Style Obsession, Idolizing Drogba & Friendship with Hamilton

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This Sports Conversation represents a new series where leading personalities from athletics and entertainment join presenter Kelly Somers for candid and detailed dialogues about football.

The program examines mindset and motivation, covering pivotal experiences, professional achievements and personal reflections. This series uncovers the individual behind the player.

The Chelsea defender started training with Chelsea at six years old 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, scoring on his first appearance in a 7-1 victory over the opposition in 2019.

Currently twenty-five, James' career highlights so far 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 affecting him over recent years.

The athlete spoke with Kelly Somers to discuss 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 your preferred coffee?

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

The host: Has it always been a that particular coffee?

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

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

The defender: Essentially, from childhood, it's kind of my entire focus in school. I wasn't exactly the brightest kid, and I simply adored playing football.

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

James: Not particularly, simply due to my memory is quite poor. My first remembrance was probably, unsure, attending matches of my brother play. He is two years older than me, and he also participated as well.

The host: It was significant in your household, correct, because your dad was so heavily involved? He is a soccer trainer too, isn't he? Tell me a bit about that.

Reece: Well we were three of us during childhood. We were all football mad, and he obviously was a trainer as well, and we frequently practiced extensively with him.

The presenter: Do you remember many of those sessions? Because I learned that as young as the age of four, you practiced outdoors and he conducted exercises with you in the back garden.

Reece: Yeah, I recall - the training started young. Fortunately, they proved beneficial for myself and my sister [Chelsea and national team forward Lauren James].

Kelly: Talk to me about your first ever team that you played for as a youngster, what was it called, and your memories?

The defender: My recollection is limited, to be honest. It was the local team in the area. I believe I was there for about twelve months. From that point that talent spotters noticed me for Chelsea.

The host: And you weren't a backline player at initially, were you? Talk to me 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 eventually to midfield, and then eventually at right-back, and I hated it at that period.

Kelly: Why did you hate it?

Reece: Since I consistently desired to occupy central positions. You didn't touch the football as much but one day everything fell into place and I became a defender since.

Kelly: You said you began as a forward - who served as your idol?

James: The player I admired was [the legendary] Drogba. I grew up as a supporter during youth and he was the player I looked up to.

Kelly: Identify a pivotal moment in your professional life - an experience that has shaped you 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 probably what most players transitioning upwards find challenging.

The presenter: You're referring to Wigan, of course. Why was Wigan the right club for you at that period? The location was distant from all you were familiar with in London - why did it work so well?

Reece: The primary factor is that I featured consistently, which proves beneficial. I acquired valuable exposure - I moved away from my companions and family and was forced to mature quickly. Participating on a consistent basis assisted significantly.

The interviewer: Who has had the greatest influence on your professional journey?

Reece: I'd identify [Brazil defender] the veteran. He's nearly old enough to be my father and has played at the highest level for so long. He consistently attempted to help me from the moment he joined 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: It was small pieces of advice off the pitch. During matches, he occasionally observe situations that I saw differently and attempt and offer alternative perspectives.

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

The defender: It was great to reconnect with him. I'm pleased that his team performed admirably in the tournament [they lost in the semi-finals to eventual winners his team]. It's consistently positive to see him.

The interviewer: If you could return and replay one match in your career, what would you choose?

James: If the outcome is remains the identical - it would be the European Cup decider.

The host: Other than victory, what made it exceptional about the occasion