30 Facts About Ezri Konsa

Early Life and Family Background

Ezri Konsa's journey to professional football began in a culturally rich and supportive environment.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on October 23, 1997, in Newham, Greater London, Ezri Konsa entered the world with a blend of DR Congolese and Angolan heritage.

2. Family Background: His father hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo, while his mother is Angolan, giving Konsa a diverse cultural upbringing.

3. Supportive Family: Konsa often credits his family, especially his brother, for their unwavering support and guidance during his formative years.

4. Football Enthusiast: From a young age, Konsa was passionate about football, idolizing players like Dimitar Berbatov and Sergio Ramos.

5. Neighborhood Influence: Despite growing up in a challenging neighborhood, football provided Konsa with a positive outlet and a path to professional aspirations.

Early Football Career

Konsa's initial steps in football were marked by dedication and early recognition of his talent.

6. Early Football Career: Konsa began his football journey at Senrab FC, a Sunday League club known for producing notable players like John Terry and Jermain Defoe.

7. First Manager: Tony Carroll, his first manager, nicknamed him ‘Little Rio,’ seeing similarities with Rio Ferdinand's playing style.

8. Charlton Athletic: At age 11, Konsa joined Charlton Athletic, where he began a scholarship in July 2014 and signed a long-term professional contract in December 2015.

9. First-Team Debut: Konsa made his debut for Charlton Athletic on August 9, 2016, in an EFL Cup match against Cheltenham Town.

10. Young Player of the Year: His impressive performances earned him Charlton Athletic's Young Player of the Year award, and he signed a new three-year contract in March 2017.

Rise to Professional Football

Konsa's career took significant strides as he moved through the ranks of English football.

11. Transfer to Brentford: In the summer of 2018, Konsa signed with Brentford, marking the beginning of his professional career in the English Football League.

12. Transfer to Aston Villa: A year later, in July 2019, Konsa joined newly promoted Premier League club Aston Villa, reuniting with manager Dean Smith.

13. Debut for Aston Villa: Konsa scored on his debut for Aston Villa in an EFL Cup tie against Crewe Alexandra on August 27, 2019.

14. Assist and Goal: On January 21, 2020, Konsa assisted Tyrone Mings in a 2–1 victory against Watford and scored his first Premier League goal on July 16, 2020, against Everton.

15. Contract Extension: On April 2, 2021, Konsa signed a contract extension with Aston Villa until 2026, solidifying his future with the club.

Achievements and Challenges

Konsa's career has been marked by notable achievements and overcoming challenges.

16. Double Scorer: On December 5, 2021, Konsa scored twice in a 2–1 victory over Leicester City, becoming the first defender to do so for Aston Villa since 2010.

17. Injury Setback: On May 15, 2022, Konsa suffered a serious knee injury, missing the final games of the 2021–22 season but was expected to return by August or September 2022.

18. Return from Injury: Konsa made his comeback on the opening day of the 2022–23 season on August 6, 2022, reestablishing himself as a first-team regular.

19. New Contract: On September 20, 2023, Konsa signed a new long-term contract with Aston Villa, ensuring his continued presence at the club.

International Career

Konsa's talent has also been recognized on the international stage, representing England at various youth levels.

20. International Career: Konsa has represented England at youth levels, including the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2018 Toulon Tournament with the under-21s.

21. U-20 World Cup: He was part of the England squad that won the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, making an appearance in the semi-final victory over Italy.

22. U-21 Toulon Tournament: Konsa played in the under-21 squad for the 2018 Toulon Tournament, contributing to the team's success in the final against Mexico.

23. First International Goal: Konsa scored his first international goal on October 11, 2018, in a 7–0 win over Andorra during the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification.

24. Senior Debut: In March 2024, Konsa received his first call-up for the England senior team and made his debut shortly after.

Premier League and Leadership

Konsa's experience in the Premier League and his leadership qualities have made him a key player for Aston Villa.

25. Premier League Experience: Since joining Aston Villa in 2019, Konsa has showcased his defensive skills at the highest level of English football.

26. Leadership Role: As a senior player and England international, Konsa is committed to mentoring young players at Villa, ensuring they receive the same support he did.

27. Cultural Influence: Proud of his diverse heritage, Konsa values the opportunity to speak multiple languages and appreciates the international squad at Villa.

28. Community Engagement: Through the Premier League's No Room For Racism initiative, Konsa emphasizes the importance of diversity on the pitch.

29. Role Model: Konsa's journey from a challenging neighborhood to professional football inspires young players to seek the right support and guidance.

30. Future Ambitions: With a new long-term contract at Aston Villa and continued international recognition, Konsa aims to make significant contributions to both his club and country.

Ezri Konsa: A Rising Star in Football

Ezri Konsa's journey from a challenging neighborhood in Newham to the Premier League is nothing short of inspiring. His early days at Senrab FC, followed by his time at Charlton Athletic, laid a solid foundation. Moving to Brentford and then Aston Villa, Konsa's career trajectory has been impressive. Scoring on his Villa debut and earning a contract extension until 2026 highlight his value to the team. His international career, including winning the U-20 World Cup with England, showcases his talent on a global stage. Despite setbacks like his knee injury, Konsa's resilience shines through. His commitment to community engagement and support for young players further cements his role as a role model. With a new long-term contract and continued international recognition, Konsa's future in football looks bright. His story is a testament to hard work, determination, and the power of supportive family and community.