Fashion Passion, Idolizing Drogba & Bond with Hamilton

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This Sports Conversation constitutes an innovative program where prominent figures from athletics and entertainment participate with presenter the interviewer for candid and detailed discussions about the beautiful game.

The program examines mindset and motivation, discussing pivotal experiences, professional achievements and individual insights. This series reveals the person beyond the player.

The Chelsea defender began training with the London club at the age of six and - having progressed through the youth system and into the first team - is now club captain.

James announced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in style, netting on his debut in a comprehensive win over the opposition in 2019.

Now 25, James' career highlights so far include making his international bow against Wales in 2020, claiming the European Cup with his club in 2021, and being named team skipper in 2023.

However, things have not always gone smoothly, with a series of injuries impacting him over the past four seasons.

The athlete spoke with Kelly Somers to talk about his professional peaks, the Brazilian's impact, and his relationship with seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

The interviewer: Initial inquiry: name, where you're from, and your preferred coffee?

Reece James: The name is Reece James, I was raised in the area, near Richmond - I expect more people will know that location. My coffee is a flat white.

Kelly: Was it consistently a that particular coffee?

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

Kelly: Let's start by talking football. What significance does soccer hold to you?

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

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

Reece: Not particularly, simply due to my memory is quite poor. My first remembrance was probably, I don't know, going to watch my sibling compete. He's my senior by two years than me, and he used to play as well.

The host: It was big in your household, wasn't it, because your father was deeply engaged? He's a soccer trainer too, right? Share with me a little about that.

The athlete: So we were three children during childhood. It was all football mad, 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 starting from the four years old, you were outside and he conducted drills with you in the back garden.

James: Yeah, I remember - the drills started young. Thankfully, they paid off for me and my sibling [Chelsea and England attacker 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. That was the local team in the area. I think I was there for about a year. From that point that talent spotters noticed me for the professional club.

The host: You didn't start as a defender at first, were you? Explain about your positional journey and its development...

Reece: I started off as a forward, and then subsequently transitioned to wide positions, left side, right wing, and eventually to central positions, and then finally at right-back, and I hated it at that period.

The presenter: Why did you hate it?

Reece: Because I always wanted to occupy central positions. There was less involvement with the football as much but one day everything fell into place and I've been a defender since.

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

James: My idol was [the legendary] Drogba. I was a Chelsea fan growing up and he represented the athlete I looked up to.

The host: Identify a turning point in your career - an experience that has influenced your development and the player you have evolved into?

The defender: I'd likely identify going on loan. Transitioning between youth and senior level is the hardest and this represents probably what most players making the jump find challenging.

Kelly: You're talking about the club, of course. What made was Wigan the right club for you at that period? It was distant from all you were familiar with in the capital - why did it work so well?

Reece: The primary factor is that I featured consistently, which helps. I acquired valuable exposure - I moved away from my friends and family and had to mature fast. Playing on a consistent basis assisted a lot.

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

The athlete: I would say [the experienced Brazilian] the veteran. He is almost old enough to be my father and has played at the highest level for many years. He always tried to help me from the minute he arrived and continues to, even now he is departed [having left Chelsea in 2024].

The host: How specifically would he help you?

James: These were small pieces of advice away from games. On the pitch, he occasionally observe situations that I perceived alternatively and try and offer alternative perspectives.

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

The defender: It was wonderful to reconnect with him. I'm pleased that his team performed admirably in the competition [they lost in the penultimate round to eventual winners his team]. It is always good to see him.

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

Reece: Assuming the result is going to be the same - it would be the Champions League [final].

Kelly: Besides victory, what made it exceptional about that night