Europe’s biggest clubs are circling a teenager many scouts now believe could be the next Nigerian forward to break through at elite level, Footynaija reports.
According to Fotbolltransfers, Chelsea, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Juventus all tracking the rapid rise of Zebedee Kennedy.
The 16-year-old striker, who plays for Swedish champions Mjällby AIF, has quickly moved from relative obscurity to one of the most talked-about young attackers in Scandinavia. Reports in Sweden suggest clubs across England, Italy and Portugal are closely monitoring his development ahead of the next transfer window.
Zebedee Kennedy (2009) is one to track closely.
— Alfred Frank (@alfredfrank_) November 24, 2025
Sharp mover, determined with the ball, and already showing that goalscoring instinct you don’t always see at 15. Just made the switch to Mjällby after impressing at GIF Sundsvall.
Big step, but he looks ready for it. ⏳ https://t.co/Y89RUdxj6Y pic.twitter.com/usJgO7OKRw
Kennedy’s rise has been swift. He only joined Mjällby late last year after spells in youth football with GIF Sundsvall and Moffe BK, but he has already made enough of an impression to earn minutes with the senior squad during pre-season. His goal in a friendly against Artis Brno offered an early glimpse of his composure in front of goal and his willingness to take risks in attacking areas.
Zebedee Kennedy (15, 2010)
— (@OllieKeable95) February 4, 2026
An emerging talent so far during #MjällbyAIF pre season 2 goals in 3 matches and he is impressing each time his raw pace is frightening, but what i was more impressed with is his ability to read the game and see where the ball is going to go before… pic.twitter.com/dZJNJkUk5p
What makes the interest even more striking is that Kennedy has yet to make his competitive debut in Sweden’s top flight. Despite that, his physical profile, movement and eye for goal have convinced recruiters that he is worth long-term investment. Italian side Bologna FC and Portuguese giants SL Benfica are also understood to be watching closely.
Born in Sweden to Nigerian roots, Kennedy has already represented Sweden at youth level, scoring four goals in 12 appearances across the U15 and U16 teams. He also comes from a footballing family, with his father having played professionally in Nigeria and Italy, and his brother Zion currently developing in the Swedish lower leagues.
Regarding the transfer of Zebedee, Mjällby remain in a strong position. The teenager is under contract until 2028, giving the club control over his immediate future. But with interest building from some of Europe’s biggest teams, the coming months could prove decisive in shaping the next step of Zebedee Kennedy’s career.

















