Charlie Wakefield is yet another professional footballer hitting pause on his career to take part in the upcoming Baller League.
Kicking off on Monday, March 24, Baller League is a six-a-side competition spearheaded by none other than KSI.
Created in Germany by entrepreneur Felix Starck, with the help of German footballing legends Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski, the small-sided format is making its UK debut this year under huge hype.
Maya Jama, rapper Dave, and Miniminter are just some of the stars and influencers managing their own sides. They’ll go toe-to-toe with the experience and nous of ex-pros such as John Terry, Gary Lineker, and Luis Figo, who will join them in the dugout.
Taking place at Stratford’s Copper Box Arena, Charlie Wakefield was one of the players selected to represent N5 FC—a side pieced together by a trio of Arsenal legends: Jens Lehmann, Robert Pires, and Freddie Ljungberg.
They’ll face Angry Ginge’s Yanited in the inaugural game of this landmark competition at 5:35 PM.
Who Is Charlie Wakefield?
Born in Worthing, Charlie Wakefield began his career with Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion before making the switch to his boyhood club, Chelsea.
He enjoyed a hugely successful youth career with the Cobham outfit, winning scores of trophies alongside the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mason Mount, and Andreas Christensen.
At the peak of his powers, Wakefield represented England at U16 and U17 level and was even training with Chelsea’s first-team squad when Antonio Conte was in charge.
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However, a string of hamstring injuries and even a collapsed lung hampered his dazzling potential, preventing him from making a senior appearance for the Blues.
Moves to Coventry and Stevenage in England’s top four divisions followed, but he eventually dropped into the National League, where he spent his most successful seasons with Yeovil Town between 2021 and 2023.
During his two-year spell with the Glovers, Wakefield made 57 appearances, scoring 5 goals.
Since then, he has played for Woking and Braintree Town on loan, leaving the former following the expiration of his contract in summer 2024. He is yet to find another club.
How Old Is Charlie Wakefield?
At just 26 years old, Charlie Wakefield still has plenty of time to make a name for himself in football—and it looks like he’s set to do so in the Baller League.
Reflecting on the injury nightmare that led him to this point, he revealed it felt like he “must have killed someone in a past life.”
Who Will Charlie Wakefield Be Lining Up With?
The former Chelsea star won’t be the only player with impressive pedigree in N5 FC.
He’ll be playing alongside Adrian Mariappa, who featured for Watford in the Premier League, and former Stoke City striker James Alabi.
N5 FC Full Squad: Owen Locke, Adrian Mariappa, Brian Ly, Charlie Wakefield, Dayo Adekayo, Chris Arba, Imran Kahani, Michael Class, James Alabi, Troy Molunda, Freddie Berrati, Callum Charlton.
