Meet the Kenyan Footballer Making Waves in the English Premier League—Not Wanyama
Tottenham Hotspur, a well-known club in the English Premier League, became popular in Kenya after Victor Wanyama, a former captain of the Harambee Stars, joined them in June 2016.
Before moving to Spurs, Wanyama made history as the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League when he signed with Southampton in July 2013. He had transferred from Scottish club Celtic. Wanyama played 97 matches for Spurs, scored seven goals, and was an important player in their journey to the 2018-2019 Champions League final before leaving in March 2020.
Since Wanyama’s departure, Kenya had no player in the EPL until Tottenham signed Djed Spence in July 2022. Spence is a versatile defender who mainly plays as a right-back but can also operate on the left.
Born on August 9, 2000, in London, Spence has a Jamaican father and a Kenyan mother, making him eligible to represent Kenya, Jamaica, or England in international football.
Spence’s mother, Aisha, comes from Central Kenya but has lived most of her life in the UK. She is the co-founder and director of BeSpoke Art Services Limited, a company that specializes in framing artwork. She studied at the West of England College, Lewisham College, and Goldsmiths University. Aisha has supported Spence throughout his career, attending his games and even washing kits at Junior Elite, where he developed his football skills.
Spence moved to Spurs after an impressive 2021-2022 season with Nottingham Forest, where he helped them get promoted to the Premier League. However, he found it difficult to get playing time under manager Antonio Conte, leading to loan spells at Rennes, Leeds United, and Genoa.
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Before the 2024-2025 season, Spence performed well in preseason matches, which led to a contract extension until October 2028. He continued to impress during the season, stepping into the left-back position due to injuries to other players. He adapted well to the role and proved his value to the team.
One of his standout moments came on February 22, 2025, when he scored his first Premier League goal in a 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town. This came after he had provided assists in previous matches and also scored in domestic cup competitions.
Spence has gained a lot of support from Spurs fans because of his attacking runs from defense, which create goal-scoring chances. There have been discussions about him playing for Kenya’s national team, but he has not yet made a decision. So far, he has only played for England’s U-21 team, keeping his options open for the senior level. His recent performances have impressed football experts, with former England striker Gary Lineker even calling for him to be included in the England national team.
Despite being over six feet tall, Spence is strong defensively and has been compared to legendary full-backs such as Ashley Cole, Marcelo, Roberto Carlos, and Phillip Lahm.
As the 2026 World Cup qualifiers approach, England manager Thomas Tuchel may call him up, which would likely mean he won’t play for Kenya. There is also a chance he could represent Jamaica, but there hasn’t been much discussion about that.
Regardless of which country he chooses to play for, Spence’s talent is clear, and he is becoming one of the best full-backs in the Premier League.
Meet the Kenyan Footballer Making Waves in the English Premier League—Not Wanyama
