Nicolas Jackson

Nicolas Jackson (born 20 June 2001) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Chelsea. Born in The Gambia, he plays for the Senegal national team.
Club career
Early career
Born in Banjul and with Gambian ancestry, Jackson moved to Ziguinchor, Senegal at the age of 16. He began playing for local side ASC Tilene before joining Casa Sports, where he was a part of the first team squad during the 2018–19 season. He was also named man of the match in a 1–1 Ligue 1 draw against AS Pikine on 16 November 2018.
Villarreal
In September 2019, Jackson agreed to a contract with La Liga side Villarreal, being assigned to the Juvenil A squad.
Loan to Mirandés
On 5 October 2020, after finishing his formation, Jackson was loaned to Segunda División side Mirandés for the 2020–21 season. He made his professional debut thirteen days later, coming on as a second-half substitute for Antonio Caballero in a 0–0 home draw against Mallorca.
Jackson scored his first professional goal on 28 November 2020, netting the opener in a 1–1 home draw against CD Castellón. It was his only goal of the season, as the Jabatos finished in the 10th position.
Breakthrough
Upon returning, Jackson played for Villarreal's B-team in Primera División RFEF, scoring seven goals as the side achieved promotion to the second division. He made his first team – and La Liga – debut on 3 October 2021, replacing Arnaut Danjuma late into a 2–0 home win over Real Betis.
Jackson scored his first goal in the top tier on 13 August 2022, netting the opener in a 3–0 away success over Real Valladolid. Thirteen days later, he and teammate Álex Baena were promoted to the main squad.
In January 2023, Villarreal agreed a £22.5 million deal from AFC Bournemouth for the signing of Jackson but he failed his medical due to hamstring issues. After returning to action in March, he scored nine goals within the months of April and May, which included braces against Celta de Vigo, Athletic Bilbao and Cádiz.
Chelsea
On 30 June 2023, Jackson signed for Premier League club Chelsea on an eight-year deal lasting until 2031 for a fee reported to be £32 million. On 13 August, he made his debut for the club in a 1–1 draw against Liverpool in the Premier League. Jackson scored his first Chelsea goal on 25 August 2023 against newly promoted side Luton Town, helping Chelsea to a 3–0 win at Stamford Bridge. He scored his second Chelsea goal in a 1-0 win over Brighton in the EFL Cup. On October 7, 2023, he came on as a substitute against Burnley F.C. and scored his second goal in the league and third overall.
International career
Born in Gambia, Jackson was raised in Senegal and is a dual citizen. He represented Senegal at under-20 level, receiving his first call-up in November 2018.
After being called up to the full side by manager Aliou Cissé for two friendlies in September 2022, Jackson was included in the 26-man list for the 2022 FIFA World Cup on 11 November 2022. He made his full international debut in Senegal's opening match of the competition, replacing Krépin Diatta in a 2–0 loss against the Netherlands.
Career statistics
Club
International
Honours
Individual
La Liga Player of the Month: May 2023
References
External links
Profile at the Chelsea F.C. website
2001 births
Living people
Sportspeople from Banjul
Senegalese men's footballers
Senegal men's youth international footballers
Senegal men's international footballers
Gambian men's footballers
Gambian emigrants to Senegal
Senegalese people of Gambian descent
Men's association football forwards
Ligue 1 (Senegal) players
Casa Sports players
La Liga players
Segunda División players
Primera Federación players
Premier League players
Villarreal CF B players
CD Mirandés footballers
Villarreal CF players
Chelsea F.C. players
2022 FIFA World Cup players
Senegalese expatriate men's footballers
Senegalese expatriate sportspeople in Spain
Senegalese expatriate sportspeople in England
Gambian expatriate men's footballers
Gambian expatriate sportspeople in Spain
Gambian expatriate sportspeople in England
Expatriate men's footballers in Spain
Expatriate men's footballers in England