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The Football Interview represents an innovative program in which prominent figures from athletics and show business join presenter the interviewer for candid and comprehensive discussions about the beautiful game.

We'll explore mindset and drive, discussing defining moments, professional achievements and individual insights. The Football Interview uncovers the individual behind the athlete.

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

James announced himself to Chelsea supporters in impressive fashion, netting 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 international bow against the Welsh team in 2020, claiming the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, and being appointed club captain in 2023.

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

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

The interviewer: First question: name, where you're from, and what's your coffee order?

The athlete: The name is Reece James, I grew up in the area, near Richmond - I expect more people will recognize that area. My coffee is a flat white.

Kelly: Has it always been a that particular coffee?

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

Kelly: Let's start by discussing soccer. What does football mean to you?

The defender: I mean, from a little kid, it's kind of my entire focus in school. I wasn't exactly the brightest kid, and I just loved the sport.

Kelly: Your first recollection of participating? Is this difficult to respond to because it represented a big part of your early years and development?

James: No, just because my recollection is so bad. My earliest memory was likely, unsure, going to watch my brother play. He is my senior by two years than me, and he used to play as well.

Kelly: It was big in your household, correct, because your father was so heavily involved? He is a soccer trainer too, right? Tell me a little about that.

Reece: Well we were three of us 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? Since I learned that starting from the age of four, you were outside and he conducted exercises with you in the back garden.

James: Yes, I remember - the training started young. Thankfully, they proved beneficial for myself and my sister [Chelsea and national team attacker his sister].

Kelly: Talk to me about your initial club that you represented as a youngster, its name, and what can you remember?

Reece: I don't remember much, frankly. It was Kew Park Rangers in the area. I think I played for about a year. It was from there that I was scouted for the professional club.

Kelly: You didn't start as a backline player at first, correct? Explain about your role evolution and its development...

James: I started off as a striker, and then subsequently moved to the wing, left side, right side, and eventually to midfield, and then eventually at defensive role, and I disliked it at the time.

The presenter: Why did you hate it?

The athlete: Because I always wanted to play midfield. You didn't touch the football as much but one day it just clicked and I've been a defender since.

Kelly: You said you started as an attacker - who served as your idol?

James: My idol was [the legendary] Drogba. I was a supporter during youth and he represented the player I admired.

Kelly: Identify a pivotal moment in your career - a moment that has shaped you and the professional you have evolved into?

The defender: I would probably say the loan spell. Transitioning between youth and senior level is most challenging and this represents probably what most players making the jump find challenging.

The presenter: You're referring to Wigan, naturally. Why did Wigan become the ideal team for you at that period? It was distant from everything you knew in London - why did it work so well?

James: The first thing is that I featured consistently, which proves beneficial. I gained a lot of experiences - I moved away from my companions and family and had to grow up quickly. Playing on a regular schedule helped a lot.

Kelly: Which individual exerted the greatest influence on your career?

The athlete: I would say [the experienced Brazilian] Thiago Silva. He's nearly sufficiently experienced to be my dad and has competed at the highest level for so long. He always tried to help me from the minute he arrived and continues to, presently he is not here [after leaving the club in 2024].

The host: In what way would he help you?

Reece: It was little messages off the pitch. During matches, he would sometimes observe situations that I perceived alternatively and try and offer alternative perspectives.

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

Reece: It was great to see him again. I'm happy that his team performed admirably in the competition [they were defeated in the semi-finals to the champions Chelsea]. It is always good to encounter him.

The interviewer: Were you able to return and experience again one match in your professional history, which would you pick?

James: Assuming the result is going to be the identical - I'd select the European Cup decider.

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