Chris Mepham

Christopher James Mepham ( ; born 5 November 1997) is a professional footballer who plays as a centre back for club West Bromwich Albion. Born in England, he plays for the Wales national team.

Club career Early years A centre back and occasional right back, Mepham began his career in the academy at Premier League club Chelsea at the age of 10. He was released at the age of 14 and was then turned down by Watford and Queens Park Rangers.

Brentford Youth years (2012–2016) Mepham joined the academy at Brentford in 2012, Mepham signed a scholarship deal in June 2014. After consistently good performances for the reformed B team during the first half of the 2016–17 season, Mepham signed a two-year contract extension on 6 January 2017 and the following day, he made his senior debut as a late substitute for Harlee Dean during a 5–1 FA Cup third round victory over Eastleigh.

Breakthrough (2016–2019) After the departure of centre-back Harlee Dean on 30 August 2017, Mepham was promoted into the first team squad and signed a new five-year contract. He made his first start for the club in a 3–1 EFL Cup third round defeat to Norwich City on 19 September 2017 and gave away the penalty which led to the Canaries' opening goal. After appearing sporadically throughout the autumn, An achilles injury suffered by Andreas Bjelland in mid-March allowed Mepham back into the team and he scored the first senior goal of his career with the equaliser in a 1–1 draw with Sheffield United on Good Friday. He finished the 2017–18 season with 23 appearances and one goal. During his two and a half seasons as a professional at Griffin Park, Mepham made 48 appearances and scored one goal.

Bournemouth On 22 January 2019, Mepham signed a long-term contract with Premier League club Bournemouth for an undisclosed fee, Eight days later, he made his debut for the club as a substitute for Junior Stanislas late in a 4–0 win over Chelsea. Mepham made a further ten appearances in the Premier League for the Cherries throughout the first half of the 2019–20 season, including a starring role in a 1–0 away win and clean sheet at Chelsea on 14 December. However, Mepham would suffer a "significant knee injury" in the FA Cup game against Luton Town on 4 January, which would potentially rule him out for up to three months.

Sunderland (loan) On 30 August 2024, Mepham joined Sunderland on a season-long loan. He made his debut in the 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough on 21 September 2024. On 8 March 2025, Mepham scored his first goal for Sunderland, proving to be the winner in a 2–1 victory against Cardiff, which was also his first goal for over four years.

West Bromwich Albion On 28 August 2025, Mepham signed for Championship club West Bromwich Albion on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. He made his debut for the club on 30 August 2025, in a 1–0 win against Stoke City.

International career

Mepham was called into the Wales U20 squad for the 2017 Toulon Tournament and made one appearance, in a 2–2 group stage draw with Ivory Coast on 5 June 2017. He made his U21 debut with a start in a 3–0 2019 UEFA U21 Championship qualifying victory over Switzerland on 2 September 2017. Mepham captained the U21 team for the first time in a 0–0 qualifying draw with Romania six weeks later.

In March 2018, Mepham won his maiden call-up to the senior team for the 2018 China Cup. He made his debut as a substitute for Ben Davies after 70 minutes of a 6–0 victory over China on 22 March 2018. Two months later, he made his first international start, in a 0–0 friendly draw with Mexico on 28 May.

In May 2021, he was selected for the Wales squad for the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 tournament. In November 2022, he was named in the Wales squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Personal life Mepham was born in Northwick Park, the London Borough of Harrow. He attended Queensmead School in South Ruislip and grew up as a Queens Park Rangers supporter. His uncle Roy was a member of the Brentford youth team in the 1960s. Championship

2017–18 Championship

2018–19 Championship

2018–19 Premier League

2020–21 Championship

2021–22 Championship

2022–23 Premier League

2023–24 Premier League

Sunderland (loan) 2024–25 Championship

West Bromwich Albion 2025–26 Championship

International

Honours Sunderland EFL Championship play-offs: 2025

Individual Brentford B Player of the Year: 2016–17