Marc Guéhi, the talented English centre-back of Ivorian descent, has quickly risen to prominence in the football world. Known for his composure, leadership, and defensive prowess, Guéhi has carved out a remarkable career trajectory, from his early days in youth academies to captaining Crystal Palace and representing England on the international stage.
With his career continuing to evolve, here are eight fascinating facts about Guéhi that highlight his journey, personality, and impact on the sport.
1. Born in ivory coast, raised in england
Guéhi, born Addji Keaninkin Marc-Israel Guéhi on July 13, 2000, hails from Abidjan, Ivory Coast. His family relocated to Lewisham, London, when he was just one year old, seeking better opportunities. Growing up in South London, Guéhi was immersed in a diverse cultural environment that shaped his identity. Despite his Ivorian roots, he chose to represent England internationally, reflecting his strong connection to the country where he spent nearly his entire life.
2. A musical start before football took over
Before football became his passion, Guéhi’s first love was music. As the son of a church minister, he grew up in a household where faith and community were central. In his early years, he was deeply involved in his family’s church, where he developed a talent for playing the drums. Guéhi has spoken fondly of his time as a church drummer, cherishing the lively Sunday mornings that filled his childhood. It wasn’t until he was around five or six that football began to take precedence, sparked by his time at Cray Wanderers, a local youth club in London.
3. A Chelsea prodigy who made his mark early
Guéhi’s football journey took a significant leap when he joined Chelsea’s prestigious youth academy at the age of seven or eight, after being scouted from Cray Wanderers. His talent shone brightly in the Blues’ youth system, where he captained the under-18s to a treble-winning campaign in 2017, followed by a quadruple the next season. His leadership and defensive skills earned him a first-team debut in 2019, coming off the bench in a 7-1 EFL Cup victory over Grimsby Town.
4. Loan spells at Swansea City shaped his career
To gain valuable first-team experience, Guéhi was loaned to Swansea City in the Championship for two spells between 2020 and 2021. Under manager Steve Cooper—whom he knew from England’s youth setup—Guéhi thrived, making over 40 appearances in his second stint during the 2020-21 season. He played every minute of Swansea’s playoff campaign that year, helping them reach the final, though they fell short against Brentford.
5. Crystal Palace’s record signing and captain
In July 2021, Guéhi made a high-profile move to Crystal Palace for a reported £18 million, making him the club’s third-most expensive signing behind Christian Benteke and Mamadou Sakho. The transfer, which included a five-year contract, underscored Palace’s belief in his potential. Since joining, he has exceeded expectations, amassing over 100 appearances and earning the captain’s armband—a testament to his leadership at just 24 years old. His partnership with manager Oliver Glasner has solidified his status as a cornerstone of the Eagles’ defense, and his market value has soared, with interest from clubs like Newcastle United in recent transfer windows.
6. A key player in England’s youth and senior success
Guéhi’s international career is equally impressive. He was a standout performer in England’s 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning squad, scoring twice in the tournament, including in the final against Spain—a victory that coincided with his father’s birthday. His leadership qualities were evident early, as he captained the U-17s during the 2017 UEFA European Championship. Fast forward to 2022, and Guéhi made his senior England debut in a friendly against Switzerland. His defining moment came at UEFA Euro 2024, where he started every match, playing all 690 minutes and assisting Jude Bellingham’s dramatic equalizer against Slovakia.
7. Faith defines his character
Guéhi’s Christian faith is a cornerstone of his life, deeply influenced by his upbringing as the son of a church minister. He has openly shared how “God first” was a guiding principle in his household, shaping his humility and grounded nature. This was notably visible when he wore a captain’s armband with the message “I love Jesus” during a Premier League match in 2024, sparking conversation about faith in football. Those close to him describe him as “extremely humble” and “low maintenance,” qualities that resonate both on and off the pitch, making him a role model for young athletes.
8. Inspired by Didier Drogba
Growing up in London with Ivorian roots, it’s no surprise that Guéhi idolized Chelsea legend Didier Drogba. The iconic striker, also born in Abidjan, was a figure Guéhi looked up to as a child, especially given their shared heritage and Drogba’s success at Stamford Bridge. While Guéhi’s parents prioritized education over football in his early years, Drogba’s journey from Ivory Coast to global stardom likely served as an inspiration as Guéhi’s own career took off.