Shumaira Zion "Shim" Mheuka (born 20 October 2007) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for club Celtic, on loan from club Chelsea.
Club career Early career Born in England to Zimbabwean parents, Mheuka joined Brighton & Hove Albion at the age of nine. He was educated at Ardingly College. He progressed through Brighton & Hove Albion's academy, making his under-18 debut at just fourteen years old.
Chelsea In July 2022, Mheuka signed with fellow Premier League club Chelsea. He made his debut for Chelsea's under-18 team in a 2–1 win over West Bromwich Albion in October 2022.
On 12 December 2024, Mheuka made his first-team debut for Chelsea, coming on as a second-half substitute in their UEFA Conference League tie against Astana in Kazakhstan. His Premier League debut came on 25 February 2025 as a late substitute against Southampton.
On 6 March 2025, Mheuka made history as the youngest player to start for Chelsea in a European competition in a 2–1 away victory over Copenhagen.
Celtic (loan) On 2 September 2026, Mheuka signed a new five-year deal with Chelsea, before being loaned to Scottish Premiership club Celtic until the end of the season. Mheuka made his debut later that day, coming on as a substitute in a 3–0 victory over Aberdeen.
International career Mheuka has represented England at under-15 and under-16 level. He remains eligible to represent Zimbabwe at international level.
On 6 September 2023, Mheuka made his England U17 debut and scored during a 3–2 defeat to Portugal at the Pinatar Arena. He was included in the squad for the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship and scored during the last group game against Spain. He also started in their quarter-final elimination against Italy.
On 4 September 2024, Mheuka made his England U18 debut during a 2–2 draw with Portugal at the Lafarge Foot Avenir.
On 9 October 2024, Mheuka made his U19 debut during a 2–1 defeat to Portugal in Marbella. He was a member of England's squad at the 2025 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
On 29 September 2026, Mheuka scored on his debut for England U20 against France in the 2026–27 Under 20 Elite League.
Personal life Family His father, Malcolm, was born in Dangamvura, Mutare, Zimbabwe, and played as an attacking midfielder for the Zimbabwe Saints and Circle Cement in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League. His younger brother, Tendah, plays for the academy of Brighton & Hove Albion.
Sponsorship Mheuka is sponsored by German sportswear manufacturer Adidas.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupEuropeOtherTotal DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsChelsea U212024–25————30302025–26————1111Total————4141Chelsea2024–25Premier League1000004000502025–26Premier League10102000—40Total201020400090Celtic (loan)2026–27Scottish Premiership10000000—10Career total3010204041141
Honours Chelsea U18 U18 Premier League Southern Champion: 2023–24
Chelsea U21 Premier League 2: 2025–26
Chelsea UEFA Conference League: 2024–25 FA Cup runner-up: 2025–26
Individual Premier League 2 Player of the Season: 2025–26
References