Tudor Olorunninbe Mendel-Idowu (born 15 January 2005) is an English professional footballer who plays as a right winger for club Luton Town, on loan from club Ipswich Town.
Early life Born in Berkshire, England, Mendel-Idowu was regarded as a child prodigy academically, featuring numerous times in national and international competitions, most notably coming second in the 2014 edition of Child Genius. Mendel-Idowu attended independent boys' preparatory boarding school Ludgrove School. At the age of thirteen, he was made a King's Scholar at Eton College.
Club career Early career He joined the youth academy of Chelsea at under-8 level, following interest from numerous other clubs including Arsenal and Tottenham. In July 2021, he signed a new contract with the club.
Following the conclusion of the 2022–23 season, with his contract set to expire, Mendel-Idowu was offered a new deal by Chelsea. However, on 18 July 2023, it was reported by Spanish journalist Albert Rogé that Mendel-Idowu had rejected this offer, and was close to joining Spanish side Barcelona.
Anderlecht Despite these links, on 27 July 2023, he officially signed for Belgian side Anderlecht. Initially assigned to the club's reserve team, RSCA Futures, Mendel-Idowu scored on his debut in the Challenger Pro League in a 3–2 win against Dender.
Ipswich Town On 3 September 2024, Mendel-Idowu joined Premier League side Ipswich Town on a permanent deal. He made his debut on 25 August 2026 against Leicester City in the EFL Cup.
On 1 September 2026, Mendel-Idowu joined League One club Luton Town on a loan deal until January 2027.
International career Eligible to represent both England and Nigeria at international level, Mendel-Idowu was first called up to the England under-15 team in 2019. He scored his first England Under-17s goal against Scotland on 8 February in a 3–0 win and followed that up with a further 2 goals in England U17's next game playing as a right winger. He later made substitute appearances against France and Luxembourg in the England U17 qualification games.
Personal life Mendel-Idowu's maternal grandfather is John Adeleye-Abai, who played for the Nigeria national football team as a winger. His paternal grandfather, Dr Fola Kayode Mendel-Idowu, was a gifted academic, who specialised in bio-aeronautics and was Africa's first 'flying doctor'.
Career statistics Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsChelsea U212022–23———1010RSCA Futures2023–24Challenger Pro League161———161Ipswich Town2026–27Premier League000010—10Luton Town (loan)2026–27League One2000—1030Career total181001020211
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