Quick Facts
GeminiBiography
Nicolas Jackson (born 19 June 2001) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Chelsea. Born in The Gambia, he plays for the Senegal national team.
Club career
Early career
Born in Banjul and with Senegalese ancestry, Jackson moved to Ziguinchor, Senegal at the age of 16. He began playing for local side ASC Tilene before joining Casa Sports, where he was a part of the first team squad during the 2018–19 season. He was also named man of the match in a 1–1 draw against AS Pikine on 16 November 2018.
Villarreal
In September 2019, Jackson agreed to a contract with La Liga side Villarreal, being assigned to the Juvenil A squad.
Loan to Mirandés
On 5 October 2020, after finishing his formation, Jackson was loaned to Segunda División side Mirandés for the 2020–21 season. He made his professional debut thirteen days later, coming on as a second-half substitute for Antonio Caballero in a 0–0 home draw against Mallorca.
Jackson scored his first professional goal on 28 November 2020, netting the opener in a 1–1 home draw against CD Castellón. It was his only goal of the season, as the Jabatos finished in the 10th position.
Breakthrough
Upon returning, Jackson played for Villarreal's B-team in Primera División RFEF, scoring seven goals as the side achieved promotion to the second division. He made his first team – and La Liga – debut on 3 October 2021, replacing Arnaut Danjuma late into a 2–0 home win over Real Betis.
Jackson scored his first goal in the top tier on 13 August 2022, netting the opener in a 3–0 away success over Real Valladolid. Thirteen days later, he and teammate Álex Baena were promoted to the main squad.
In January 2023, Villarreal agreed a £22.5 million deal from AFC Bournemouth for the signing of Jackson but he failed his medical due to hamstring issues. After returning to action in March, he scored nine goals within the months of April and May, which included braces against Celta de Vigo, Athletic Bilbao and Cádiz.
Chelsea
On 30 June 2023, Jackson signed for Premier League club Chelsea on an eight-year deal lasting until 2031.
International career
Born in the Gambia, Jackson was raised in Senegal and is a dual citizen. He represented Senegal at under-20 level, receiving his first call-up in November 2018.
After being called up to the full side by manager Aliou Cissé for two friendlies in September 2022, Jackson was included in the 26-man list for the 2022 FIFA World Cup on 11 November 2022. He made his full international debut in Senegal's opening match of the competition, replacing Krépin Diatta in a 2–0 loss against the Netherlands.
Career statistics
Club
- As of match played 4 June 2023
| Club | Season | League | National cup | Europe | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Mirandés | 2020–21 | Segunda División | 16 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 17 | 1 | ||
| Villarreal B | 2021–22 | Primera División RFEF | 25 | 5 | — | — | 2 | 2 | 27 | 7 | ||
| Villarreal | 2021–22 | La Liga | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 10 | 0 | |
| 2022–23 | La Liga | 26 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 1 | — | 38 | 13 | ||
| Total | 35 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 1 | — | 48 | 13 | |||
| Chelsea | 2023–24 | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| Career total | 76 | 18 | 4 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 92 | 21 | ||
International
- As of match played 20 June 2023
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senegal | 2022 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 | |
| Total | 3 | 0 | |
Honours
Individual
- La Liga Player of the Month: May 2023