Joey Phuthi has been attracting attention after impressing with Sheffield Wednesday U21s this week.
The youngster starred in the Owls’ 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic yesterday, making a brilliant run to contribute an assist for teammate Favour Onukwuli for the opening goal.
Phuthi will be eager to force his way into the first-team squad next season and could be in with an even bigger shout if the club drop down to League One.
Here is everything you need to know about him…
Who is Joey Phuthi?
Joey Phuthi is a professional footballer who plays for Sheffield Wednesday.
Phuthi joined the Owls from Wincobank Juniors in 2018 – aged 13 years old.
The teenager featured for the first team in pre-season friendlies against York and Chesterfield, before signing his first professional contract in August 2023.
Phuthi went onto make his senior debut in a substitute appearance against Coventry City on Boxing Day and made another cameo against the Sky Blues in February, while he has been named on the bench a further five times in all competitions.
Where and when was Joey Phuthi born?
Joey Phuthi was born in Harare in Zimbabwe on 2nd January 2005 – making him 19 years old.
The teenager moved to England with his family at the age of 12, before joining Sheffield Wednesday the following year.
Phuthi made his debut for the Zimbabwe national team just last week, in the Malawi Four Nations Tournament against Kenya.
What position does Joey Phuthi play?
Joey Phuthi is a right-back by trade but has played regularly further up the right flank, taking up position on the right-wing in yesterday’s win over Wigan.
The Zimbabwean’s pace and creativity could offer something refreshing for the Owls, who have struggled in attack this term and also face losing Ian Poveda when his loan spell ends this summer.
What has been said about Joey Phuthi?
Sheffield Star journalist Joe Crann has full of praise for Joey Phuthi during the U21s clash last night.
The youngster linked up brilliantly with Favour Onukwuli throughout the game, with Crann taking to X to declare that the pair had ‘both been a handful today’.
At full-time, Crann claimed that Phuthi and Onukwuli had been the ‘obvious standouts’, as well as sharing a video of their opener with the caption: “Phuthi and Onukwuli caused all sorts of problems today.”
U21s coach Andy Holdsworth commented on the pair’s performance at full-time too, admitting that they are ‘exciting’ but that their defensive work needs improvement.
He said: “They’re exciting. The problem we have with Joey and Favour is you get a sore throat after the game because you’re always screaming at them to do the defensive side. I think if we can get that into them as soon as possible and understand the principles that we try to do with them, they will give you that transition, they will give you that break on the counter attack to go and get more opportunities in the final third.
“They will be horrible to play against because they want to get the ball, they want to take you on, they want to get into the box and have more shots and crosses. That’s what we want from our wide players. So yes, pleased with them in small parts, not pleased with them in large parts, but at the end of the day, Joey has created and Favour has scored and they have had a part in creating numerous chances in the second half.”
Joey Phuthi compared to Man City winger
Phuthi is also getting recognition on the international stage too. Following his call-up to the Zimbabwe squad, Mistry Chipere, the founder of Zimbabwe Foreign legion, said: “There is a young man called Phuthi, if he adapts to African football and clicks, we will be happy.
“You will see him, he is bad news, right now they are calling him [Jeremy] Doku, he is really bad and let’s wait and see what he will do.
“Sometimes things just don’t happen when these boys come to Africa but this boy Phuthi is amazing.”
Joey Phuthi height
Joey Phuthi is reportedly 1.73m (5 ft 6) – contributing to his pace, balance and trickery.
His height may encourage him to act as more of a winger than a defender.
Joey Phuthi Football Manager 24
Here is Joey Phuthi’s profile on FM24.
• Name: Joey Phuthi
• Age: 18
• Best Role: Complete Wing-back (Support)
• Club: Sheffield Wednesday
• Contract Ends: 30/06/25
• Wage: £760 p/w
• Market value: £290k
Joey Phuthi FIFA/EA Sports FC
• Overall rating: 53
• Potential: 68
• Best Role: Right midfielder
• Skill moves: 3
• Weak foot: 3
• Work rate: Medium
Joey Phuthi Instagram
You can find Joey Phuthi on Instagram under the handle – @joeyp.2