Tudor Mendel-Idowu

Tudor Olorunninbe Mendel-Idowu (born 15 January 2005) is an English footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Belgian side RSCA Futures.

Early life
Born in Berkshire, England, Mendel-Idowu was regarded as a child prodigy academically, featuring numerous times in national and international competitions, most notably coming second in the 2014 edition of Child Genius. Mendel-Idowu attended independent boys' preparatory boarding school Ludgrove School. At the age of thirteen, he was made a King's Scholar at Eton College.

Early career
He joined the youth academy of Chelsea at under-8 level, following interest from numerous other clubs including Arsenal and Tottenham. In July 2021, he signed a new contract with the Blues.

Following the conclusion of the 2022–23 season, with his contract set to expire, Mendel-Idowu was offered a new deal by Chelsea. However, on 18 July 2023, it was reported by Spanish journalist Albert Rogé that Mendel-Idowu had rejected this offer, and was close to joining Spanish side Barcelona.

Anderlecht
Despite these links, on 27 July 2023, he officially signed for Belgian side Anderlecht. Initially assigned to the club's reserve team, RSCA Futures, Mendel-Idowu scored on his debut in the Challenger Pro League in a 3–2 win against Dender.

International career
Eligible to represent both England and Nigeria at international level, Mendel-Idowu was first called up to the England national under-15 football team in 2019. Tudor scored his first England U17 goal against Scotland on 8 February in a 3–0 win and followed that up with a further 2 goals in England U17's next game playing as a right winger. He later made substitute appearances against France and Luxembourg in the England U17 qualification games.

Personal life
Mendel-Idowu's grandfather on his mother's side is, John Adeleye-Abai, played for the Nigeria national football team as a winger. His other grandfather on his father's side, Dr Fola Kayode Mendel-Idowu, was a gifted academic – he specialised in bio-aeronautics and was Africa's first 'flying doctor'.