Style Obsession, Looking Up To Drogba & Bond with Hamilton

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This Sports Conversation constitutes an innovative program in which prominent figures from athletics and show business join host the interviewer for frank and detailed discussions about football.

The program examines mindset and drive, covering defining moments, career highlights and personal reflections. This series reveals the individual beyond the athlete.

The Chelsea defender began practicing with Chelsea at the age of six and - after developing through the youth system and into the first team - is now club captain.

James announced himself to Chelsea supporters in style, scoring on his debut in a 7-1 victory over Grimsby Town in September 2019.

Currently twenty-five, James' career highlights so far include earning his England debut against the Welsh team in the year 2020, winning the European Cup with his club in 2021, and being appointed club captain in 2023.

However, things have not always gone smoothly, 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 multiple Formula One title winner the racing driver.

The interviewer: Initial inquiry: name, your origins, and what's your coffee order?

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

Kelly: Was it consistently a that particular coffee?

Reece: No, I began with, like, vanilla lattes and stuff.

The presenter: Let's start by talking football. What does football mean to you?

Reece: Essentially, from childhood, it's kind of all I knew in education. I wasn't the brightest kid, and I simply adored playing football.

The interviewer: Your first recollection of playing? Is this tough to answer because it was such a significant aspect of your early years and development?

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

Kelly: It was significant in your household, correct, because your father was so heavily involved? He is a soccer trainer too, right? Share with me a bit about that.

Reece: Well we were three children growing up. It was completely soccer-obsessed, and he naturally was a trainer as well, and we used to train extensively with him.

Kelly: Can you recall many of those sessions? Since I learned that starting from the four years old, you practiced outdoors and he conducted exercises with you in the back garden.

Reece: Yes, I recall - the training began early. Thankfully, they paid off for me and my sister [the club and England forward Lauren James].

The interviewer: Talk to me about your first ever team that you played for as a youngster, what was it called, and what can you remember?

Reece: I don't remember much, frankly. It was Kew Park Rangers in the area. I believe I played for about twelve months. It was from there that talent spotters noticed me for Chelsea.

Kelly: And you weren't a backline player at first, were you? Explain about your role evolution and its development...

Reece: I began as a forward, and then eventually moved to the wing, left side, right wing, and later to midfield, and then eventually at right-back, and I hated it at the time.

The presenter: What caused your dislike for it?

The athlete: Since I always wanted to occupy central positions. There was less involvement with the ball as frequently but eventually it just clicked and I became a right-back since.

The interviewer: You said you started as a forward - who served as your idol?

Reece: My idol was [Didier] Drogba. I was a supporter growing up and he was the player I admired.

The host: Can you think of a pivotal moment in your career - a moment that has shaped you and the player you have evolved into?

Reece: I would probably say going on loan. Transitioning between academy and first-team football is most challenging and that is probably what most players transitioning upwards find difficult.

Kelly: You're referring to the club, of course. What made was Wigan the ideal team for you at that period? It was distant from all you knew in London - what made it successful so effectively?

James: The primary factor is that I featured week in week out, which proves beneficial. I gained valuable exposure - I relocated from my companions and relatives and was forced to grow up quickly. Participating on a regular schedule helped a lot.

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

The athlete: I'd identify [the experienced Brazilian] the veteran. He's nearly sufficiently experienced to be my father and has played at the highest level for many years. He consistently attempted to assist me from the minute he arrived and continues to, even now he is departed [after leaving the club in 2024].

Kelly: In what way would he help you?

Reece: These were small pieces of advice away from games. On the pitch, he occasionally see things that I saw alternatively and attempt and paint a different picture.

Kelly: It must have been pleasant to see him recently [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 the champions Chelsea]. It's always good to encounter him.

The interviewer: If you could go back and replay one match in your professional history, which would you pick?

Reece: Assuming the result is going to be the identical - I'd select the Champions League [final].

Kelly: Other than winning, what made it exceptional about that night