Christian Mbulu

Christian Mbulu (6 August 1996 – 26 May 2020) was an English professional footballer who played as a defender. During his career he played for Brentwood Town, Millwall (including loans to Canvey Island and Braintree Town), Motherwell, Crewe Alexandra and Morecambe.

Brentwood Town
Mbulu began his senior career at the age of 17 when he signed to non-League club Brentwood Town in the 2013–14 season, following spells at fellow Essex-based clubs Thurrock and East Thurrock United.

Millwall
After a successful 2015–16 pre-season trial, Mbulu signed his first professional contract for Millwall on his 19th birthday, 6 August 2015. Mbulu rejected a contract offer from Colchester United where he had also been on trial. During his time at the South London club he attracted interest from clubs such Chelsea, Swansea City, Watford, and Crystal Palace and a loan spell to Braintree Town respectively. He spent three seasons at Millwall before they released him at the end of the 2017–18 season.

Loans
In January 2016, Mbulu joined Canvey Island on a one-month loan. Mbulu made three appearances during his time at the club.

In March 2017, Mbulu moved to Braintree Town on a month-long loan deal.

Motherwell
On 10 August 2018, Mbulu signed a one-year contract with Motherwell after his release from Millwall at the end of the previous season. In October 2018, Mbulu was named as Player of the Round for the third round of the Scottish Challenge Cup after scoring to help Motherwell's under-21 side to a 2–0 win against League of Ireland club Sligo Rovers. Mbulu made his league debut for Motherwell on 11 November, when he came on as a second-half substitute in the 77th minute of a game against Rangers at Ibrox. On 9 December, two Hearts supporters were arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Mbulu during a match at Tynecastle. On 21 May 2019, Motherwell confirmed that Mbulu would be released at the end of his contract on 31 May 2019.

Crewe Alexandra
On 30 October 2019, Mbulu signed a short-term contract with Crewe Alexandra until January 2020, making his debut in an EFL Trophy tie against Everton U21s at Gresty Road on 5 November 2019. He left Crewe Alexandra by mutual consent on 24 January 2020.

Morecambe
Following his release from Crewe, Mbulu joined Morecambe on a deal until the end of the season, making his Morecambe debut in a 2–0 win at Walsall on 28 January 2020.

Personal life
Born to Jean Claude Mbulu and Vicky Nzeba, Mbulu of Congolese descent, grew up in London as the eldest of four brothers surrounded by family, love and football. This was evident from young and at the tender age of 6, he confidently chose his career path to become a professional footballer.

Death
Mbulu died on 26 May 2020, aged 23. Police were called to his home in Preston and did not treat the death as suspicious. His team placed a picture of him on the substitutes bench during a visit to Chelsea in the FA Cup in January 2021 and at the Wembley play-off final against Newport in May 2021.

Following his death the Christian Mbulu Trust was subsequently setup in his memory to empower, guide and assist young people in their own journeys through life.