The Leicester City midfielder has scooped a prestigious individual accolade amid a torrid season for the club
10:08, 20 Apr 2026
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Championship Young Player of the Season, Jordan James of Leicester City(Image: Ian Tuttle/Shutterstock)
Jordan James aims to progress his career and do ‘big, big things’ after being named Championship Young Player of the Season at Sunday night’s EFL awards function.
The 21-year-old, on loan with Leicester City from French outfit Rennes, picked up the accolade ahead of fellow nominees Bobby Clark of Derby, Stoke’s Ashley Phillips and Sydie Peck of Sheffield United.
The midfielder has been about the only bright spot in a dire campaign for the Foxes and restrictions on his game-time due to injury throughout 2026 have been a major hindrance for a team that looks doomed to relegation.
James, who started out at Birmingham City before moving to Ligue 1 in 2024, has made 31 appearances, including 26 starts and ten goals in what has been an very creditable individual contribution.
However, speaking after picking up the award yesterday evening the Wales international admitted it was a bittersweet moment.
“It’s been a tough season, one that we wouldn’t have liked,” he said. “On a personal note I’ve hit numbers that I didn’t think I was going to be able to hit at the start of the season.
“I had a tough period in France last season, so to be able to come back here and be able to play my best football was a real good opportunity and I thank Leicester for giving me that opportunity, and it’s been a good season.”
James has already played 126 Championship games and after a stop-start time with Rennes has relished the cut and thrust of the division: “It’s been really good there’s a lot of top quality players in this league and they’re bound to do big, big things and hopefully I can do the same.”
James has another two years left on his Rennes contract and his return to the King Power on a permanent basis now seems impossible with the Foxes looking set for demotion to the third tier.
In addition James’ team-mate Louis Page was named EFL Championship Apprentice of the Season. The 17-year-old, who joined City at Under-9 level, has made something of a breakthrough with his debut against Charlton Athletic in August the first of 16 Championship appearances.
Meanwhile City academy graduate Sammy Braybrooke was named in the League Two Team of the Season for his performances on loan with Newport County and Chesterfield.
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