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Daily Mail
4 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Where it all went wrong for Jack Grealish: Star touted as new Beckham is now relegated to Everton - as expert reveals how wild nights out, driving ban and 'secret romances' have killed chance at global stardom
When Jack Grealish signed for Manchester City from Aston Villa for a then-British record of £100million in the summer of 2021, the winger had the world at his feet. With his floppy, highlighted hair, easy going personality and a pair of calves so lusted after they still have an annual calendar dedicated to them, the Brummie footballer seemed destined to follow in the footsteps of Beckham, Ronaldo and Messi - with off-the-pitch earnings with the potential to eclipse his £300,000-a-week pay packet. The 29-year-old's mercurial dashes down the wing helped Manchester City bag a history-making four Premier League titles in a row as well as the FA Cup and the coveted Champions League trophy. Until he fell out of favour with manager Pep Guardiola last season, Grealish was, alongside Erling Haaland, one of the squad's biggest poster boys - his face flashed across Times Square in New York last summer as the club promoted itself to fans overseas. His distinct look on the pitch - socks rolled down, one leg of his shorts unfathomably rolled up and a headband pinning back his flowing locks to reveal his signature undercut and fade - has been copied by millions of young fans worldwide. This week though, as Grealish pulls on a slightly less regal shirt - after signing a season-long loan to perennial mid-table club Everton - his star potential as a 'Toffee' doesn't feel quite so lustrous. It remains to be seen whether a seven-figure, multi-year deal signed with Pepsi in April 2024 will continue as he heads for pastures new. When he signed it, he was still part of the England squad, but was dropped for the Euros by Gareth Southgate last summer. So, where did it all go wrong for a man who was widely tipped to be the pretender to Beckham's fame throne? For all his prowess on the pitch, his penchant for partying - from experimentation with 'hippy crack' as a teen baller to being denied entry to a Manchester bar in 2022 - might finally have taken the shine off his football career. Following the Merseyside move this week, one brand expert has suggested Grealish now needs to seriously reshape his image to continue to woo lucrative brands that will keep the money rolling in once he hangs up his boots. Media and PR expert Chad Teixeira says turning out for the Toffees will get him playing regular football could help him find a path back to Thomas Tuchel's England team, but adds that he'll have to work hard to rebrand himself after years of wild nights out. Teixeira told the Daily Mail: 'Grealish had all the makings of a lifestyle brand; he's charismatic, stylish, beautiful and appealing to both sports and fashion audiences. 'However, a string of negative headlines, from speeding fines to off-field controversies, has diluted that image slightly. 'Sponsors tend to favour ambassadors who project consistency, discipline, and relatability - his recent PR narrative has been less about sporting excellence and more about personal behaviour.' His ongoing commitment to a boozy night out saw him labelled early on as a 'party boy' while breaking into the first team as a young footballer at Aston Villa. Despite ever dazzling performances on the pitch, his time at the club was marred by allegations of taking 'hippy crack' and photos of him lying sprawled across a road in Tenerife following a night of heavy drinking. In 2022, footage emerged of the ex Man City player apparently being refused entry into Manchester bar Albert Schloss for being too intoxicated. In a clip shared on TikTok, Grealish was seen on the night out with former team-mates Kyle Walker and Riyad Mahrez, with another member of the players' entourage supporting an unsteady Grealish. The video, posted to the platform by Mizormalc, was captioned to make the player wince: 'Man like Jacky too drunk to get in'. The person filming can also be overheard saying: 'Jack's burst, he's not allowed inside, look at him, Jack's burst.' Despite being a bit-part player in the club's record fourth-straight league title in 2023-24, Grealish partied as hard as his team-mates, who celebrated until 5am at Greek restaurant Fenix. The new Everton signing became a father with long-term girlfriend Sasha Attwood in September 2024, with the couple welcoming daughter Mila Rose, but their on-off romance has been dogged by rumours of Grealish's wandering eye over the years. In February, the footballer, appearing worse for wear, was spotted leaving London's celeb spot Chiltern Firehouse with a mystery blonde woman. After she got into a taxi with Grealish's friend, the footballer was at pains to tell gathered paparazzi: 'She's not with me!'. Other high profile dalliances include a six-week romance with Rivals star Emily Atack. After a string of secret dates, the footballer was said to have ghosted the actress, who now shares a son with boyfriend Alistair Garner, after calling time on their affair. Love Island star Amber Gill was also an apparent object of Grealish's affection - although both vehemently denied they'd had a relationship. Lavish purchases and the astronomical wages earned by footballers go hand-in-hand, and Grealish has been as 'bougie' as they come. In May, the footballer apparently spent £100,000 chartering a private jet to take his supportive parents Kevin and Karen to see Rod Stewart in concert. The winger's watch collection alone - including a £100,000 Patek Philippe Aquanaut Green and a £50,000 Rolex Day-Date - could buy a street of houses in parts of the UK. Cars? A Lamborghini Urus, worth around £200k, is one of many highlights in a fleet of exclusive vehicles housed at his luxury £5.5million Cheshire mansion. During lockdown, though, the former Man City winger's love of fast cars saw him come unstuck. He pleaded guilty to two charges of careless driving in 2020 and was banned from driving for nine months and fined a total of £82,499 after crashing his £80,000 Range Rover into two parked vehicles. Grealish also pleaded guilty to a separate offence of careless driving. He admitted to driving at more than 90mph along the M42 at 'close to an intimidating distance'. Such misdemeanours aren't uncommon amongst footballers - David Beckham served a six-month ban for using his mobile phone while behind the wheel in 2019, but it's likely to have put another dent in the wholesome image brands look for, says our expert. Teixeira surmises that the real work for the footballer will now come both on and off the pitch: 'Grealish will have to work harder to keep his personal brand at the same level without the constant spotlight of top-tier European competition. 'Manchester City offered global exposure, Champions League football, and association with some of the biggest names in the sport, which naturally attracts blue-chip sponsors for big money deals. 'Everton, while a historic and respected club, doesn't command the same worldwide attention or media pull.' He adds: 'Although non-football earnings are still likely to be substantial, particularly from existing partnerships, but without standout performances on the pitch (not having a place in the last euros) and the media platform of an elite club, it's harder to grow that portfolio. 'For him to maintain and rebuild his commercial appeal, the focus would need to shift toward controlled storytelling, strong performances, and aligning with brands that can help reshape the narrative from 'party boy' to disciplined athlete with an enduring star power.' Grealish's fanbase remains huge though; his cheeky smile and the effort he makes to interact with fans have made him a firm favourite at all the clubs he's played at. When Man City lifted the UEFA Super Cup in 2023 after defeating Sevilla, Grealish was widely praised for showing his caring side as he took time to chat with a visually impaired girl who was helping to hand out medals. He has spoken too in the past about the inspiration he takes from his younger sister Hollie, who has cerebral palsy. The condition has significantly impacted her vision. 'With my little sister, she's been to the games but she's never been able to see me or anything because she's visually impaired,' Grealish told Mail Sport in 2023. 'Obviously it's nice to go and spend time with them (family) after the games because she gets it but she obviously can't watch the game.' After scoring against Iran at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Grealish performed a pre-arranged celebration that had been thought up by Finlay, a 12-year-old City fan who also has cerebral palsy. 'The celebration was natural, I don't do that for any clout. I do that because that's what I feel I'm good at sometimes. I can relate to it. It's nice for him because he'll go back to school and he'll probably be quite popular. 'That's just the way I've been brought up. I've got a good heart, or I think I have.' Grealish was also dubbed a 'gentleman' when he stunned regulars at a social club in the north-east earlier this year by paying £500 towards the drinks tab for everyone in the bar. Thought to have been visiting a friend - the brother of England keeper Jordan Pickford - he quietly took a table at North Biddick Social Club in Washington, Tyne and Wear, in March. When word quickly spread on social media that the midfielder was in town, the club quickly began to fill up with fans. That prompted Grealish's exit - but only after he'd spent time chatting to locals, posing for pictures and helping pay for the drinks. One local who was in the club at the time said: 'He was a really, really nice guy. Nothing was too much trouble for him, he sat and chatted with the locals and was happy to pose for pictures. 'But when he paid for everyone's drinks that was just amazing, he didn't need to do it but he did and it showed a lot of class and generosity. He'll definitely be welcome back if he ever wants to come down again.' As the footballer prepares to turn 30 in September, time is of the essence for the footballer to make an impact at says Teixeira, there may yet be another chapter in the Grealish story.
Daily Mail
34 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Arsenal legend Tony Adams delivers brutal verdict on Mikel Arteta - and states Gunners will NOT win the Premier League with Martin Odegaard as captain
Arsenal legend Tony Adams has urged manager Mikel Arteta to strip Martin Odegaard of the club's captaincy if they wish to win the Premier League. Arsenal have played bridesmaid in the title race for the last three seasons, falling short against Manchester City twice, and most recently Liverpool. Odegaard was made made captain ahead of the 2022-23 season, following the departures of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, he is yet to bring any silverware to the Emirates. Adams, who famously led Arsenal to four league titles during his own glittering career, has identified the man he believes will drive the north London side over the line in the title race. The former Gunners captain urged Arteta to replace Odegaard with England international Declan Rice. 'He's got a really big call to make this year and for me he hasn't done it,' Adams said. 'The call is to make Declan Rice the captain. I think Declan is my kind of captain, and it might free Odegaard up to play with a bit more freedom. 'Every now and again as a manager, you have to put someone who reflects you, who reflects the football club that you think can actually take you to the next level.' When asked if he thinks Rice reflects Arteta, Adams retorted: 'I think he's better than Arteta.' Adams was then asked if Rice is a winner and if Arteta is not. The former defender answered diplomatically. 'I'm just saying he's got an opportunity this year to actually turn into a winner,' he added. 'To win league titles, you have to be a [Jurgen] Klopp, you have to be a [Sir Alex] Ferguson. You have to lead by example, you have to be a winner, you have to go about your business. And that reflects in your captain. 'And I'm seeing Declan Rice as a captain but I'm saying to Arteta: "Come on, step up now. It's your time to be a winning manager and a fantastic manager, because you're not going to win the league with Odegaard as captain.' Adams believes Rice's durability and leadership are exactly what Arsenal need to finally get their hands on the title after coming close in the last two seasons. 'You've got someone in their who's going to play every game all season, that's going to encourage people to come in and lay the foundations of a title-winning team,' he continued.
The Sun
34 minutes ago
- The Sun
John Terry tells Chelsea they have to try to WIN the Premier League this year as former captain opens up on club role
JOHN TERRY was the epitome of Chelsea's golden era under Roman Abramovich. The most successful captain in the club's history now thinks the Blues are ready to challenge under new ownership. 6 6 For all the chopping and changing at Stamford Bridge, Terry — who mentors players in the academy — can see a bright future after a summer of success. Eight months ago, boss Enzo Maresca was shooting down suggestions of a title challenge. Six months ago, the fans were chanting angrily towards their manager that they wanted 'their Chelsea back'. Since then, Todd Boehly's Blues have claimed a Champions League place, won the Conference League and the Club World Cup. And JT - who has exclusively revealed he's made a decision about his own future in the game - does not think Maresca will talk down their title hopes any more. The Chelsea legend, 44, told SunSport: 'I really liked the honesty from the manager because the message is clear to the players. We're not there yet. 'If you're the manager now coming into that dressing room and you're going, 'We've got a chance this year', the players will think we've got a chance. This year I think his message will be different. 'He was spot on because we were young, it was a little bit up and down last year. At the moment, we're clearly building and moving in the right direction. 6 'I'm not sitting here saying I want to wait five years to win another Premier League. We've got to go into it 100 per cent with the mindset of going, 'Yes, we have to try to win the league this year'. 'Without a shadow of a doubt. But there's other big competitions as well. Fans spot Liam Delap's reaction on bench after Joao Pedro goal as Chelsea fans say 'this guy can't catch a break' 'You fight right to the end until it's not possible. The Premier League was done last season, Liverpool were very good last year and rightly the winners. We have to compete for that again.' Key to success will be whether or not the fledgling leaders within Maresca's squad can find another level. Reece James, 25, was called out by his manager last season for not doing enough as a captain but has stepped up since. Centre-back Levi Colwill looked to be following in Terry's footsteps at the back before his cruel ACL injury last week. And Chelsea's 15-time trophy-winning former skipper has long been impressed by Enzo Fernandez. But James staying fit and leading on the pitch will be vital after missing months at a time with hamstring, knee and thigh problems. Chelsea's transfer deals IN Joao Pedro - from Brighton - £60m Jamie Gittens - from Dortmund - £52m Jorell Hato - from Ajax - £37m Liam Delap - from Ipswich - £30m Estevao - from Palmeiras - £29m Dario Essugo - from Sporting Lisbon - £18.5m Kendry Paez - from Independiente - £17.5m Mamadou Sarr - from Strasbourg - £12.5m TOTAL - £256.5m OUT Noni Madueke - to Arsenal - £52m Joao Felix - to Al-Nassr - £44m Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - to Everton - £28m Djordje Petrovic - to Bournemouth - £25m Lesley Ugochukwu - to Burnley - £25m Bashir Humphreys - to Burnley - £15m Mathis Amougou - to Strasbourg - £12.5m Kepa Arrizabalaga - to Arsenal - £5m Marcus Bettinelli - to Man City - £5m Terry added: 'For Reece, concentrate on staying fit and having a fully-fit season for him is the most important thing. He can make such a difference. 'We've seen the quality. When Reece is at it, he is the world's best right-back. 'When you've picked up a couple of injuries like Reece has had, it's difficult to really feel like you belong. 'So when you start demanding from people around you, when you're the one not playing, that's also very difficult. 'When you're in the starting line-up week in, week out, it's easy to command and run the dressing room — and the standards of the football club.' Terry made more than 500 appearances as captain and says boss Jose Mourinho always demanded his skipper be robust and a regular. JT said: 'You need to be robust. You need to understand that you can push through little injuries, niggles, and you can kind of come out the other side of it. 'You need to manage your body throughout the week and all of that.' As well as mentoring players in the Under-18s and U21s, Terry stops in to catch up and offer support to players such as James and Colwill. He even spoke to the pair of defenders before this interview. 6 Terry added: 'We talk generally about football and some situations — but it's super relaxed. 'Out of pure respect, I don't get too involved because I fully respect the manager and his role. 'I would never want to say something that goes against what he's saying to those players. 'But the boys know I'm always there if they need me. 'Not just the defenders but the ones that have just arrived. Always here to help. That's my role as someone who has been at Chelsea for so long and the club means the world to me.' And that is the clubman role he wants some of his academy predecessors to take up. Terry said: 'You've got Reece and there's a few other boys that really live and breathe Chelsea. 'But the boys that come in and really buy into the club, this is where the importance of Reece, Levi and the academy graduates really play an important role. 'This is how we do it. This is what we do at Chelsea. We win football trophies and we win cups on a regular basis. 'All the top clubs have that. Man United have that, Liverpool have that, Arsenal. Spurs not so much . . . 6 'But all the big football clubs have that — they find a way to win. 'So in terms of where we were last year . . . a little bit inexperienced. Thiago Silva left and all of that. But the team managed to find a way to win.' Terry also believes recent successes will be transformative for the Blues. While the Conference League would have been scoffed at during Terry's era had it existed, now it is viewed as a stepping stone within the camp. He said: 'It gives you belief, back when we won our first one, the 2004-05 Carling Cup at Cardiff, it gives you belief that it can be done within the squad. 'When you're a young group, it ripples throughout the whole squad of players.' If this group can match what Terry and his team-mates did after that Carling Cup win 20 years ago, the Blues will be in for one hell of a ride once more.
