Kenyan youngster Ray Robert signs first professional contract with Everton FC

Ray Robert during his signing and unveiling at Everton FC. (Photo: Everton)

By Erick Kariuki
Thursday, October 23, 2025

Ray Robert, who joined Everton’s Academy at the tender age of seven, has steadily risen through the youth ranks to become one of the standout talents in the club’s Under-18 setup.

Kenyan football roots continue to soar high in the Premier League system as 17-year-old Ray Robert, a promising forward of Kenyan descent, has signs his first professional contract with English Premier League side Everton FC, committing his future to the club until June 2028.

Robert, who joined Everton’s Academy at the tender age of seven, has steadily risen through the youth ranks to become one of the standout talents in the club’s Under-18 setup. His hard work and progression were rewarded with a three-year professional deal, a major milestone in his young career.

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The teenage sensation made history earlier this year when he became the first-ever Everton player to score at the club’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, converting a penalty against Wigan Athletic Under-18s during the ground’s maiden test event in February, a moment that captured the hearts of Evertonians around the world.

Reflecting on his journey, an emotional Robert told evertonfc.com.

“It’s a surreal moment for me and my family. It’s what you dream about growing up as a kid to be a professional footballer at Everton, a massive club.”

He added, “I joined when I was seven and I’ve been here throughout that time. I’m grateful to the coaches, staff and everyone who has helped and been there for me. With my development, I feel like I’ve improved a lot as a player, so I’m very happy with that.”

Ray Robert during his signing and unveiling at Everton FC. (Photo: Everton)

Now a key player for Everton’s Under-18 side, Robert has already contributed two goals and two assists in five league games this season.

Having debuted for the team at just 15 years old in December 2023, his maturity and technical ability have set him apart.

Playing alongside older teammates, he says, has been crucial to his growth.

“Playing with older players improves you a lot because when you’re up against bigger and stronger players, you have to think quicker, play the ball more quickly and have better distribution. So I think playing up with the Under-18s before this season was really good for me and my development.”

Robert’s achievement continues a growing trend of Kenyan-heritage players making waves in England’s top flight, following in the footsteps of talents like Tyler Onyango, who also rose through the Everton ranks.

Looking ahead, Robert is hungry for more success at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

“At the time, it was a really big moment for me. To be the first Everton player to score at the new stadium was a great achievement. Going forward, I just want to carry on what I’m doing and hopefully there’ll be more opportunities to play there again.”