The former Chelsea starlet was one of the top UK students and won a scholarship to Eton College before choosing to pursue a career in soccer. Tudor Mendel Idow joined Bruce at the age of eight and remained at the academy until 2023, turning down a new contract offer. He joined Anderlecht and is currently featured in the book of the town of Ipswich.
It was clear from a young age that Mendel Idou would become a talented student. A year after joining Chelsea, he took part in the Children’s Genius competition on Channel 4, but when he came second he cried on camera. Two years later, he learns Portuguese, Mandarin and Arabic and beats 1,000 other children in language contests.
At the age of 13, Mendel Idow received the King’s Scholarship Award at Eaton. He chose one of the 14 boys each year for free or reduction after the eight subjects exam.
While at a well-known school, the midfielder passed A levels in Latin, Greek and history. That means he can speak at least six languages that he grew up in English as his native language.
Discussing his academic abilities in 2022, he told the FIFA website:
“It was determined after a rigorous examination process over two weeks and covers a variety of subjects, mathematics, Latin and divinity papers, giving some examples.
“Like all kids, I played football from a very young age. It was at the age of seven or eight that I realized I had special talent. At about the same time, I saw my academic gifts pay off.
“In the UK that approached me, there were different top academies in the UK. Chelsea were the people who showed that they were the most interesting and essentially the top academy. They really wanted to get me.”
Mendel Idow emerged as a key player on the academy side of Chelsea, earning a memorable winner in his comeback with Liverpool in the FA Youth Cup. However, he chose to leave the Bruce two years ago when he was told that Barcelona was interested in signing him.
When the Catalan movement to the giants was not materialized, the youngsters eventually joined Anderlecht. He was assigned to their youth side, the RSCA Futures, and scored in his debut in a narrow victory over Dender.
Mendel Idow signed a permanent contract with Ipswich Town last summer, highlighting at the youth level of Tractor Boys. He trained on a first team earlier this year, but has yet to make his senior debut.
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