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Caleb Wiley
American soccer player From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Caleb Ryan Wiley (born December 22, 2004) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a left-back or left wing-back for EFL Championship club Watford, on loan from Premier League side Chelsea, and the United States national team.[2]
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Club career
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Atlanta United
Early career
Wiley grew up in Atlanta's Morningside neighborhood, playing soccer, football, basketball, and baseball in elementary school before focusing on soccer as he grew older.[3] At 11 years old, Wiley participated in an open tryout for enrollment in Atlanta United's youth academy, and secured one of 30 spots on the fledgling club's U-12 team.[4] Joining the academy just before the professional outfit began their inaugural Major League Soccer season, Wiley remained heavily involved with the club through his debut with Atlanta United 2 in 2020. In 2018, Wiley served as a ball boy as Atlanta defeated the Portland Timbers in the 2018 MLS Cup final.[5]
In July 2020, Wiley made his professional debut with Atlanta's USL Championship affiliate, appearing in a 2–1 defeat to the Tampa Bay Rowdies.[6]
Professional
On January 18, 2022, Wiley signed a homegrown player contract with Atlanta United.[7][8] In February, he made his MLS debut against Sporting Kansas City, scoring late in Atlanta's 3–1 victory.[9] With the team suffering from a number of injuries, Wiley found himself moving up the depth chart, finishing the 2022 season with 26 league appearances to his name.[10]
In February 2023, Wiley was named amongst American Soccer Now's top 20 young Americans to watch during the 2023 Major League Soccer season.[11] It didn't take Wiley long to live up to those expectations, scoring twice and providing an additional assist in Atlanta's week three victory over Charlotte FC.[12] At 18 years and 79 days of age, he became the fifth-youngest player in league history to contribute to three goals in a single game.[13] As a result of that performance, he was named to the league's Team of the Matchday for week three[14] and was named Player of the Week.[15] He added his third goal of the season the following week in a 5–1 victory over Portland.[16] Wiley concluded the season with four goals in 33 MLS appearances, as Atlanta were eliminated from the playoffs by eventual champions Columbus. Wiley was believed to have a high upside, but remained "an incomplete attacking player" as well as "a flawed defensive one" according to anaylsts from The Athletic, owing to lapses in his defensive decision-making and awareness.[17]
Chelsea
On July 22, 2024, Premier League club Chelsea announced the signing of Wiley on a six-year contract,[18] paying a transfer fee of approximately £8.5 million.[19]
Loan to Strasbourg
On August 11, 2024, Wiley was loaned out to BlueCo-owned Ligue 1 club Strasbourg on a season-long deal.[20] He made his competitive debut on August 18, 2024 in Strasbourg's 1–1 draw with Montpellier.[21]
Loan to Watford
On February 3, 2025, Wiley was recalled from his loan at Strasbourg and joined EFL Championship club Watford on loan.[22]
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International career
In early 2020, Wiley, alongside Atlanta United Academy teammate Efrain Morales, was called up to the United States U17 squad for a UEFA Development Tournament taking place in England.[23] He made his youth international debut on February 19, 2020, playing the entirety of a 2–1 defeat to Spain.[24] In November 2021, at just 16 years of age, he was called up to the United States U20 roster.[25]
On April 12, 2023, Wiley received his first called up to the USMNT.[26] Seven days later, he made his senior national team debut in a 1–1 draw in a friendly against Mexico.[27]
On October 8, Wiley was called up to the United States under-23 national team ahead of friendlies against Mexico and Japan.[28] In July 2024, he was called up to the United States under-23 national team to compete in 2024 Summer Olympics.[29]
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Player profile
Style of play
Wiley is known for his pace, crossing, and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, marking him as a versatile option in the fullback position.[30] He has additionally been utilized as a wingback and a winger during his professional career.[17]
Career statistics
Club
- As of match played 3 May 2025[2]
- Includes U.S. Open Cup
- Appearances in Leagues Cup
- Appearances in MLS Cup Playoffs
International
- As of match played September 10, 2024[2]
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References
External links
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