Zaid Betteka has officially signed his first professional contract with Birmingham City, marking a significant personal milestone as the club celebrates its return to the Championship.
The 18-year-old striker, a lifelong supporter of the Blues, put pen to paper on Friday, 16 May, committing his future to the team he has called home since his earliest days in football.
The announcement arrives during a period of celebration for Birmingham City, who earned promotion from League One with six games to spare after a dominant campaign.
Betteka’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and family support. Raised in a household with no initial connection to the sport, his love for football quickly became evident.
“My family didn’t know much about football at first,” he recalled. “But once they saw me play, they did everything to support me — driving me to training after school and on weekends. It’s a proud moment for all of us.”
The young forward has drawn interest from several Premier League sides thanks to his performances in the club’s youth setup, but he chose to stay loyal to the club that nurtured his development. His decision, he said, was based on belief in the project at Birmingham and the faith shown in him by the coaching staff.
“I feel my future here can only improve,” Betteka said. “Even though I’ve only had a few minutes with the first team, the coach told me he still sees a lot of potential in me.
Training with the pros shows me the level I need to reach.”
Betteka’s rise coincides with a transformative moment for Birmingham City. After a season of resilience and attacking flair in League One, the club is preparing for life back in the second tier with optimism.
The squad, led by key figures such as Jay Stansfield — who has netted 18 goals this season — has blended youthful energy with experienced leadership to great effect.
The club’s upward momentum has not gone unnoticed at the highest levels. NFL legend and minority shareholder Tom Brady celebrated the club’s promotion with a bold message: “The rise is not over.”
His sentiment mirrors the spirit around St Andrew’s, where the ambition is clear — to return the Blues to the Premier League and restore their standing as one of English football’s historic institutions.
In Betteka, Birmingham City see more than just a promising forward; they see a symbol of the club’s future. His journey from academy hopeful to professional ranks embodies the ethos the club is cultivating — one rooted in development, determination, and identity.
As the Blues look ahead to their Championship campaign, Betteka will aim to build on his early momentum and carve out a role in a squad brimming with potential.
For now, he remains grounded and focused, understanding that the professional journey is just beginning.
His signing is not only a personal achievement but also a sign of Birmingham City’s renewed vision — one that embraces youth, honours loyalty, and sets its sights on even greater heights.
We are delighted to announce that Zaid Betteka has put pen to paper on his first professional contract at the club. ✒️
The 18-year-old – who made his first-team debut in January – has signed a deal that will keep him at the club until June 2027.
— Birmingham City Academy (@BCFCAcademy) May 16, 2025
