Chukwuemeka after signing his five-year deal. "I'm just excited to call Borussia Dortmund my new footballing home."
The Austria international’s first UEFA Champions League goal came during the 2025-26 season, as he found the net in front of the Yellow Wall, making it 2-0 in the 50th minute of a clash with Athletic Club. Chukwuemeka logged 38 appearances across competitions last season, scoring three goals.
BVB Stats*
Category | Amount |
Appearances | 55 |
Goals | 4 |
Assists | 2 |
Yellow cards | 4 |
Ejections for second yellow | – |
Red cards | – |
*Through the 2025-26 season
Videos and Highlight Clips
Check out all Carney Chukwuemeka videos and highlight clips on BVB-TV!
International Career
Having been born in Austria to Nigerian parents, and having grown up in the UK, Chukwuemeka was eligible to represent three different national teams. He initially chose England and won the 2022 European Championship with the U-19s, contributing three goals and two assists. His extra-time strike in the final against Israel was particularly memorable.
In early 2026, Carney Chukwuemeka was approached by Ralf Rangnick, the head hoach of the Austrian senior squad, who looked to persuade him to switch allegiances. Chukwuemeka accepted the call-up and made his debut for Austria at age 22. He went on to play at the 2026 World Cup, appearing in three matches and helping his side reach the round of 32.
Carney Chukwuemeka’s Career Honors
- 2022 U-19 European Champion (England)
- 2021 FA Youth Cup winner (Aston Villa)
Carney Chukwuemeka in German Sign Language (DGS)
In collaboration with DEAF BVB Fanclub e. V., unique sign language names were developed for Borussia Dortmund’s players. The following clip demonstrates Carney Chukwuemeka’s sign language name.