Leonard Chibueze Duru (born 12 January 2005) is a professional soccer player who plays as a right-back for the EFL Championship club Blackburn Rovers. Born in England, he is a youth international for the United States.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Leonard Chibueze Duru | ||
| Date of birth | 12 January 2005 | ||
| Place of birth | Manchester, England | ||
| Height | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Right-back | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Blackburn Rovers | ||
| Number | 39 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Manchester United | |||
| 2015–2024 | Blackburn Rovers | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2024– | Blackburn Rovers | 1 | (0) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 2024– | United States U20 | 1 | (0) |
|
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 14:49, 14 October 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 14:49, 14 October 2024 (UTC) | |||
Club career
editDuru was part of the academy at Manchester United before joining Blackburn Rovers as a U10.[1] On 7 July 2021, he signed a scholarship contract with Blackburn and was promoted to their U23s.[2] He signed his first professional contract with the club for one year on 25 May 2023.[3] On 13 May 2024, he extended his contract again until 2026 with an option for another year.[4] He made his senior and professional debut with Blackburn in a 6–1 EFL Cup win over Stockport County on 13 August 2024.[5]
International career
editBorn in England, Duru is eligible to play for England, Nigeria and the United States.[6] He is eligible for the United States via his American mother who is from Philadelphia.[7] In October 2024, he was called up to the United States U20s for a set of friendlies.[8]
References
edit- ^ "Blackburn Rovers U18 star Duru on target against former club Manchester United | All Nigeria Soccer". www.allnigeriasoccer.com.
- ^ McDougall, John (July 7, 2021). "The 10 Blackburn youngsters aiming to become the next Nyambe or Lenihan". Lancs Live.
- ^ FC, Blackburn Rovers (May 25, 2023). "Pro deal for Duru!". Blackburn Rovers FC.
- ^ "Exciting Blackburn Rovers youngster sets big target after penning new deal". Lancashire Telegraph. May 14, 2024.
- ^ "Blackburn Rovers player ratings as Sam Szmodics and John Buckley stand out". Lancashire Telegraph. August 13, 2024.
- ^ "Nigeria considering approach for Blackburn Rovers youngster". Lancashire Telegraph. July 13, 2021.
- ^ "After impressing with the U.S. U-20 team, Duru aiming for more in 2025". American Soccer Now. 18 December 2024.
- ^ "Mitrović Call 22 Players for Friendlies Against 2025 U20 World Cup Hosts Chile". YANKS ABROAD. 5 October 2024.
External links
edit- Leo Duru at Soccerway