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Chris Mepham
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Christopher James Mepham (/ˈmɛpəm/ MEHP-əm;[4] born 5 November 1997) is a professional footballer who plays as a centre back for EFL Championship club West Bromwich Albion and the Wales national team.
Key Information
Club career
[edit]Early years
[edit]A centre back and occasional right back,[5] Mepham began his career in the academy at Premier League club Chelsea at the age of 10.[6] He was released at the age of 14 and was then turned down by Watford and Queens Park Rangers.[7]
Brentford
[edit]Youth years (2012–2016)
[edit]Mepham joined the academy at Brentford in 2012,[6] after being spotted by the club's Head of Academy Recruitment while making a one-off appearance for North Greenford United's reserve team.[7] After making three appearances for the youth team as an U16,[8] Mepham signed a scholarship deal in June 2014.[6] On 2 February 2016 it was announced that Mepham had signed his first professional contract to be a member of the club's development squad and he finished his scholarship having made 43 appearances and scored two goals for the youth team.[5][8][9][10] 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,[11] he made his senior debut as a late substitute for Harlee Dean during a 5–1 FA Cup third round victory over Eastleigh.[12] A successful 2016–17 season saw Mepham named as the club's B Team Player of the Year.[13]
Breakthrough (2016–2019)
[edit]After the departure of centre-back Harlee Dean on 30 August 2017,[14] Mepham was promoted into the first team squad and signed a new five-year contract.[15] 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.[16][17] After appearing sporadically throughout the autumn,[16] a head injury suffered by John Egan in December allowed Mepham a run in the team from the Christmas period until early February 2018.[16][18] 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.[16][19] He finished the 2017–18 season with 23 appearances and one goal.[16]
Mepham began the 2018–19 season as the Bees' undisputed first-choice centre back in league matches, but was sent off for the first time in his career for two bookable offences committed during a 1–0 defeat to Bristol City on 20 October 2018.[20] He made 27 appearances before departing the club for a club-record transfer fee in January 2019.[20][21][22] During his two and a half seasons as a professional at Griffin Park, Mepham made 48 appearances and scored one goal.[23]
Bournemouth
[edit]On 22 January 2019, Mepham signed a long-term contract with Premier League club Bournemouth for an undisclosed fee,[21] reported to be £12 million.[24] Eight days later, he made his debut for the club as a substitute for Junior Stanislas late in a 4–0 win over Chelsea.[20] He continued to be regularly selected within the back line at Bournemouth due to the absence of Steve Cook through injury. Mepham finished the 2018–19 season with Bournemouth having made 13 Premier League appearances in total.
On 10 August 2019, Mepham scored his first Premier League goal, and his first ever goal for the Cherries, in a 1–1 home draw against newly promoted Sheffield United.[25] 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.[26] 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.[27]
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Sunderland (loan)
[edit]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.[28] 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.[29]
West Bromwich Albion
[edit]On 28 August 2025, Mepham signed for Championship club West Bromwich Albion on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.[30][31] He made his debut for the club on 30 August 2025, in a 1–0 win against Stoke City.[32]
International career
[edit].jpg)
Mepham was called into the Wales U20 squad for the 2017 Toulon Tournament and made one appearance,[33] in a 2–2 group stage draw with Ivory Coast on 5 June 2017.[34] He made his U21 debut with a start in a 3–0 2019 UEFA U21 Championship qualifying victory over Switzerland on 2 September 2017.[35] Mepham captained the U21 team for the first time in a 0–0 qualifying draw with Romania six weeks later.[36]
In March 2018, Mepham won his maiden call-up to the senior team for the 2018 China Cup.[37] He made his debut as a substitute for Ben Davies after 70 minutes of a 6–0 victory over China on 22 March 2018.[38] Two months later, he made his first international start, in a 0–0 friendly draw with Mexico on 28 May.[39]
In May 2021, he was selected for the Wales squad for the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 tournament.[40] In November 2022, he was named in the Wales squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.[41]
Personal life
[edit]Mepham was born in Northwick Park, the London Borough of Harrow.[42] He attended Queensmead School in South Ruislip and grew up as a Queens Park Rangers supporter.[43][44] His uncle Roy was a member of the Brentford youth team in the 1960s.[6]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of match played 23 January 2026
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Brentford | 2016–17[12] | Championship | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | |
| 2017–18[16] | Championship | 21 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 23 | 1 | ||
| 2018–19[20] | Championship | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 24 | 0 | ||
| Total | 43 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | 48 | 1 | |||
| Bournemouth | 2018–19[20] | Premier League | 13 | 0 | — | — | — | 13 | 0 | |||
| 2019–20[45] | Premier League | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 15 | 1 | ||
| 2020–21[46] | Championship | 24 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2[a] | 0 | 28 | 1 | |
| 2021–22[47] | Championship | 22 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 24 | 0 | ||
| 2022–23[48] | Premier League | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 28 | 0 | ||
| 2023–24[49] | Premier League | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 13 | 0 | ||
| Total | 107 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 121 | 2 | ||
| Sunderland (loan) | 2024–25[50] | Championship | 38 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 2[a] | 0 | 40 | 1 | |
| West Bromwich Albion | 2025–26[51] | Championship | 23 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 24 | 1 | ||
| Career total | 211 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 233 | 5 | ||
- ^ a b Appearances in EFL Championship play-offs
International
[edit]- As of match played 18 November 2025[52]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wales | 2018 | 4 | 0 |
| 2019 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 12 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 6 | 0 | |
| Total | 53 | 0 | |
Honours
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Club list of registered players: As at 19th May 2018: Brentford" (PDF). English Football League. p. 8. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
- ^ "Chris Mepham: Overview". ESPN. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
- ^ "Chris Mepham: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
- ^ How to pronounce EVERY Premier League player and managers name 🗣 (Video). Sky Sports Premier League. 22 August 2024. Event occurs at 9:28. Retrieved 6 December 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b "Brentford FC Youth Team duo sign first professional contracts". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
- ^ a b c d "Brentford FC". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 11 August 2019. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
- ^ a b James, Stuart (21 March 2018). "Chris Mepham: 'It's surreal that Ryan Giggs wants to have a chat with you'". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
- ^ a b "Brentford FC". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 19 July 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
- ^ "Brentford FC". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
- ^ "Youth Team Player Stats". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 7 September 2016. Retrieved 6 January 2017.
- ^ "Brentford FC Chris Mepham signs contract extension". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 6 August 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
- ^ a b "Games played by Chris Mepham in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
- ^ a b "Brentford FC 2016/17 Awards Winners". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 11 August 2019. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
- ^ Moore, Tom (7 September 2017). "Brentford hand first team promotion to young defender". Get West London. Retrieved 7 September 2017.
- ^ "Brentford FC Chris Mepham signs new long-term contract". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 7 August 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f "Games played by Chris Mepham in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ "Brentford vs Norwich City on 19 Sep 17 – Match Centre – Brentford FC". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 21 October 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2017.
- ^ Moore, Tom (2 January 2018). "Dean Smith outlines hopes and plans for Brentford's youngsters". Get West London. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
- ^ Moore, Tom (10 March 2018). "Brentford boss on Bjelland injury and Millwall loss". Get West London. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
- ^ a b c d e "Games played by Chris Mepham in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ a b "Chris Mepham leaves Brentford to join AFC Bournemouth". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 11 June 2021. Retrieved 31 January 2019.
- ^ Phil Giles' January Round Up (Interview). Brentford F.C. 31 January 2019. Event occurs at 0:59. Retrieved 31 January 2019 – via YouTube.
- ^ Chris Mepham at Soccerbase
- ^ "Chris Mepham joins Bournemouth from Brentford for £12m". Sky Sports. Retrieved 31 January 2019.
- ^ "AFC Bournemouth 1–1 Sheffield United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
- ^ "Chelsea 0–1 AFC Bournemouth". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
- ^ "Chris Mepham: Bournemouth defender is ruled out for up to three months with injury". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
- ^ "Chris Rigg nets winner as Sunderland beat Middlesbrough". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
- ^ "Mepham's first Sunderland goal secures victory over Cardiff City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ "Albion sign Chris Mepham from AFC Bournemouth". www.wba.co.uk. 28 August 2025. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
- ^ "West Brom sign Bournemouth defender Mepham". BBC Sport. 28 August 2025. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
- ^ "Stoke City 0–1 West Bromwich Albion". ESPN. 30 August 2025. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
- ^ "Brentford FC Chris Mepham heading to Toulon Tournament". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 21 October 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
- ^ Chris Mepham at Soccerway. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- ^ "Brentford FC Mepham and Balcombe help home nations to wins". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 4 September 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
- ^ "Brentford FC Mepham and Mads captain nations in Euro Qualifiers". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 18 June 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
- ^ "Brentford FC Chris Mepham gets maiden full Wales Call-up". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 12 June 2021. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
- ^ "Brentford FC Wins for Mepham and Dalsgaard on international stage". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 6 August 2018. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
- ^ "Chris Mepham impresses on full debut for Wales". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 18 April 2021. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
- ^ "Uncapped Colwill in Wales Euro 2020 squad". BBC Sport.
- ^ 2022 Wales World Cup squad
- ^ "Chris Mepham". AFCB. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
- ^ "newsletter – Queensmead School – football". Retrieved 25 August 2017.
- ^ "Brentford FC BRENTFORD 'GAVE EVERYTHING' IN WEST LONDON DERBY". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 20 September 2017. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Mepham in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Mepham in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Mepham in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Mepham in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Mepham in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Mepham in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Mepham in 2025/2026". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 January 2026.
- ^ "Mepham, Chris". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
- ^ "Sheffield United 1–2 Sunderland: Line-ups". BBC Sport. 24 May 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chris Mepham.
- Chris Mepham at AFC Bournemouth
- Chris Mepham at Premier League (archived)
- Chris Mepham – UEFA competition record (archive)
- Chris Mepham at Soccerbase
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Chris Mepham
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Club career
Early career and youth
Chris Mepham was born on 5 November 1997 in Hammersmith, London, England.[5] He qualifies to represent Wales at international level through his paternal grandmother.[13] Mepham's family encouraged his passion for football from a young age, with his parents providing crucial support during his early development.[3] Mepham began playing organised football at the age of six and joined the Chelsea academy at around ten years old in 2008, where he spent four years developing as a centre-back.[14] Released by Chelsea at the age of 14 in 2012, he faced further setbacks with trial rejections from Watford and his boyhood club Queens Park Rangers, where feedback was particularly harsh, leaving him considering alternative career paths such as gardening.[3][15] During this period, he continued playing non-league football for the reserve side of North Greenford United in the Spartan South Midlands League.[3] In 2014, at age 16, Mepham joined Brentford's academy after being scouted, marking the start of his progression through the under-18 and B teams.[16] He balanced his academy commitments with education at Queensmead School in South Ruislip, where he later returned as a guest to inspire students.[17] This foundation in Brentford's youth setup paved the way for his transition to a professional contract.Brentford (2012–2019)
Mepham joined Brentford's academy in 2012 at the age of 14, having previously spent time in Chelsea's youth system.[7] He progressed through the youth ranks, featuring regularly for the under-18s and under-21s, and signed his first professional contract on 2 February 2016, which integrated him into the newly formed Brentford B development squad.[18] During the first half of the 2016–17 season, he made 21 appearances for the under-21 team, delivering strong defensive performances that included multiple clean sheets and helped solidify the backline.[19] On 6 January 2017, Mepham extended his contract until the end of the 2018–19 season.[19] Just one day later, on 7 January 2017, he made his senior debut for Brentford as a 77th-minute substitute for Harlee Dean in a 5–1 FA Cup third-round win over Eastleigh at Griffin Park.[20][21] Following the departure of Dean to Birmingham City on 30 August 2017, Mepham was promoted to the first-team squad and signed a new five-year contract on 18 September 2017, tying him to the club until 2022.[20] Mepham's breakthrough came during the 2017–18 Championship season, where he established himself as a key defender, making 23 appearances across all competitions and scoring his first senior goal—a header in a 1–1 draw against Sheffield United on 30 March 2018.[22] He often partnered with experienced centre-backs such as John Egan, contributing to a robust defensive unit that helped Brentford finish 9th in the league.[23] In the 2018–19 season, Mepham became a first-team regular under manager Dean Smith, starting 22 of Brentford's 25 league matches before the January transfer window, showcasing his composure on the ball and aerial prowess in Championship play. His performances drew interest from Premier League clubs, culminating in a club-record transfer to AFC Bournemouth on 22 January 2019 for a reported £12 million fee.[7] Over his time at Brentford from 2012 to 2019, Mepham amassed 48 first-team appearances and one goal, marking his evolution from academy prospect to a highly regarded young defender and Brentford's most expensive sale at the time.[24][25]AFC Bournemouth (2019–present)
Mepham joined AFC Bournemouth from Brentford on 22 January 2019 for a reported fee of £12 million, signing a long-term contract.[7] He made his debut for the club eight days later as a late substitute in a 4–0 Premier League victory over Chelsea on 30 January 2019.[26] His first start came shortly after on 2 February 2019 against Cardiff City, where he partnered Nathan Aké in central defence during a 2–0 home win. Under manager Eddie Howe, Mepham quickly established himself as a regular starter, featuring in 13 Premier League appearances during the remainder of the 2018–19 season and contributing to Bournemouth's defensive efforts in the top flight.[27] In the 2019–20 season, Mepham made 12 league appearances despite significant disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, which suspended play for several months, and helped maintain defensive solidity as Bournemouth conceded 57 goals in 38 matches.[28] However, a serious knee injury sustained in an FA Cup tie against Luton Town in January 2020 sidelined him for up to three months, requiring surgery and limiting his overall involvement.[29] The team ultimately suffered relegation to the Championship that summer, finishing 18th in the Premier League. Adapting to the second tier in 2020–21, Mepham featured in 24 league games, forming part of a backline that pushed for promotion but fell short, ending the campaign in sixth place.[28] Mepham's form peaked during the 2021–22 Championship season, where he recorded 22 league appearances with 12 starts and was praised for his physical presence, particularly in aerial duels, winning approximately 65% on average according to Opta data. His contributions were instrumental in Bournemouth's promotion push, culminating in a play-off final victory over Nottingham Forest in May 2022, securing a return to the Premier League. The following 2022–23 season saw him make 26 league appearances upon promotion, partnering Illia Zabarnyi effectively in central defence during Bournemouth's survival campaign under new manager Scott Parker and later Gary O'Neil.[28] Injuries began to impact Mepham from the 2022–23 season onward, including hamstring issues that limited his availability, though he still featured regularly in the Premier League.[30] By 2023–24, increased competition from new signings such as Illia Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez reduced his starts to nine in 13 league appearances under Andoni Iraola, as Bournemouth finished 12th.[28] The 2024–25 season saw him loaned to Sunderland, where he made 38 league appearances.[31] Returning briefly, Mepham featured in pre-season before completing a permanent transfer to West Bromwich Albion on 28 August 2025 for an undisclosed fee, ending his Bournemouth tenure.[2] Over his time at Bournemouth, Mepham amassed 107 league appearances and 2 goals, with a total exceeding 130 games across all competitions by 2025.[28]Sunderland (loan) (2024–2025)
On 30 August 2024, Chris Mepham joined Sunderland on a season-long loan from AFC Bournemouth, aiming to secure consistent first-team football after limited opportunities at his parent club during the early stages of the 2024–25 campaign.[32] The move to the Championship side was seen as an opportunity for the Wales international to rebuild his match sharpness and demonstrate his defensive qualities in a competitive environment.[9] Mepham made his debut for Sunderland on 21 September 2024, starting in a 1–0 victory over Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light, where he partnered Luke O'Nien at the heart of the defense and contributed to a clean sheet. He quickly established himself as a key player under manager Régis Le Bris, featuring in 38 of the club's 46 league matches and becoming a reliable presence in a backline that conceded just 45 goals over the regular season. His performances were highlighted by strong aerial duels won (averaging 2.8 per game) and interceptions, helping Sunderland secure a fourth-place finish in the Championship with 76 points.[33] Despite a minor injury concern in January 2025 following a 0–0 draw with Burnley, where he was substituted late, Mepham recovered swiftly and returned to the starting lineup without long-term disruption.[34] Over the course of the loan, he made 40 appearances across all competitions, scoring once in a 2–1 win over Cardiff City on 8 March 2025, and earned an average WhoScored rating of 6.8, making him the highest-rated centre-back in the division at one point.[35][36] Sunderland advanced to the playoff final after defeating Coventry City 3–2 on aggregate in the semi-finals, but Mepham's loan spell concluded at the end of the season without extension, as his Bournemouth contract expired. Régis Le Bris praised Mepham's professionalism and impact, describing him as "a gift" for the squad due to his experience and team-oriented approach, which proved vital during a promotion push that ended in a 2–1 playoff final victory over Sheffield United on 24 May 2025. Le Bris noted Mepham's ability to lead by example and adapt quickly, crediting him with stabilizing the defense amid a challenging schedule.[37]International career
Youth international career
Mepham received his first call-up to the Wales U17 team in 2013 at the age of 15, going on to earn 2 caps, including appearances in UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifiers.[4] He transitioned to the Wales U19 team in 2015, accumulating 5 caps and serving as captain during the 2016 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers, where he featured in a notable 2-1 victory over the Netherlands.[38] Mepham participated in those qualifiers, in which Wales failed to advance to the finals tournament. Mepham made his Wales U21 debut in 2017, earning a total of 3 caps, including during the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers, in which he partnered with fellow defender Ethan Ampadu in the back line.[39] Overall, Mepham amassed 10 caps across Wales' youth levels without scoring a goal, and was praised for his leadership qualities by coaches throughout his progression.Senior international career
Mepham made his senior international debut for Wales as a substitute in a 6–0 friendly victory over China on 22 March 2018, replacing Ben Davies in the 70th minute. He earned his first start the following month in a 0–0 draw against Mexico during a tour in the United States.[40] By the end of 2018, Mepham had featured in UEFA Nations League matches, including starts against Denmark in September (a 2–0 loss) and the Republic of Ireland (a 1–0 win).[41][42] Mepham contributed to Wales' successful UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying campaign, appearing in five matches as the team topped Group E with five wins and three draws.[43] Selected for the delayed tournament in 2021, he started all three group stage games against Switzerland (1–1 draw), Turkey (2–0 win), and Italy (0–1 loss), before featuring in the round of 16 defeat to Denmark (0–4). His performances helped Wales reach the knockout stage for the second consecutive European Championship. Wales qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup via playoffs, defeating Ukraine 1–0 and Scotland 3–1 on penalties, with Mepham playing in both legs. Named in the final squad, he started all three group matches in Qatar—against the United States (1–1 draw), Iran (2–0 win), and England (0–3 loss)—often partnering Joe Rodon in central defense, as Wales finished third in Group B and exited the tournament.[44][3] Following the World Cup, Mepham featured in the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League, earning eight caps across League B as Wales were relegated after finishing bottom of their group.[43] In the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, he appeared in seven matches, including the playoff semi-final win over Finland (4–1) and the final against Poland (0–0, 4–5 on penalties), where he was sent off late in extra time; Wales failed to qualify, finishing behind Croatia and Turkey in Group D.[45][46] Injuries limited Mepham's availability during this period, including a thigh problem in early 2023 that caused him to miss three internationals, and a muscle injury later that year amid his loan at Sunderland, sidelining him for friendlies.[47] He returned for the 2024–25 FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers, making five appearances by November 2025, including a clean sheet in the 1–0 win over Kazakhstan in September (his 50th cap) and a start in the 2–4 loss to Belgium, as well as featuring in the 1–0 win over Liechtenstein on 15 November.[48][49] As of 18 November 2025, Mepham has accumulated 52 senior caps for Wales without scoring, serving as a reliable squad option under manager Craig Bellamy, who has praised his defensive solidity alongside captain Ben Davies. He was named in the squad for the qualifier against North Macedonia on 18 November.[43][50]Personal life and playing style
Personal life
Mepham was born on 5 November 1997 in Hammersmith, London, and grew up in the nearby area of Ruislip, where he developed an early passion for football as a supporter of Queens Park Rangers. He attended Queensmead School in South Ruislip until the age of 16, when he transitioned to full-time training with Brentford's youth academy, while his parents emphasized the importance of maintaining his education alongside his sporting pursuits.[5][17][51] His family has been a cornerstone of his career, with parents Jim and Sue providing unwavering support through early rejections from youth academies at Chelsea, Watford, and QPR. The couple, who balanced their full-time jobs with attending matches and managing logistics, instilled a strong work ethic in Mepham, viewing education as non-negotiable even as football demands intensified. No siblings are publicly mentioned in accounts of his upbringing.[52][53][54] Following his move to Brentford's youth setup, Mepham relocated to the London area for training, and upon joining AFC Bournemouth in 2019, he settled in Dorset near the club's training ground in Kings Park. This base has allowed him to integrate into the local community while maintaining a relatively private lifestyle away from the spotlight.[5][55] In his personal interests, Mepham is an avid golfer, a sport he has cited as a favorite alternative to football, though he describes himself as not particularly skilled at it. As a proud Welsh international, he follows rugby union, supporting the national team, and occasionally shares fitness routines and training insights on social media platforms like Instagram.[56][57] Mepham has engaged in philanthropy, notably returning to his former school Queensmead in 2018 as a guest at their awards evening to inspire students, in collaboration with Brentford's community programs. More recently, in 2025, he has supported charitable causes through his new club West Bromwich Albion, including initiatives for children's welfare, though details remain limited due to his preference for discretion.[17][58] Known for maintaining a low media profile, Mepham avoids public disclosures about his personal relationships, with no confirmed details on romantic partnerships as of 2025. This approach underscores his focus on privacy amid a professional career that spans club and international commitments.[59]Playing style
Chris Mepham primarily operates as a right-footed centre-back, excelling in a ball-playing role that emphasizes composure under pressure and progression from the back. He favors short passes and frequently clears the ball to alleviate defensive threats, contributing to a high pass completion rate of 89.9% during the 2024–25 Championship season with Sunderland.[35][35] Among his key strengths, Mepham demonstrates aerial dominance, winning an average of 3.2 aerial duels per game, while also providing solid tackling contributions at 1.4 per 90 minutes. He has further showcased leadership in organizing the backline, particularly during his 2024–25 loan at Sunderland, where he served as a stabilizing presence in a youthful defense and was praised for his experience and vocal guidance.[35][60][61] Mepham's weaknesses include disciplinary issues, as he commits fouls frequently, which has occasionally disrupted his rhythm. His consistency has also been hampered by injury proneness, with notable absences due to knee and calf problems; between 2022 and 2025, these setbacks, including a recent illness, have limited his availability and led to extended periods out of action.[35][62][31] Over his career, Mepham has evolved from an aggressive, physically imposing tackler in the Championship at Brentford, where he relied on his 6'3" frame for dominance, to a more composed distributor in the Premier League with Bournemouth, adapting to higher technical demands through improved ball retention and decision-making.[63][64]Career statistics
Club
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Brentford | 2016–17 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2017–18 | 21 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 1 | |
| 2018–19 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | |
| Total | 43 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 1 | |
| AFC Bournemouth | 2018–19 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 |
| 2019–20 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 1 | |
| 2020–21 | 24 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 28 | 1 | |
| 2021–22 | 22 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | |
| 2022–23 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 0 | |
| 2023–24 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | |
| Total | 107 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 121 | 2 | |
| Sunderland (loan) | 2024–25 | 38 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 40 | 1 |
| West Bromwich Albion | 2025–26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Career total | 189 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 210 | 4 |
International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wales | 2018 | 4 | 0 |
| 2019 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 12 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 5 | 0 | |
| Total | 52 | 0 |