Benjamin Arthur

Benjamin Kristian Arthur (born 9 October 2005) is an English professional footballer who plays as a central defender for club Portsmouth, on loan from club Brentford.

Arthur is a product of the Peterborough United academy and began his professional career with Brentford in 2023. He has been capped by England at youth level.

Club career

Early years Initially a midfielder, Arthur began his youth career with Leamington Hibernian and Coventry Sphinx, before entering the Peterborough United academy at the age of 13. Despite "injury and other struggles" and with the club considering his release, he progressed to sign a scholarship deal in 2022 and was a central defender in the 2022–23 U18 Professional Development League Cup-winning U18 squad. Shortly after winning his maiden call into a first team matchday squad, Arthur turned down a "substantial offer" to sign a professional contract and departed London Road on 31 August 2023.

Brentford On 31 August 2023, Arthur transferred to the B team at Premier League club Brentford and signed a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. The fee was reported to be "close to £1 million" and "nearly a record for a League One scholar, plus millions in add-ons". Arthur missed the first half of the 2023–24 season with a stress fracture to his back and returned to match play in early January 2024. An injury crisis in defence saw Arthur win his maiden call into the first team squad for a Premier League match versus Arsenal on 9 March 2024. He remained an unused substitute during the 2–1 defeat. Arthur returned to match play with the B team on 23 September 2024. He made 27 appearances during the 2024–25 season and was a part of the Professional Development League-winning squad. Arthur's performances were recognised with the club's U21 Player of the Year award. Arthur made 6 appearances during the remainder of the 2025–26 league and cup double-winning season.

On 12 August 2026, Arthur joined Championship club Portsmouth on loan for the duration of the 2026–27 season.

International career Arthur was part of England's U18 squad at the 2023 International Tournament of Lisbon and he appeared in each of the team's three matches at the tournament. He won his maiden U19 call-up for a training camp and two friendlies in September 2023, but was not named in either matchday squad. Arthur received his second call-up for two friendlies in March 2024 and won his only U19 cap with a start in a 3–2 defeat to the United States. Arthur won his maiden U20 cap with a start in a friendly versus Japan on 14 November 2025.

Personal life Arthur is of Ghanaian descent through his father. He grew up in Lillington, Warwickshire. While a Brentford B player, Arthur shared accommodation with teammate Ashley Hay.

Career statistics

Honours Celtic Scottish Premiership: 2025–26

Individual Brentford U21 Player of the Year: 2024–25