Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has named the two people he looks up to in order to maintain a work-life balance as a footballer, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 29-year-old is very vocal about his life off the pitch as he models for several clothing brands, creates tournaments for footballers in London, and all while making music on the side.
His most recent music release came in April, titled ‘Hop out’, featuring British Rapper Ramz and Nigerian afrobeats star, Odumodublvck.
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Iwobi isn’t the first footballer to dabble in music. Glenn Hoddle featured on a duet alongside Chris Waddle on Diamond Lights in 1987, Ian Wright made Do the Right Thing in 1993, and even Iwobi’s uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha, released a single in 1994, I I Am Am J J.
These players went on to have stellar careers in their own right, and Iwobi is convinced life on the pitch and off the pitch can co-exist for modern footballers.
The former Everton man has mentioned he looks up to his uncle, even off the pitch, and also mentioned he does the same for Arsenal legend Ian Wright.
“Looking at them, especially Ian Wright, he literally did whatever he wanted,” Iwobi said in an interview with The Guardian.
“He expressed himself, gave 100% in football, but also enjoyed his life. So I would also use him as a role model, as I still give 100% in my football, but I like to have fun on the pitch as well as off the pitch, so that’s my way with music, with fashion, with charity stuff.
“There are a lot of things I do just to. I wouldn’t say get distracted, but just, like, have a moment or just to breathe.”
In his song What’s Luv?, Iwobi cited the number of properties he owns as 27, claiming the business advice to invest in such came from his uncle, who gave him the ‘blueprint’ to success.
“He showed my dad the blueprint, and ever since I signed my first professional contract, almost all my investments go into properties, and my dad manages that for me.
“Obviously, football is a short career. I wouldn’t want anyone going bankrupt easily or immediately after football.
“I’m just grateful that I had my parents and my uncle to guide me and tell me what’s best for my future as well as the life I’m living currently.”
Iwobi also mentioned his looks aren’t necessarily tied to his performance on the pitch, but it’ll always be a talking point for people whenever he doesn’t play well.
“The sort of hair I have, I wouldn’t want it to cause another story. It just shows that I really do enjoy playing football, especially with my friends.
“Inside, it would be frustrating because everyone just wants to play football. When you’re not going to get an opportunity to play football, I just took it as like: Well, I need to showcase and improve and show that I have the ability to be starting, to be playing.’”
Iwobi’s Premier League plans
The AFCON 2019 bronze medallist turns 30 next year, and after coming off the back of his best Premier League campaign, he wants to make a big statement in the 2025/2026 campaign.
“I’m so blessed and I’m so happy to be in the position I am today. I’m obviously grateful to Arsenal because they always produce youngsters.
“I saw Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri during the off-season, and you wouldn’t think that they’re 18 – they’re both very mature and carry themselves really well.
“No matter what age you are, I feel like you have to give 100%, but yeah, I am kicking on. I’m going to be 30 next season. So I’m no longer a young kid, but hopefully next season I’ll make another big statement,” the Hale End Academy Graduate concluded.
The Super Eagles star kicks off Fulham’s Premier League campaign with a trip to the Amex Community Stadium on the 16th of August as they lock horns against Brighton and Hove Albion.