Who is Ceadach O'Neill? Age, nationality, position, stats and more

There are numerous Hale End academy stars eyeing a potential Arsenal first-team breakthrough, and young forward Ceadach O'Neill is among them.

Mikel Arteta has developed a reputation for blooding youngsters throughout his tenure at the Emirates, unearthing the likes of Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Max Dowman. Meanwhile, Marli Salmon regularly makes matchday squads these days, while Ife Ibrahim and Theo Julienne have been on the periphery of the senior squad in recent months.

In a surprise move, Arteta has involved 18-year-old O'Neill against Fleetwood Town in the League Cup on Tuesday night.

While the Northern Irish starlet was involved a handful of times in Arsenal's pre-season, he may be a name many fans don't recognise.

With that said, here is everything you need to know about the rising star.

How old is Ceadach O'Neill?

Ceadach O'Neill was born on 10th April 2008, making him 18 years old at the time of writing, signing his first professional contract with Arsenal in the spring of 2025.

Ceadach O'Neill Nationality

Born in Kilrea, County Londonderry, in Northern Ireland, O'Neill has chosen to represent his birth nation, although he was also eligible to represent the Republic of Ireland.

Such is the calibre of his talent; he's already played for the Northern Irish senior side, despite not yet making a senior club appearance outside of the NIFL Premiership. He was called up to the Green and White Army's squad for friendlies against Guinea and France over the summer, before being involved in Michael O'Neill's squad again during the October international break.

He's already accumulated four caps.

What position does Ceadach O'Neill play in?

O'Neill is a versatile forward capable of operating in any of the three positions across the frontline. That said, he has predominantly been used centrally for Arsenal's various youth teams.

He has already developed a knack for getting on the end of moves, finishing the 2025/26 season as the top scorer across the Gunners' academy, netting 18 times in 30 appearances.

How good is Ceadach O'Neill?

Despite his age, O'Neill has no problem mixing it up with senior players, showcasing his physical capabilities. He made two appearances for NIFL side Linfield's first team at the age 15 before he made the switch to Arsenal's academy in 2024.

He's a technical forward who floats across the pitch, popping up in various areas to influence the match. While O'Neill has already established himself as a final third specialist, he's also capable in deeper areas, impressing during pre-season as a number ten.

Arsenal youth expert Jeorge Bird praised the teenager back in August, writing: "O’Neill looks confident playing in senior football. He has been used in midfield for the first-team but I feel he could show even more as a striker or out wide if he gets the chance in the future."

Ceadach O'Neill's Arsenal stats

O'Neill has trained with the Arsenal first team on numerous occasions in the last two years, and is now set to be rewarded for his efforts at Sohba Realty with an appearance in the senior side.

Mostly players for the under-21s this season, O'Neill was more of a fixture in the under-18s last term, which is where he racked up the majority of his goals.

O'Neill's 2026/27 Arsenal Statistics so far (all competitions):

• Appearances: 6
• Minutes Played: 475
• Goals: 0
• Assists: 1

O'Neill's 2025/26 Arsenal Statistics (all competitions):

• Appearances: 28
• Minutes Played: 2,112
• Goals: 15
• Assists: 3

O'Neill could be one to watch in the coming years if he continues his strong form in the academy.

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