Luke Mbete

Luke Mbete-Tabu (born 18 September 2003) is an English professional footballer who plays as a left-back or centre-back for EFL League One club Northampton Town, on loan from Premier League club Manchester City.

Early life

Luke Mbete was born in Westminster, England to Congolese parents. He has 3 siblings and is a twin. He has a fervent passion for football, and it showed evidently as he partook in football matches during primary school and secondary school. He attended Our Lady of Grace Primary School and St Gregory's Catholic Science College in Harrow, England.

Club career

Born in London, Mbete joined Brentford as a child. When they closed their academy in 2016 he joined Manchester City. In November 2020 he started for the City side that defeated Chelsea in the final of the FA Youth Cup. On 21 September 2021, he made his professional debut when he was named in the starting line up for Manchester City's EFL Cup tie against Wycombe Wanderers.

Mbete was loaned to Huddersfield Town for the 2022–23 season. However, the loan was cut short and on 31 January 2023, he joined Bolton Wanderers on loan for the remainder of the season. On 14 February 2023, he scored his first goal in senior football, scoring the second goal in a 5–0 win over Milton Keynes Dons. On 2 April, Bolton won 4–0 against Plymouth Argyle in the 2023 EFL Trophy Final He did not make the match day squad, though still received a medal as he had played in the semi-final.

On 26 August 2023, Mbete moved on a season-long loan to Den Bosch in the Netherlands. On 12 August 2024, Mbete signed for Northampton Town on another season-long loan. His season was hampered by a Hamstring injury sustained whilst playing against Bolton Wanderers on 1st October 2024. He returned to first team action on 22nd March 2025, against Blackpool FC.

International career

Born in England, Mbete is of Congolese descent. He has represented England at youth level.

On 16 September 2022, Mbete received his first call up to the England U21 squad. He made his debut as a 90th minute substitute for Taylor Harwood-Bellis during the 2–0 win over Italy in Pescara on 22 September 2022.

On 25 March 2023, Mbete made his debut for the England U20 team during a 4–2 win over USA in Marbella.