Joey Phuthi

Joey Phuthi (born 2 January 2005) is a Zimbabwean professional footballer who last plays as a midfielder for Whitby Town.

Club career Sheffield Wednesday Phuthi moved from his native Zimbabwe to England at the age of 12. He began playing football with Wincobank Juniors, before moving to the academy of Sheffield Wednesday at 13 and worked his way up their youth categories. He was promoted to their U21s on 14 July 2021 on a scholarship deal, and in the summer of 2023 he joined the senior team for preseason. On 29 August 2023 he signed his first professional contract with Sheffield Wednesday. The option was taken up on his contract to extend his deal at Sheffield Wednesday for another year in May 2024. He was released from his contract following the end of the 2024–25 season. Following his release at Sheffield Wednesday, former teammate Josh Windass would rant about Phuthi on a podcast after a reaction Phuthi gave Windass in training, comparing himself to Lionel Messi as he doesn't run more than 10k a game.

Non-league On 20 June 2025, Eastbourne Borough announced the signing of Phuthi, from 1 July 2025 once his Sheffield Wednesday contract has expired. He made his debut on the opening day of the season, coming off the bench against Farnborough, which finished 1–1. He left the club on 5 December 2025 by mutual consent having made 13 appearances.

On 16 January 2026, he joined Northern Premier League Premier Division club Cleethorpes Town. He was released at the end of the season.

On 3 August 2026, he joined Whitby Town following an impressive pre-season trial.

International career On 12 March 2024, Phuthi was called up to the full Zimbabwe squad to play in the Malawi Four Nations Tournament. He made his international debut for Zimbabwe against Kenya on 26 March 2024.

Playing style Phuthi can play as a right-back, left-back, or winger.

Career statistics Club

International

National team Year Apps GoalsZimbabwe 2024 2 0 Total 2 0