Jonathan Leko


Jonathan Kisolokele Leko is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for West Bromwich Albion. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he grew up in England from the age of eight.

Club career

West Bromwich Albion

Early career

Leko has been with West Bromwich Albion since the age of 11. He was included in their 2015 pre-season tour of Austria, making an appearance against Red Bull Salzburg by coming off the bench in a 3–1 loss for the Baggies. Leko made his professional debut on 23 September 2015, coming off the bench in a League Cup defeat to Norwich City. On 2 April 2016, he was named in the matchday squad against Sunderland as a substitute, and came on for Saido Berahino in the 78th minute to make his Premier League debut at 16 years and 344 days. He made his first start on 30 April against West Ham United, becoming the first player born in 1999 to start in the Premier League. He made his first Premier League assist in a 1–1 draw against Liverpool, setting up Salomon Rondon's goal with a solo run. Prior to the match, Leko was awarded the club's Young Player of the Season award. On 28 June 2016, he signed his first professional contract, a three-year deal lasting to June 2019.
Leko got his first assist of the 2016–17 season on 24 September 2016 against Stoke City, taking a corner which was headed by Rondón for the winner. He then won the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award for December with the West Bromwich Albion U23s.
Leko was named on the shortlist for the European Golden Boy award at the end of the season for his performances during the calendar year.

Loans

On 28 August 2017, Leko joined Bristol City on a season-long loan. He was recalled by West Brom after 11 goalless appearances in January 2018.
On 8 August 2019, Leko and teammate Sam Field joined Charlton Athletic on a season-long loan. He scored his first goal against Reading on 31 August. In November, he made a complaint to the FA of racial abuse by Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla, who received an eight-match ban and £60,000 after being found guilty in February 2020.
On 27 December 2019, Charlton confirmed that Leko had suffered an ACL injury in the 11th minute of the 2–2 draw with QPR six days earlier, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season. He returned to West Brom for treatment, having made 21 appearances and scoring 5 times.

International career

Leko has represented England at under-16 and under-17 levels. He assisted and scored for the latter in a 3–1 win over Turkey U17s, moving England one step closer to the Under-17 European Championships in a crucial qualifier. Leko's club team West Brom pulled the player out of the final tournament so he could play in the final two games of the 2015–16 Premier League season.
On 24 August 2016, Leko was called up to the England Under-18 team for the first time. He appeared in both games.
Leko made his England U20 debut during a 0–0 draw with the Netherlands at the New Meadow on 5 September 2019.

Personal life

Leko arrived in England from the Democratic Republic of Congo at the age of eight, when his father was granted asylum.

Career statistics

Honours

Individual