Wharton joined Blackburn Rovers’ pre-Academy at just six-years-old, and didn't look back. With two older brothers, his footballing education came thick and fast in back gardens and school playgrounds.
When his brother Scott was invited to join Blackburn Under-12s – like Adam, he is now an established first-team fixture – he was asked if he had any brothers. Adam was spotted and began attending sessions every Friday after school, and a 15-year association with the club began.
He wasn’t just a player, but also a fan: his first game back in 2008 saw him walk out of the tunnel as a mascot against European Cup finalists Chelsea.
Blackburn Rovers, under Tony Mowbray, became an excellent place for young players to develop, with the veteran manager well-known for his ability to nurture bright talents.
Harvey Elliott spent time on loan there, before breaking into the first-team at Liverpool, while Ashley Phillips was promoted before earning a move to Tottenham Hotspur. Mowbray moved Wharton up to train with the first-team as a second-year scholar, and he began to make an impression.
In August 2022, under new manager John Dahl Tomasson, Wharton made his professional debut, being named in the starting XI for a 4–0 League Cup win over Hartlepool United.
His league debut arrived a fortnight later as he came off the bench against Stoke City, and a full debut against Blackpool soon followed with Wharton named Player of the Match. A first professional goal arrived against Birmingham City in October.
Along the way, Wharton's unique skillset caught the eye. Confident on the ball, aggressive out of possession and willing to take risks, it didn't take long for him to nail down a regular place in Blackburn's midfield.
Wharton’s eyes were on Barcelona as a child, watching not just Lionel Messi but particularly Sergio Busquets nonchalance in possession, his simplicity combined with intelligence. In the current era, he cites Frenkie de Jong as a model midfielder – or in the Premier League, Rodri.
Wharton made his England Under-20s debut against Italy in November 2023, and was almost ever-present in the Championship so far this season, scoring against Huddersfield in his final appearance for his boyhood club, his second goal of the season to add to his three assists.
After making the switch to south London, he slotted straight into the side - making his debut against Brighton & Hove Albion off the bench and starting the remaining 15 games thereafter. He impressed the Selhurst Park faithful with his incredible ability, carrying on from where he left off at Blackburn.
He made his debut for England as a substitute in June 2024, in a 3-0 friendly win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a reward for his fine club form. He was also called up to the Three Lions' senior squad which finished as runners-up in the 2024 UEFA European Championship.
In 2024/25, Wharton started the season strongly and was a regular in the starting XI. He unfortunately suffered an injury in early November which saw him ruled out until February 2025.
He returned to action as a late sub against Manchester United in February 2025 and continued to have his minutes managed as part of his recovery. He made 27 appearances in total across all competitions in the 24/25 campaign, including being part of the historic side which beat Manchester City at Wembley to win the FA Cup.
Having ended the season with FA Cup success, Wharton began 2025/26 by helping Palace lift more silverware, assisting Ismaïla Sarr’s late leveller in the Community Shield before the Eagles went on to defeat Liverpool on penalties.
Wharton registered 53 appearances in total across the campaign, with highlights including two assists in a 3-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur, the second a perfectly clipped pass for Sarr, and his first senior goal in a 2-2 draw at Brentford, celebrated with a brilliant backflip.
His influence was particularly evident during Palace’s run to UEFA Conference League glory. He was named Player of the Match in the final victory over Rayo Vallecano after creating Jean-Philippe Mateta’s decisive goal in Leipzig, his fierce shot being parried into the striker’s path to spark jubilation!
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