Biography
Who is Ruben Loftus-Cheek?
Early life and education
Ruben was born in Lewisham, Greater London. He grew up in Swanley, Kent. He went to High Firs Primary School and then Orchards Academy. He is of Guyanese descent. Ruben has brothers who play football. Carl and Leon Cort are his half-brothers on his father's side. His younger brother Joe is a semi-professional player. As a child, he looked up to Thierry Henry and Zinedine Zidane.
Youth career and Chelsea
Ruben Loftus-Cheek entered the Chelsea academy when he was eight. He played for the U-18 and U-21 squads before moving up. He helped Chelsea take the FA Youth Cup and the Under-21 Premier League title in 2013-14. Ruben made his senior debut on December 10, 2014, in a Champions League match against Sporting CP. He played his first Premier League game in January 2015 against Manchester City. He signed a five-year contract in February 2016.
During his time at Chelsea, he won the Premier League in 2016-17. He also took the UEFA Europa League title during 2018-19. Ruben scored his first senior goal in an FA Cup match against Scunthorpe United in January 2016. He made 155 appearances for the club and scored 13 goals.
Loan spells and AC Milan
In July 2017, Ruben went on a season-long loan to Crystal Palace. He scored his first goal for them against Stoke City in November 2017. He later joined Fulham on loan for the 2020-21 season. While there, he scored a Premier League goal against Everton in November 2020.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek left Chelsea in June 2023 after 19 years with the club. He signed a contract with Serie A side AC Milan that lasts until 2027. He scored his first goal for the Italian team against Cagliari in September 2023. In February 2024, he scored two goals in a Europa League game against Rennes. He suffered a fractured jaw in February 2026 during a match against Parma.
England international career
Ruben Loftus-Cheek first played for the England senior team in November 2017. He debuted in a friendly against Germany and won man of the match. He was included in the 23-player squad for the 2018 World Cup. He appeared as a substitute against Tunisia on June 18, 2018.
In October 2025, manager Thomas Tuchel called him back to the squad. Ruben played against Wales on October 9, 2025. This was his first appearance for the national team in seven years.
Physical profile and style
Ruben stands 191 centimeters tall. Former manager Glenn Hoddle compared his physical style to Michael Ballack. He is known for his reach and calmness when he has the ball. Other observers described him as having long-striding grace. Ruben is often used as a midfielder but played as a striker during preseason under Antonio Conte.
Birthday and age
Ruben Loftus-Cheek was born on January 23, 1996, which makes Ruben 30 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Ruben shares the date with 26 other famous people.
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