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This Sports Conversation constitutes a new series in which prominent figures from sports and show business participate with presenter Kelly Somers for candid and detailed discussions about the beautiful game.

The program examines mental approach and drive, covering pivotal experiences, career highlights and individual insights. This series uncovers the person beyond the athlete.

Reece James began practicing with Chelsea at six years old and - having progressed through the academy and into the first team - is now team leader.

James announced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in impressive fashion, netting on his debut in a 7-1 victory over Grimsby Town in 2019.

Now 25, James' career highlights so far include making his international bow against the Welsh team in 2020, winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, and being appointed team skipper in 2023.

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

The athlete spoke with the interviewer to discuss his professional peaks, the Brazilian's impact, and his relationship with seven-time F1 world champion the racing driver.

Kelly Somers: First question: identity, where you're from, and what's your coffee order?

The athlete: The name is Reece James, I was raised in the area, near Richmond - I'm sure more people will recognize that area. My coffee is a specific coffee type.

The host: Has it always been a flat white?

Reece: No, it started with, such as, flavored coffees and similar drinks.

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

The defender: Essentially, from childhood, it was practically my entire focus in education. I wasn't the most academic student, and I simply adored playing football.

Kelly: What's your earliest memory of playing? Is this tough to respond to because it represented a big part of your early years and development?

Reece: No, just because my recollection is so bad. My first remembrance was probably, I don't know, going to watch my brother compete. He is my senior by two years than me, and he used to play as well.

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

Reece: Well we were three of us during childhood. We were completely soccer-obsessed, and he obviously was a coach as well, and we frequently practiced a lot with him.

Kelly: Do you remember many of those training periods? Because I learned that as young as the four years old, you practiced outdoors and he conducted exercises with you in the yard.

James: Yeah, I remember - the drills began early. Thankfully, they proved beneficial for myself and my sister [Chelsea and England attacker Lauren James].

The interviewer: Tell me about your first ever team that you played for as a youngster, what was it called, and your memories?

Reece: I don't remember much, frankly. It was Kew Park Rangers in Kew. I believe I played 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? Talk to me about your positional journey and its development...

James: I started off as a striker, and then subsequently transitioned to the wing, left wing, right wing, and eventually to central positions, and then finally at defensive role, and I disliked it at the time.

Kelly: What caused your dislike for it?

Reece: Because I consistently desired to occupy central positions. There was less involvement with the football as frequently but eventually everything fell into place and I've been a defender since.

The interviewer: You mentioned you began as a forward - who was your idol?

James: My idol was [the legendary] Drogba. I was a Chelsea fan during youth and he represented the athlete I looked up to.

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

Reece: I would probably say the loan spell. Bridging the gap between youth and first-team football is most challenging and this represents probably what many athletes making the jump find difficult.

Kelly: You're talking about the club, naturally. What made was Wigan the ideal team for you at that period? The location was miles away from all you were familiar with in the capital - what made it successful so effectively?

James: The first thing is that I played consistently, which helps. I acquired a lot of experiences - I relocated from my companions and relatives and had to grow up quickly. Participating on a regular schedule helped a lot.

Kelly: Who has had the biggest impact on your career?

The athlete: I would say [the experienced Brazilian] the veteran. He's nearly old enough to be my dad and has competed at the highest level for so long. He consistently attempted to help me from the minute he arrived and continues to, presently he is departed [after leaving the club in 2024].

Kelly: In what way would he help you?

Reece: These were little messages off the pitch. On the pitch, he would sometimes observe situations that I perceived alternatively and attempt and paint a different picture.

Kelly: It must have been nice to meet him this summer [at the Club World Cup]?

The defender: It proved great to reconnect with him. I'm happy that his club did well in the tournament [they lost in the semi-finals to the champions his team]. It's always good to encounter him.

The interviewer: Were you able to return and experience again one match in your career, what would you choose?

James: Assuming the result is going to be the identical - it would be the European Cup decider.

Kelly: Other than victory, what was so special about that night