30 Facts About Reiss Nelson

Early Life and Background

Reiss Nelson's journey to professional football began in the bustling streets of London. His early years were shaped by his environment and the people around him.

1. Early Life and Education: Born in Elephant and Castle, London, Reiss attended the London Nautical School, where his passion for football blossomed. This school has a history of producing talented players like John Bostock and Jadon Sancho.

2. Family Background: His mother, of Jamaican descent, played a crucial role in his success. She juggled two jobs to support Reiss and his siblings, ensuring he never missed a training session.

Joining Arsenal and Early Career

Reiss's talent was evident from a young age, leading him to join one of the most prestigious football academies in England.

3. Joining Arsenal Academy: At just nine years old, Reiss joined the Arsenal Academy in 2008. His skills quickly stood out, and he was awarded his first professional contract by Arsène Wenger on his 17th birthday.

4. Debut and Early Career: Reiss made his debut for Arsenal in the 2017 FA Community Shield. His competitive start came in the Carabao Cup against Doncaster Rovers, where he showcased his potential.

International Youth Career

Reiss's talent wasn't confined to club football. He also made significant contributions to England's youth teams.

5. Youth International Career: Reiss represented England at various youth levels, starting with the under-16s in 2014. He was part of the under-17 team that reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2016, earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament.

Loan Spells and Growth

To gain more experience, Reiss went on several loan spells that helped him grow as a player.

6. Loan Spells: Reiss spent the 2018-2019 season on loan at TSG Hoffenheim in Germany. He impressed with eight goals, becoming the third-youngest player to score five Bundesliga goals.

7. Return to Arsenal: After his successful stint in Germany, Reiss returned to Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. Despite facing injuries, Arteta recognized his importance and began deploying him more regularly.

8. Loan to Feyenoord: In 2020, Reiss moved to Feyenoord in the Netherlands on loan. He played a key role in helping the team reach the UEFA Europa Conference League final in 2021-2022.

Personal Qualities and Community Involvement

Reiss is not just a footballer; he's also a community hero, deeply involved in various initiatives.

9. Personal Qualities: Known for his positive and friendly personality, Reiss has always had strong support from his close-knit family.

10. Community Involvement: Beyond football, Reiss is deeply involved in his community. He has coached in local areas and participated in campaigns like No More Red to combat knife crime.

11. Renovation of Michael Faraday Primary School Pitch: Reiss's latest project involves renovating the pitch at his former school, Michael Faraday Primary School. The project includes a new pitch and floodlights, unveiled alongside Arsenal legend Ian Wright.

12. Mentorship Role: Reiss continues to mentor at the London Nautical School, inspiring younger generations.

Relationships and Friendships

Reiss has formed meaningful relationships throughout his career, both on and off the pitch.

13. Friendship with Jadon Sancho: Reiss and Jadon Sancho became friends after playing together in youth tournaments. Both hail from South London and have achieved significant success in football.

Talent and Achievements

Reiss's talent has been recognized through various awards and nominations.

14. Talent Development: Playing as a winger, Reiss's speed and trickery were evident from an early age, especially during a pre-season friendly against Sydney FC in 2017.

15. Arsenal U23 Performances: Reiss shone for the Arsenal U23s, scoring a memorable backheeled flick in a 4-1 win against Chelsea U23s.

16. Premier League 2 Player of the Year: His stellar form in the 2017-2018 Premier League 2 season, with nine goals and three assists in eleven games, earned him the Premier League 2 Player of the Year award.

17. Golden Boy Award Nomination: Reiss was nominated for the 2019 Golden Boy award, recognizing outstanding players aged 21 and under in a European nation's top flight.

18. Bundesliga Rookie of the Month: During his loan at Hoffenheim, Reiss won the Bundesliga rookie of the month for November 2018, becoming the third-youngest player to score five Bundesliga goals.

Challenges and Resilience

Reiss has faced several challenges but has shown remarkable resilience throughout his career.

19. Eligibility to Play for Zimbabwe: Due to his father's heritage, Reiss is eligible to represent Zimbabwe, though he has consistently played for England's youth teams.

20. Injury Challenges: Injuries have limited his playing opportunities at Arsenal, but Reiss has persevered and become a more regular player.

Community Impact and Personal Growth

Reiss's impact extends beyond football, as he continues to uplift his community and grow personally.

21. Community Impact: Reiss has participated in various projects aimed at uplifting his community, particularly in South London.

22. Football's Influence on Younger Generations: Reiss emphasizes the importance of forming strong relationships off the pitch to enhance performance on it.

23. School Days and Team Spirit: His school days at the London Nautical School were filled with a strong team spirit, often setting challenges for himself and his teammates.

24. Family Support: Reiss's family has always been supportive of his career, with his sister regularly driving him to training sessions.

25. Personal Growth in Germany: His time in Germany was a period of significant personal growth, learning to handle everyday tasks independently.

26. Table Tennis Skills: Reiss is an avid table tennis player, claiming to be "probably the best in the league" at it.

27. Community Heroes: Reiss is often described as a community hero, participating in anti-knife crime campaigns and coaching in local areas.

Future Prospects

Reiss continues to be a promising talent for Arsenal and beyond.

28. Arsenal's Future Star: Reiss is hailed as one of Arsenal's future stars, with senior players like Alexandre Lacazette praising his talent.

29. Current Status: As of 2024, Reiss is a winger for Premier League club Fulham, on loan from Arsenal, contributing significantly to both teams.

30. Legacy and Impact: Reiss's legacy extends beyond football, inspiring countless young footballers and serving as a role model for his community.

Reiss Nelson: A Rising Star and Community Hero

Reiss Nelson's journey from Elephant and Castle to the Premier League showcases his talent, hard work, and dedication. From joining the Arsenal Academy at nine to making his debut in the 2017 FA Community Shield, Nelson has consistently impressed. His loan spells at TSG Hoffenheim and Feyenoord further honed his skills, making him a valuable asset for Arsenal and now Fulham.

Beyond the pitch, Nelson's commitment to his community stands out. Renovating the pitch at Michael Faraday Primary School and participating in anti-knife crime campaigns highlight his dedication to giving back. His friendship with Jadon Sancho and mentorship roles show his influence on younger generations.

Nelson's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and community support. As he continues to shine in football, his legacy as a role model and community hero grows stronger.