Josiah King, a 17-year-old footballer of Liberian descent, is emerging as one of the promising young talents in the academy of Arsenal F.C. and could be a player for Liberian football followers to keep an eye on in the coming years.
Born in Leytonstone, England, to Liberian parents, King recently signed his first professional contract with Arsenal after progressing through the club’s famed Hale End Academy since joining in 2019. The versatile youngster can operate as a right-back, full-back, or winger and is known for his pace, dribbling ability, and attacking threat.
King enjoyed a standout 2024/25 season, scoring in Arsenal’s U16 Premier League Cup final against Chelsea, and has continued his development with the club’s U18 side. He also provided a memorable assist in a 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town after an impressive solo run.
At international level, King has represented England at U16 and U17 levels. However, with both of his parents originating from Liberia, he remains eligible to represent the Liberia national football team in the future.
As Liberia continues to track talented players with Liberian heritage across Europe and beyond, Josiah King is certainly one of the young prospects whose progress could be worth monitoring closely. At just 17 years old and already on a professional pathway at Arsenal, the future looks bright for the promising defender.
Player Profile
Name: Josiah King
Date of Birth: January 22, 2009
Club: Arsenal U18
Position: Right-back / Winger
International Eligibility: England & Liberia
Parents: Both Liberian
