Fashion Passion, Idolizing Didier Drogba & Friendship with Lewis Hamilton

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This Sports Conversation represents an innovative program in which leading personalities from athletics and show business participate with host Kelly Somers for frank and detailed dialogues about football.

The program examines mental approach and motivation, covering pivotal experiences, professional achievements and individual insights. This series uncovers the individual beyond the athlete.

The Chelsea defender started practicing with the London club at six years old and - after developing through the youth system and into the senior squad - is now team leader.

The defender introduced himself to Chelsea supporters in style, scoring on his first appearance in a comprehensive win over Grimsby Town in 2019.

Currently twenty-five, James' career highlights to date include making his England debut against Wales in the year 2020, winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, and being named club captain in 2023.

Nevertheless, his journey hasn't been without challenges, with a series of injuries impacting him over the past four seasons.

James sat down with Kelly Somers to talk about his career highs, the Brazilian's impact, and his friendship with seven-time F1 world champion the racing driver.

Kelly Somers: First question: name, your origins, and your preferred coffee?

Reece James: The name is Reece James, I was raised in the area, near Richmond - I'm sure more people will recognize that location. My coffee is a specific coffee type.

The host: Was it consistently a flat white?

Reece: No, I began with, like, flavored coffees and stuff.

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

The defender: I mean, from childhood, it's kind of my entire focus in school. I wasn't the most academic student, and I just loved playing football.

The interviewer: What's your earliest memory of playing? Is this tough to answer because it was such a big part of your childhood and growing up?

Reece: No, simply due to my memory is quite poor. My first remembrance was likely, unsure, going to watch my sibling play. He is my senior by two years than me, and he also participated as well.

The host: It was significant in your household, correct, because your father was so heavily involved? He's a soccer trainer too, isn't he? Share with me a little about that.

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

Kelly: Do you remember a lot of those training periods? Because I read that as young as the four years old, you were outside and he conducted drills with you in the back garden.

James: Yeah, I recall - the drills started young. Fortunately, they proved beneficial for me and my sibling [Chelsea and national team forward his sister].

The interviewer: Talk to me about your initial club that you represented as a youngster, what was it called, and your memories?

Reece: My recollection is limited, to be honest. It was Kew Park Rangers in the area. I think I was there for about twelve months. From that point that I was scouted for Chelsea.

The host: You didn't start as a defender at first, correct? Talk to me about your positional journey and its development...

Reece: I began as a striker, and then subsequently transitioned to the wing, left wing, right side, and later to midfield, and then eventually at defensive role, and I disliked it at that period.

Kelly: What caused your dislike for it?

The athlete: Since I consistently desired to occupy central positions. There was less involvement with the football as much but one day it just clicked and I've been a defender since.

The interviewer: You mentioned you started as a forward - who served as your role model?

James: My idol was [the legendary] Drogba. I grew up as a supporter growing up and he represented the athlete I admired.

Kelly: Can you think of a turning point in your professional life - an experience that has influenced your development and the professional you have evolved into?

The defender: I would probably say the loan spell. Bridging the gap between youth and senior level is most challenging and that is likely what many athletes making the jump find challenging.

Kelly: You're referring to Wigan, naturally. Why did Wigan become the ideal team for you at that period? It was distant from all you were familiar with in London - what made it successful so effectively?

James: The first thing is that I played consistently, which helps. I acquired valuable exposure - I relocated from my companions and family and had to mature quickly. Participating on a regular schedule assisted significantly.

Kelly: Who has had the biggest impact on your career?

The athlete: I would say [Brazil defender] the veteran. He's almost old enough to be my father and has competed at elite standard for many years. He consistently attempted to help me from the moment he arrived and continues to, even now he is not here [after leaving the club in 2024].

The host: In what way would he assist you?

James: These were little messages away from games. On the pitch, he would sometimes observe situations that I perceived differently and attempt and offer alternative perspectives.

The presenter: It must have been nice to meet him this summer [during the tournament]?

Reece: It proved wonderful to reconnect with him. I'm happy that his club did well in the tournament [they were defeated in the penultimate round to eventual winners Chelsea]. It's always good to encounter him.

The interviewer: If you could return and experience again a single game in your career, what would you choose?

Reece: Assuming the result is remains the identical - it would be the Champions League [final].

Kelly: Other than winning, what was so special about that night