Chelsea F.C. have confirmed that Academy defender Dante Waite has signed his first professional contract with the club.

Waite joined Chelsea’s academy at Under-8 level after progressing through the club’s development center and has risen through the youth ranks.

The 17-year-old became a regular for the club’s Under-18 side during the 2024/25 season while still a schoolboy and was later appointed team captain.

He played a key role in Chelsea Under-18s’ successful campaign, helping the side win the Premier League South title.

At international level, Waite has earned two appearances for England national under-18 football team, featuring in matches against Greece and Cyprus.

The young defender will now look to continue his development after securing his first professional deal, with attention turning to whether he can break into Chelsea’s senior squad in the coming seasons.