Fashion Passion, Looking Up To Didier Drogba & Friendship with Lewis Hamilton

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This Sports Conversation represents a new series in which prominent figures from athletics and entertainment join presenter Kelly Somers for frank and comprehensive discussions about the beautiful game.

The program examines mindset and drive, discussing pivotal experiences, professional achievements and personal reflections. This series reveals the individual beyond the athlete.

The Chelsea defender began training with Chelsea at six years old and - after developing through the academy and into the first team - is now team leader.

James announced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in impressive fashion, scoring on his first appearance in a comprehensive win over Grimsby Town in September 2019.

Now 25, his professional achievements to date include earning his England debut against Wales in 2020, claiming the European Cup with Chelsea in 2021, and being named club captain in 2023.

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

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

Kelly Somers: Initial inquiry: identity, your origins, and what's your coffee order?

Reece James: I am Reece James, I was raised in Mortlake, near Richmond - I'm sure many will recognize that area. My coffee is a specific coffee type.

The host: Has it always been a flat white?

James: Not exactly, I began with, like, vanilla lattes and similar drinks.

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

The defender: Essentially, from childhood, it was practically 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 tough to answer because it was such a significant aspect of your early years and development?

James: Not particularly, just because my recollection is so bad. My first remembrance was probably, unsure, going to watch my sibling compete. He is two years older than me, and he also participated as well.

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

The athlete: 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.

The presenter: Can you recall many of those sessions? Since I learned that as young as the four years old, you were outside and he was doing drills with you in the yard.

Reece: Yeah, I recall - the training began early. Fortunately, they paid off for me and my sibling [Chelsea and England attacker his sister].

Kelly: Talk to me about your first ever team that you represented as a youngster, what was it called, and what can you remember?

Reece: My recollection is limited, to be honest. That was Kew Park Rangers in the area. I believe I was there for about twelve months. It was from there that talent spotters noticed me for Chelsea.

The host: You didn't start as a backline player at initially, were you? Explain about your role evolution and its development...

Reece: I started off as a forward, and then eventually moved to wide positions, left side, right wing, and later to midfield, and then finally at defensive role, and I disliked it at that period.

Kelly: Why did you hate it?

The athlete: Because I consistently desired to play midfield. You didn't touch the ball as frequently but eventually it just clicked and I've been a right-back since.

The interviewer: You mentioned you began as an attacker - who served as your role model?

James: The player I admired was [Didier] Drogba. I grew up as a supporter growing up and he represented the player I admired.

The host: Can you think of a pivotal moment in your professional life - an experience that has shaped you and the player you have become?

Reece: I would probably say going on loan. Transitioning between academy and first-team football is the hardest and this represents 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 the time? The location was distant from everything you knew in London - why did it work so well?

Reece: The first thing is that I featured consistently, which proves beneficial. I acquired valuable exposure - I relocated from my friends and family and was forced to mature quickly. Playing on a regular schedule helped significantly.

The interviewer: Who has had the biggest impact on your career?

Reece: I'd identify [Brazil defender] the veteran. He's nearly sufficiently experienced to be my father and has competed at the highest level for many years. He always tried to help me from the moment he arrived and continues to, even now he is not here [having left Chelsea in 2024].

The host: How specifically would he assist you?

Reece: These were little messages away from games. On the pitch, he occasionally observe situations that I saw differently and attempt and paint a different picture.

Kelly: It was undoubtedly pleasant to meet him recently [during the tournament]?

Reece: It proved great to reconnect with him. I'm pleased that his team performed admirably in the competition [they were defeated in the penultimate round to the champions his team]. It's always good to see him.

Kelly: Were you able to return and experience again a single game in your professional history, which would you pick?

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

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