Joey Phuthi (born 2 January 2005) is a Zimbabwean professional footballer who 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. He made his senior and professional debut with Sheffield Wednesday as a substitute in a 2–0 English Football League loss to Coventry City on 26 December 2023. 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
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsSheffield Wednesday2023–24Championship101000–202024–25Championship000000–00Total1010000020Eastbourne Borough2025–26National League South10000–3One appearance in FA Trophy and two appearances in Sussex Senior Cup0130Cleethorpes Town2025–26NPL Premier Division10000–00100Whitby Town2026–27NPL Premier Division9310–00103Career total293200030343
International
National team Year Apps GoalsZimbabwe 2024 2 0 Total 2 0
References
External links