Style Obsession, Looking Up To Didier Drogba & Friendship with Hamilton

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This Sports Conversation constitutes an innovative program in which leading personalities from sports and entertainment join host the interviewer for frank and detailed dialogues about football.

The program examines mental approach and motivation, covering defining moments, career highlights and personal reflections. This series uncovers the individual behind the athlete.

Reece James began training with Chelsea at the age of six and - after developing through the academy and into the senior squad - is now club captain.

The defender introduced himself to Chelsea supporters in impressive fashion, scoring on his debut in a comprehensive win over the opposition in September 2019.

Now 25, James' career highlights so far include making his England debut against the Welsh team in 2020, claiming the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, and being appointed team skipper in 2023.

However, his journey hasn't been without challenges, with multiple fitness issues affecting him over recent years.

James sat down with the interviewer to talk about his career highs, Thiago Silva's influence, and his relationship with seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

The interviewer: First question: name, where you're from, and what's your coffee order?

The athlete: I am Reece James, I was raised in the area, near Richmond - I expect many will recognize that area. My beverage is a specific coffee type.

Kelly: Has it always been a that particular coffee?

Reece: Not exactly, it started with, such as, flavored coffees and similar drinks.

The presenter: We'll begin by discussing soccer. What significance does soccer hold to you?

The defender: I mean, from childhood, it was practically all I knew in school. I wasn't exactly the most academic student, and I simply adored the sport.

Kelly: What's your earliest memory of participating? Is this difficult to answer because it was such a significant aspect of your childhood and growing up?

James: Not particularly, simply due to my recollection is so bad. My earliest memory was likely, unsure, going to watch my brother compete. He is two years older than me, and he used to play as well.

Kelly: It was big in your family, correct, because your father was deeply engaged? He is a soccer trainer too, isn't he? Share with me a bit about that.

Reece: Well there was three children during childhood. It was completely soccer-obsessed, and he obviously was a coach as well, and we frequently practiced extensively with him.

Kelly: Do you remember a lot of those sessions? Since I read that as young as the age of four, you were outside and he conducted exercises with you in the yard.

Reece: Yeah, I remember - the drills began early. Fortunately, they paid off for myself and my sister [the club and national team attacker his sister].

Kelly: Tell me about your initial club that you represented as a child, its name, and your memories?

Reece: My recollection is limited, to be honest. That was Kew Park Rangers in Kew. I believe I was there for about twelve months. It was from there that I was scouted for the professional club.

Kelly: You didn't start as a backline player at initially, were you? Talk to me about your positional journey and how that changed...

Reece: I began as a forward, and then eventually moved to wide positions, left side, right side, and later to midfield, and then eventually at defensive role, and I disliked it at the time.

Kelly: What caused your dislike for it?

The athlete: Since I always wanted to play midfield. There was less involvement with the football as frequently but one day it just clicked and I've been a defender since.

Kelly: You said you began as a forward - who was your role model?

James: My idol was [Didier] Drogba. I grew up as a Chelsea fan during youth and he represented the athlete I looked up to.

Kelly: Can you think of a turning point in your professional life - a moment that has influenced your development and the player you have become?

The defender: I would probably say the loan spell. Transitioning between academy and first-team football is the hardest and this represents likely what many athletes transitioning upwards find challenging.

Kelly: You're talking about the club, of course. What made did Wigan become the ideal team for you at that period? It was miles away from all you knew in the capital - why did it work so effectively?

Reece: The primary factor is that I featured consistently, which helps. I gained a lot of experiences - I relocated from my friends and relatives and had to grow up quickly. Playing on a consistent basis helped significantly.

The interviewer: Which individual exerted the greatest influence on your career?

Reece: I'd identify [the experienced Brazilian] Thiago Silva. He's nearly old enough to be my dad and has competed at the highest level for many years. He always tried to help me from the minute he arrived and still does, even now he is not here [having left Chelsea in 2024].

The host: How specifically would he assist you?

Reece: These were little messages off the pitch. During matches, he would sometimes observe situations that I saw differently and attempt and offer alternative perspectives.

The presenter: It was undoubtedly nice to see him this summer [during the tournament]?

Reece: It was great to see him again. I'm pleased that his club did well in the competition [they were defeated in the penultimate round to the champions Chelsea]. It's consistently positive to encounter him.

The interviewer: If you could go back and experience again a single game in your professional history, which would you pick?

Reece: If the outcome is going to be the same - I'd select the Champions League [final].

The host: Other than victory, what was so special about the occasion