Tottenham Hotspur, one of the clubs playing the prestigious English Premier League, gained popularity in Kenya after former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama joined the team in June 2016.
Before that, he made history as the first Kenyan to play in the EPL, signing with Southampton in July 2013 from Scottish giants Celtic. Wanyama left Spurs in March 2020 after 97 appearances, seven goals, and a key role in their 2018-2019 Champions League final run.
Since Wanyama, no Kenyan had played in the EPL until July 2022, when Tottenham signed Djed Spence. A versatile fullback. Spence primarily plays as a right-back but can also cover the left.
Born on August 9, 2000, in London to a Jamaican father and a Kenyan mother, he is eligible to represent Kenya, Jamaica, or England internationally.
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Aisha Spence
Spence's mother, Aisha, hails from Central Kenya but has spent most of her life in the United Kingdom. She is the co-founder and director of BeSpoke Art Services Limited, a company specializing in artwork framing. She studied at the West of England College, Lewisham College, and Goldsmiths University.
Aisha played a key role in Spence’s early career, attending his matches and even washing kits at Junior Elite, where he developed his skills.
Spence joined Spurs after an impressive 2021-2022 season at Nottingham Forest, helping them secure EPL promotion. However, he struggled under then manager Antonio Conte, leading to loan spells at Rennes, Leeds United, and Genoa.
Ahead of the 2024-2025 season, Spence excelled in preseason, earning a contract extension until October 2028. His strong performances continued into the season, where injuries to other players forced him into an unfamiliar left-back role, which he adapted to seamlessly.
His standout moment came on February 22, 2025, when he scored his first EPL goal in a 4-1 win over Ipswich Town. This was after providing a couple of assists in the games prior and scoring in domestic cup competitions.
In the current season, Spence has won favour with the Spurs fans and has been known for his marauding runs from defense, leading to dangerous attacks in the final third.
Spence has been mentioned as a potential Harambee Stars player but has yet to pledge his allegiance to Kenya. His only international experience came with England’s U-21 squad, keeping his options open for a senior call-up. His recent form has drawn praise from pundits, with former England striker Gary Lineker advocating for his inclusion in the national team.
Defensively astute despite standing over 6 feet tall, Spence has been touted as having the makings of a ‘complete’ full-back akin to legends such as Ashley Cole, Marcelo, Roberto Carlos, and Phillip Lahm of the yesteryears.
With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers approaching, Spence could receive a call-up from England manager Thomas Tuchel, likely ending any hopes of him representing Kenya. A chance to play for Jamaica remains, but little has been said on that front.
Regardless of his international future, Spence's talent is undeniable, and he is emerging as one of the EPL’s top full-backs.