Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has become the latest academy starlet to make his Manchester City debut but who is he?
Manchester City’s run in the Carabao Cup was shortlived in 2024/25 but it did see two young defenders Kaden Braithwaite and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey given their first senior appearances.
Simpson-Pusey was brought on in the closing stages of the elimination to Tottenham Hotspur and really impressed with his ability on the ball in his brief cameo.
The elegant teenage defender caught Pep Guardiola’s attention and, following an impressive youth team campaign, started two pre-season friendlies on the tour of the USA.
Simpson-Pusey captained the Under-18s to FA Youth Cup glory last season while also making the step up to the Elite Development Squad where he played 18 times and scored once.
He made a strong start to the new campaign and earned his senior debut as a result.
Here is everything you need to know about yet another exciting youngster.
- Man City stats this season: Top goal scorers, assists, appearances, cards, results and fixtures
How old is Jahmai Simpson-Pusey?
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey was born on November 4, 2005, in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England. As of February 2025, he is 19 years old.
Instagram and X/Twitter accounts
Simpson-Pusey has an official Instagram account with 16.1k followers, a figure that is certain to rise after his exciting debut. You can follow him @jahmai.
He does not appear to have an X, formerly Twitter, account.
What position does Simpson-Pusey play?
Simpson-Pusey is a centre-back but in the typical City fashion, he is very capable with the ball at his feet and able to push up into the middle of the park. He has even played in defensive midfield for the youth sides.
That’s what he did so well in his debut and, despite his tender years, he already looks capable of stepping into the first team.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Simpson-Pusey discussed his own playing style and named Sergio Ramos as his idle.
“I am a very ball playing centre back but I also love to defend so it doesn’t feel like a chore,” he said.
“I am always ready to defend. I don’t mind heading the ball. A lot of people don’t want to head the ball, I don’t mind it as long as I am not conceding a goal.”
“I feel like because I am at City and we are a very ball-playing team and we have possession for most of the game. In everyone’s head, as a defender we always think about the ball first.
“Defending is probably the last thing on our mind but I like defending so I take extra care.
“Growing up I used to watch Sergio Ramos because I like his aggression.
“I have been watching Ruben Dias, he is such a good leader and is aggressive on and off the ball and John Stones because of the way he plays.”
What is Jahmai Simpson-Pusey squad number?
Simpson-Pusey has been handed the No.66 squad number in the senior City squad.
Praise for Simpson-Pusey
Guardiola moved to praise City’s young players for their performances in the Carabao Cup defeat to Spurs and more minutes could be coming their way if injuries continue to mount.
The manager specifically labelled Simpson-Pusey’s late cameo as ‘exceptional.’
He told Sky Sports after the match: “The Nico we saw tonight was the Nico we met last season – what a game he played.
“This competition is very good to give players this chance. Jahmai was exceptional at centre-half in the minutes he played.
“James McAtee – what a game he had – and Nico and Jacob played really well.
“I’m really pleased with what I’ve seen – really pleased. 90 minutes, so composed against a team that is so, so dangerous.”
Simpson-Pusey stats
| Age group | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| Under-18s | 27 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| Under-19s | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Under-21s | 33 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| Seniors | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Trophies won
- x2 Under-18 Premier – 2021/22, 2022/23
- x1 Premier League 2 – 2022/23
- x1 FA Youth Cup – 2024
