Jonathan Panzo


Jonathan William Panzo is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Primeira Liga club Rio Ave.

Early and personal life

Panzo was born in Brockley, London to parents from the Ivory Coast.

Club career

Monaco

After playing for Chelsea, whom he joined at the age of nine, Panzo moved to Monaco in July 2018. He made his senior debut for their reserve team in the Championnat National 2. Panzo made his first team debut for Monaco on 19 December 2018, playing the full ninety minutes in 1–0 win over Lorient in the Coupe de la Ligue.
On 30 August 2019, Panzo joined Belgian club Cercle Brugge on a season-long loan.

Dijon

In August 2020 he was linked with a return to the UK, with interest reported from Championship teams Coventry City, Derby County and Swansea City. Later that month, however, he was said to be close to remaining in France and transferring to Dijon. He eventually signed with club on 26 August 2020, for an undisclosed fee.

Nottingham Forest

On 31 January 2022, it was announced that Panzo had signed with Nottingham Forest of the EFL Championship managed by his former England U-17 coach Steve Cooper.
On 13 July 2022, Panzo joined Coventry City on loan for the 2022–23 season.
On 1 September 2023, Panzo joined Cardiff City on loan for the 2023–24 season. He was recalled in January 2024.
On 30 January 2024, he was loaned to Belgian Pro League side Standard Liège until the end of the season.
On 17 July 2024, he moved on a season-long loan to Primeira Liga club Rio Ave.

Rio Ave

Panzo signed with Rio Ave in the summer leading up to the 2025–26 season.

International career

Panzo was part of the England U17 team which finished as runners-up to Spain in the 2017 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He then went on to be part of the squad who beat Spain to win the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Panzo also represented England at [England national England national under-19 football team|under-19 football team|under-19] level. He served as captain of the under-19 team.
On 30 August 2019, Panzo was included in the England U21 squad for the first time and made his debut during the 3–2 2021 U21 Euro qualifying win against Turkey on 6 September 2019.

Honours

England U17
Individual