Former Arsenal midfielder, Emmanuel Eboué was notably absent as his son, Mathis Eboué signed his first professional contract with Chelsea on February 4, 2026.

According to reports, the lingering fallout from his bitter divorce may have played a role in keeping Emmanuel Eboue away from the milestone achievement.

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder put pen to paper on a three-year deal until 2029, officially announced by Chelsea on February 4, 2026.

It was a proud day for the teenager, who was pictured at the signing ceremony alongside his mother and accompanied by his sisters. However, there was no sign of his father.

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Eboué shares three children with his Belgian ex-wife, Aurélie, whom he married before joining Arsenal.

Their divorce in 2017 was widely publicised, with the former Ivory Coast international later revealing in an interview with the Sunday Mirror that he had been left poor and homeless following the separation and financial difficulties.

While no official explanation has been given for his absence at Cobham, the long-standing family tensions stemming from the divorce have been cited as a possible reason.

Eboue joined the Blues from Watford in January 2025 and has made an immediate impact both on and off the pitch.

During his time at Watford, he made his Under-21s debut while still in his Under-16s age group, highlighting his rapid development at an early stage.

Eboue began his first full season at Chelsea with the Under-18s and marked his introduction with a goal in a 4-2 away victory against Crystal Palace.

He has also made his UEFA Youth League debut, featuring in a 5-2 win over Benfica at Cobham.

FKA/JE