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Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Ronaldinho held me as a child and Jay-Jay Okocha is my uncle – I'm desperate to follow in their footsteps
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ALEX IWOBI was held by his uncle's team-mate and Ballon d'Or king Ronaldinho as a child. Now he is hoping to hold aloft a major trophy for his country - and level up his family bragging rights. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 13 Alex Iwobi with his uncle Jay-Jay Okocha Credit: PROVIDED By Alex Iwobi 13 Ronaldinho also held Iwobi as a youngster Credit: AFP 13 The Fulham star hosted his Project 17 charity's P17 Cup on Sunday Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 Brazil icon Ronaldinho won the Copa America in 1999 and then played a pivotal role in the Selecao's 2002 World Cup triumph. That success came at the end of the 2001-02 season, his first with Paris Saint-Germain. Also in the PSG squad that year were Mikel Arteta, Mauricio Pochettino, Nicolas Anelka, Gabriel Heinze and Jay-Jay Okocha, Iwobi's maternal uncle. Ronaldinho and Okocha only had one season together in France as the latter joined Bolton in 2002. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL MARC UP FOR DEAL Barcelona ready to grant Rashford dream move as strict conditions are set But as Iwobi - born in May 1996 - has only just found out, he spent time as a youngster hanging out with one of football's great entertainers. The Fulham winger, 29, revealed to SunSport: 'What was mad was that I was in Barcelona and I saw Ronaldinho. 'I said to my mum, 'I see Ronaldinho.' 'And she was like, 'You know that he held you as a baby when he played for PSG with your uncle?' CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'She even showed me a picture.' Okocha earned Premier League cult hero status with four years at Bolton, with Iwobi able to watch and take inspiration to one day follow in his footsteps. Ex-Arsenal ace Alex Iwobi releases music video for his second single What's Luv as fans call it 'great retirement plan' The pair are very close and in regular contact - but the uncle tends to avoid giving his nephew advice on his football. But Iwobi may well turn to Okocha ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations as he desperately tries to become the second member of the family to lift the trophy for Nigeria. Okocha's side came from behind against Zambia in the 1994 to win the second of the Super Eagles' three Afcon crowns. Iwobi and Co suffered heartache last year, beating hosts Ivory Coast in the group stages before losing to the same opponents in the final. Now the focus is on going one step further on January 18 in Rabat, Morocco. Iwobi - whose Project 17 charity hosted their P17 football tournament on Sunday raising awareness for ACLT, a life-saving organisation working to increase the number of blood, stem cell and organ donors from the black community - said: 'Of course, he can't be the only one having bragging rights. I need to have one up against him. 'So hopefully, at Afcon, I can have the opportunity to do so. 'We want to improve and do better than last time The only way to do that is to win it. 13 Iwobi's dad - Chuka - was also a footballer Credit: Provided by Alex Iwobi 13 Nwankwo Kanu visited Iwobi as a baby Credit: Provided by Alex Iwobi 13 Okocha, in action against Diego Maradona, won Afcon in 1994 Credit: Getty 13 Iwobi is desperate to win Afcon with Nigeria Credit: Getty 13 Iwobi was part of the Nigeria team that lost last year's final Credit: AFP 'Last year, we were so close. What hurts the most is that we beat the hosts and winners in our group. 'Hopefully this year will be our year. There's a lot of big names, big countries in the competition. 'We believe we've got the players to do so. It would make leaving the Premier League even sweeter. 'With Uncle, I was a bit upset because he played in Baller League but I wasn't able to go because I was on holiday. 'We are always in touch and laughing. He messages me all the time but hardly about football. It's just normally on my well-being, how I'm doing. 'He treats me with so much respect and I have so much respect for him. 'He expressed himself by playing with a smile on his face so he told me to literally go on the pitch, do the same and enjoy my football.' Some people rest... even when I'm tired, I'll find energy somewhere to go and play football Alex Iwobi Should Nigeria go all the way to the final of Afcon and qualify for the World Cup - they are currently fourth in Group C with four matches to go - Iwobi could in theory play as many as 60 matches for club and country in 2025-26. For those who played in Euro 2024, the current Club World Cup and next summer's World Cup - especially in the extreme heat - there are concerns of burnout, injuries and the quality of football diminishing. But not from Iwobi. Asked if he shares those fears, he simply said: 'No. 'Obviously, some people rest. Since I was a kid, I've always loved playing football. 'Whenever there's a kick-around or a game of two-touch with friends, I go. 'Whenever I can play football, I'm not one to complain. 'Even when I'm tired, I'll find energy somewhere to go and play football. But that's just me. Some people will see it differently.' 13 Ronaldinho went on to win the World Cup and Ballon d'Or Credit: Reuters 13 Okocha earned cult hero status after his time at Bolton Credit: Getty 13 Iwobi has no concerns about burnout Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 13 He could play 60 matches next season - and even featured in his own tournament Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Ronaldinho held me as a child and Jay-Jay Okocha is my uncle – I'm desperate to follow in their footsteps
ALEX IWOBI was held by his uncle's team-mate and Ballon d'Or king Ronaldinho as a child. Now he is hoping to hold aloft a major trophy for his country - and level up his family bragging rights. Advertisement 13 Alex Iwobi with his uncle Jay-Jay Okocha Credit: PROVIDED By Alex Iwobi 13 Ronaldinho also held Iwobi as a youngster Credit: AFP 13 The Fulham star hosted his Project 17 charity's P17 Cup on Sunday Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 Brazil icon Ronaldinho won the Copa America in 1999 and then played a pivotal role in the Selecao's 2002 World Cup triumph. That success came at the end of the 2001-02 season, his first with Paris Saint-Germain. Also in the PSG squad that year were Mikel Arteta, Mauricio Pochettino, Nicolas Anelka, Gabriel Heinze and Jay-Jay Okocha, Iwobi's maternal uncle. Ronaldinho and Okocha only had one season together in France as the latter joined Bolton in 2002. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL But as Iwobi - born in May 1996 - has only just found out, he spent time as a youngster hanging out with one of football's great entertainers. The 'I said to my mum, 'I see Ronaldinho.' 'And she was like, 'You know that he held you as a baby when he played for PSG with your uncle?' Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'She even showed me a picture.' Okocha earned Premier League cult hero status with four years at Bolton, with Iwobi able to watch and Ex-Arsenal ace Alex Iwobi releases music video for his second single What's Luv as fans call it 'great retirement plan' The pair are very close and in regular contact - but the uncle tends to avoid giving his nephew advice on his football. Advertisement But Iwobi may well turn to Okocha ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations as he desperately tries to become the second member of the family to lift the trophy for Nigeria. Okocha's side came from behind against Zambia in the 1994 to win the second of the Super Eagles' three Afcon crowns. Iwobi and Co suffered heartache last year, beating hosts Ivory Coast in the group stages before Now the focus is on going one step further on January 18 in Rabat, Morocco. Advertisement Iwobi - whose 'So hopefully, at Afcon, I can have the opportunity to do so. 'We want to improve and do better than last time The only way to do that is to win it. 13 Iwobi's dad - Chuka - was also a footballer Credit: Provided by Alex Iwobi Advertisement 13 Nwankwo Kanu visited Iwobi as a baby Credit: Provided by Alex Iwobi 13 Okocha, in action against Diego Maradona, won Afcon in 1994 Credit: Getty 13 Iwobi is desperate to win Afcon with Nigeria Credit: Getty 13 Iwobi was part of the Nigeria team that lost last year's final Credit: AFP Advertisement 'Last year, we were so close. What hurts the most is that we beat the hosts and winners in our group. 'Hopefully this year will be our year. There's a lot of big names, big countries in the competition. 'We believe we've got the players to do so. It would make leaving the Premier League even sweeter. 'With Uncle, I was a bit upset because he played in Baller League but I wasn't able to go because I was on holiday. Advertisement 'We are always in touch and laughing. He messages me all the time but hardly about football. It's just normally on my well-being, how I'm doing. 'He treats me with so much respect and I have so much respect for him. 'He expressed himself by playing with a smile on his face so he told me to literally go on the pitch, do the same and enjoy my football.' Some people rest... even when I'm tired, I'll find energy somewhere to go and play football Alex Iwobi Should Nigeria go all the way to the final of Afcon and qualify for the World Cup - they are currently fourth in Group C with four matches to go - Iwobi could in theory play as many as 60 matches for club and country in 2025-26. Advertisement For those who played in Euro 2024, the current Club World Cup and next summer's World Cup - especially in the extreme heat - there are concerns of burnout, injuries and the quality of football diminishing. But not from Iwobi. Asked if he shares those fears, he simply said: 'No. 'Obviously, some people rest. Since I was a kid, I've always loved playing football. Advertisement 'Whenever there's a kick-around or a game of two-touch with friends, I go. 'Whenever I can play football, I'm not one to complain. 'Even when I'm tired, I'll find energy somewhere to go and play football. But that's just me. Some people will see it differently.' 13 Ronaldinho went on to win the World Cup and Ballon d'Or Credit: Reuters Advertisement 13 Okocha earned cult hero status after his time at Bolton Credit: Getty 13 Iwobi has no concerns about burnout Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 13 He could play 60 matches next season - and even featured in his own tournament Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 13 The ex-Arsenal man has taken one key piece of advice from Okocha - to smile on the pitch Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 Advertisement
Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Kind-hearted Fulham star Alex Iwobi wants to keep charity work off the pitch as he opens up on struggles
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GENEROUS Alex Iowbi wants to keep his charity work strictly OFF the pitch. Fulham made a habit of taking points off the big boys last season but giving too many against the teams they felt they should beat. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Alex Iwobi and his Project 17 charity hosted their P17 Cup on Sunday Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 Fulham will want to cut out giving away too many easy points next season Credit: Reuters League doubles over Newcastle and Nottingham Forest were supplemented by beating Chelsea and taking four points off champions Liverpool. But painful defeats to Wolves, West Ham, Everton and two against struggling Manchester United denied the Cottagers a spot in Europe. So rather than handing out freebies to their Prem rivals, Iwobi is determined to keep supporting those less fortunate with his Project 17 charity. Set up in 2021, Iwobi was keen to use his public profile and platform to make a positive impact in society. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL GAMECHANGER Premier League opening day fixture moved as different sport takes priority Ventures have included a homeless shelter and setting up a shop of free food at Christmas. And this weekend was the latest P17 Cup - his very own football tournament. After previous editions in Dagenham and Enfield, this year's event was in Bromley in association with ACLT, a life-saving charity working to increase the number of black blood, stem cell and organ donors. Representation in blood donation is urgent. Only two per cent of donors are black, yet conditions like sickle cell disease primarily affect black communities. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Iwobi, 29, told SunSport: 'We're trying to raise awareness for people that are suffering with sickle cell and educate others. 'We started Project 17 after Covid lockdown when my secondary school boys said I should show I'm human and there's more to me than just football. Ex-Arsenal ace Alex Iwobi releases music video for his second single What's Luv as fans call it 'great retirement plan' 'Obviously, I like to do the music, I like to do fashion and I also like to also give back to charities. 'It's not just the good, but also the bad stuff as well. I want people to know that not only that I go through the great times, but there's also tough times in my life. 'For example, everyone suffers with mental illness or mental struggles. I do have my struggles as well.' Iwobi says honest and vulnerable conversations about mental health take place in the 'brotherhood' that is the Fulham dressing room. But there have also been frank conversations about results, especially after slipping up against teams Marco Silva's men expected to beat last season. WHAT IS SICKLE CELL DISEASE? SICKLE cell disease is a genetic condition that prevents red blood cells from developing properly. The cells can become abnormally shaped and die quicker than healthy blood cells, raising the risk of clots or blood vessel blockages. Most people live normal lives with the condition but it can trigger flare-ups called sickle cell crises, when symptoms become painful and may lead to complications. Signs include: Dizziness Pain Tiredness and weakness Headaches Shortness of breath Patients with sickle cell disorders are also at higher risk of infections, anaemia (low blood iron), gallstones, stroke, high blood pressure and kidney problems. There is no definitive cure for sickle cell disease and many patients require treatment throughout their lives. An estimated 15,000 people in England have it and it is more common in black people. The West Londoners paid the price last season by finishing 11th. Now after seeing Crystal Palace lift their first major trophy and qualify for Europe, Fulham want to do the same. Iwobi added: 'Of course. We were so close last season to achieving Europe. 'We always seem to do well against the so-called bigger teams. I don't know if we just mentally get psyched up and prepared to play. 'They are a bit more open in the sense that they all want to attack, attack, attack. They may leave a few more gaps for us to exploit. 'But against the least-favoured teams, the teams we should be favoured to win, we seem to struggle a bit more, they defend patiently. 'We're trying to work on it in training. Hopefully, next season, we'll find ways to break down teams that like to defend with 11 men behind the ball and produce a lot more consistent results.' 9 The Fulham star is keen to give back to the community Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 Iwobi described the Craven Cottage changing room as a 'brotherhood' Credit: Getty 9 Iwobi scored in the famous win over Liverpool Credit: Getty 9 The P17 Cup was in association with ACLT raising awareness for sickle cell disease Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 Iwobi launched his charity in 2021 Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 The tournament, this time in Bromley, has expanded each year Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17
The Sun
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Kind-hearted Fulham star Alex Iwobi wants to keep charity work off the pitch as he opens up on struggles
GENEROUS Alex Iowbi wants to keep his charity work strictly OFF the pitch. Fulham made a habit of taking points off the big boys last season but giving too many against the teams they felt they should beat. 9 9 League doubles over Newcastle and Nottingham Forest were supplemented by beating Chelsea and taking four points off champions Liverpool. But painful defeats to Wolves, West Ham, Everton and two against struggling Manchester United denied the Cottagers a spot in Europe. So rather than handing out freebies to their Prem rivals, Iwobi is determined to keep supporting those less fortunate with his Project 17 charity. Set up in 2021, Iwobi was keen to use his public profile and platform to make a positive impact in society. Ventures have included a homeless shelter and setting up a shop of free food at Christmas. And this weekend was the latest P17 Cup - his very own football tournament. After previous editions in Dagenham and Enfield, this year's event was in Bromley in association with ACLT, a life-saving charity working to increase the number of black blood, stem cell and organ donors. Representation in blood donation is urgent. Only two per cent of donors are black, yet conditions like sickle cell disease primarily affect black communities. Iwobi, 29, told SunSport: 'We're trying to raise awareness for people that are suffering with sickle cell and educate others. 'We started Project 17 after Covid lockdown when my secondary school boys said I should show I'm human and there's more to me than just football. Ex-Arsenal ace Alex Iwobi releases music video for his second single What's Luv as fans call it 'great retirement plan' 'Obviously, I like to do the music, I like to do fashion and I also like to also give back to charities. 'It's not just the good, but also the bad stuff as well. I want people to know that not only that I go through the great times, but there's also tough times in my life. 'For example, everyone suffers with mental illness or mental struggles. I do have my struggles as well.' Iwobi says honest and vulnerable conversations about mental health take place in the 'brotherhood' that is the Fulham dressing room. But there have also been frank conversations about results, especially after slipping up against teams Marco Silva's men expected to beat last season. WHAT IS SICKLE CELL DISEASE? SICKLE cell disease is a genetic condition that prevents red blood cells from developing properly. The cells can become abnormally shaped and die quicker than healthy blood cells, raising the risk of clots or blood vessel blockages. Most people live normal lives with the condition but it can trigger flare-ups called sickle cell crises, when symptoms become painful and may lead to complications. Signs include: Dizziness Pain Tiredness and weakness Headaches Shortness of breath Patients with sickle cell disorders are also at higher risk of infections, anaemia (low blood iron), gallstones, stroke, high blood pressure and kidney problems. There is no definitive cure for sickle cell disease and many patients require treatment throughout their lives. An estimated 15,000 people in England have it and it is more common in black people. The West Londoners paid the price last season by finishing 11th. Now after seeing Crystal Palace lift their first major trophy and qualify for Europe, Fulham want to do the same. Iwobi added: 'Of course. We were so close last season to achieving Europe. 'We always seem to do well against the so-called bigger teams. I don't know if we just mentally get psyched up and prepared to play. 'They are a bit more open in the sense that they all want to attack, attack, attack. They may leave a few more gaps for us to exploit. 'But against the least-favoured teams, the teams we should be favoured to win, we seem to struggle a bit more, they defend patiently. 'We're trying to work on it in training. Hopefully, next season, we'll find ways to break down teams that like to defend with 11 men behind the ball and produce a lot more consistent results.' 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Kind-hearted Fulham star Alex Iwobi wants to keep charity work off the pitch as he opens up on struggles
GENEROUS Alex Iowbi wants to keep his charity work strictly OFF the pitch. Fulham made a habit of taking points off the big boys last season but giving too many against the teams they felt they should beat. 9 Alex Iwobi and his Project 17 charity hosted their P17 Cup on Sunday Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 Fulham will want to cut out giving away too many easy points next season Credit: Reuters League doubles over Newcastle and Nottingham Forest were supplemented by beating Chelsea and But painful defeats to Wolves, West Ham, Everton and two against struggling Manchester United denied the So rather than handing out freebies to their Prem rivals, Iwobi is determined to keep supporting those less fortunate with his Set up in 2021, Iwobi was keen to use his public profile and platform to make a positive impact in society. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL Ventures have included a homeless shelter and setting up a shop of free food at Christmas. And this weekend was the latest P17 Cup - his very own football tournament. After previous editions in Dagenham and Enfield, this year's event was in Bromley in association with ACLT, a life-saving charity working to increase the number of black blood, stem cell and organ donors. Representation in blood donation is urgent. Only two per cent of donors are black, yet conditions like sickle cell disease primarily affect black communities. Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Iwobi, 29, told SunSport: 'We're trying to raise awareness for people that are suffering with sickle cell and educate others. 'We started Project 17 after Covid lockdown when my secondary school boys said I should show I'm human and there's more to me than just football. Ex-Arsenal ace Alex Iwobi releases music video for his second single What's Luv as fans call it 'great retirement plan' 'Obviously, I like to do the music, I like to do fashion and I also like to also give back to charities. 'It's not just the good, but also the bad stuff as well. I want people to know that not only that I go through the great times, but there's also tough times in my life. 'For example, everyone suffers with mental illness or mental struggles. I do have my struggles as well.' Iwobi says honest and vulnerable conversations about mental health take place in the But there have also been frank conversations about results, especially after slipping up against teams Marco Silva's men expected to beat last season. WHAT IS SICKLE CELL DISEASE? SICKLE cell disease is a genetic condition that prevents red blood cells from developing properly. The cells can become abnormally shaped and die quicker than healthy blood cells, raising the risk of clots or blood vessel blockages. Most people live normal lives with the condition but it can trigger flare-ups called sickle cell crises, when symptoms become painful and may lead to complications. Signs include: Dizziness Pain Tiredness and weakness Headaches Shortness of breath Patients with sickle cell disorders are also at higher risk of infections, anaemia (low blood iron), gallstones, stroke, high blood pressure and kidney problems. There is no definitive cure for sickle cell disease and many patients require treatment throughout their lives. An estimated 15,000 people in England have it and it is more common in black people. The West Londoners paid the price last season by finishing 11th. Now after seeing Iwobi added: 'Of course. We were so close last season to achieving Europe. 'We always seem to do well against the so-called bigger teams. I don't know if we just mentally get psyched up and prepared to play. 'They are a bit more open in the sense that they all want to attack, attack, attack. They may leave a few more gaps for us to exploit. 'But against the least-favoured teams, the teams we should be favoured to win, we seem to struggle a bit more, they defend patiently. 'We're trying to work on it in training. Hopefully, next season, we'll find ways to break down teams that like to defend with 11 men behind the ball and produce a lot more consistent results.' 9 The Fulham star is keen to give back to the community Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 Iwobi described the Craven Cottage changing room as a 'brotherhood' Credit: Getty 9 Iwobi scored in the famous win over Liverpool Credit: Getty 9 The P17 Cup was in association with ACLT raising awareness for sickle cell disease Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 Iwobi launched his charity in 2021 Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 The tournament, this time in Bromley, has expanded each year Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 The Fulham star has used his public profile for good - but admits he has had times of struggle Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17
