Iwobi Opens up on how his Hairstyle, Fashion and Music have Helped Him

Alex Iwobi is discussing the multi-coloured braids in his hair and how even his hairstyle has assisted his football in what he views as his best start to a Premier League season so far.

‘Yeah, that in fact plays a part (in revealing myself),’ the Fulham midfielder states.

‘My father’s in the house and he’s most likely heard me. He didn’t like that I coloured my hair. I got bored and didn’t want to suffice off so I believed let’s do something various that nobody else has. I literally informed the hair stylist to ‘express yourself’ however not too wild. It’s wild since it’s red and purple at the moment but I like it. My dad’s accepted it now so I’m easy.’

It’s a plain contrast from the short-haired 19-year-old who made his Arsenal debut under Arsene Wenger in 2015.

Iwobi insists that he’s always had the frame of mind of feeling like there’s more to life than football however has just expressed himself more recently, going to Paris Fashion Week, releasing songs and introducing his charitable structure, Project 17.

‘It’s always been my pastime to do music, charity work and things in fashion. But it’s just just recently that I’ve been revealing myself a lot more, to reveal individuals that I am not simply a footballer. There is more to life, he states.

Alexi Iwobi has made his best start to a Premier League season with 5 objectives in 15 matches

The 28-year-old states his multi-coloured braids have actually added to his on-pitch enhancement

It’s a plain contrast from the short-haired teenager who made his debut under Arsene Wenger

This weekend, the 28-year-old will have his work cut out as Fulham handle league leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday and on Sunday, he will be back in London feeding 100 families for Christmas as part of Project 17.

For one day, there will be an AleXpress in Canning Town, his hometown, where whatever will be totally free in a regional supermarket.

‘You understand what Liverpool are like – it’s going to be an intense game but whether I get cramp or have no hamstrings, I will exist on Sunday,’ Iwobi stresses.

‘In your home I was raised in, my daddy naturally simply returned. To people in Nigeria, to his household and even individuals in the street – he would simply buy bottles of water and provide to neighbours. Seeing how my mum and papa are has actually me to provide to others, whether they are fortunate or less fortunate. With the position I remain in, I feel like it’s only right with the influence I have that I return also.’

Through these efforts off the pitch, Iwobi believes is the trick to his success on the pitch too. The Nigerian has actually already scored more goals than in any other season, with 5 in the league for a Fulham side that is just 2 points behind fifth-placed Nottingham Forest.

‘As a child you wish to do your best to impress the manager and desire everybody to know you are fully concentrated on football. But it (freedom) comes with age, being free and not being pushed about negative remarks. If it’s useful, you do not mind the criticism,’ he states.

‘You have to be strong psychologically. Players do well when they’re positive and with me, feeling positive to express myself on and off the pitch, I nearly feel unstoppable. And when you have people that back you, it really plays a part.’

One of those people that backs him is Marco Silva, who signed Iwobi for ₤ 35M at Everton from Arsenal in 2019, and didn’t hesitate when he had the opportunity to bring him back to London on Deadline Day in 2015. After his brace versus Brighton last week, Silva stated it was Iwobi’s ‘finest season in the Premier League so far’ and he concurs.

The 28-year-old will feed 100 families on Sunday for Christmas as part of Project 17

Iwobi firmly insists that he’s constantly had the state of mind of sensation like there’s more to life than football

Earlier this year, Iwobi ended up being the first Premier League footballer to release a single with his debut tune ‘Don’t Shoot’ and in November launched a follow-up ‘What’s Luv?’

‘I have actually been associated with a great deal of goals, contributing a lot, and defensively I have been working well. You might say it’s my best start to the season – I simply need to keep it going and make certain it’s my finest season. That’s the objective’ states Iwobi, who credits Silva for offering him ‘the license to express’ himself. ‘It’s great to have a manager who offers you the confidence to do that,’ he states.

Earlier this year, Iwobi became the very first Premier League footballer to release a single with his debut song ‘Don’t Shoot’ and in November launched a follow-up ‘What’s Luv?’ which is described as an event of his African roots with a blend of Afro-Swing mixed with Rap”.

It’s also a tune that Silva’s enjoying in the dressing space, with Fulham making their finest start to a top-flight season considering that 2003-04.

‘I do not get it on in the dressing space however when you have team-mates like Calvin Bassey, he just can’t help himself, Iwobi reveals.

‘He is tapping the supervisor to listen to the tune. The first time he (Silva) heard ‘What’s Luv?’ he was simply vibing like, ‘is this Alex?’ and Calvin resembled ‘yes it’s Alex!’ He stated it wasn’t bad. I know the very first time he didn’t understand what was said however he enjoyed the beat. So it’s a win-win.

‘Everyone vibes with it and I’m having great feedback from the team – even individuals who don’t speak English as their very first language like the Brazilians, they’re vibing too,’ adds Iwobi.

Silva’s plan at Everton was to develop around the midfielder but he was sacked four months after signing Iwobi. Then Carlo Ancelotti played him out of position while Rafa Benitez barely played him at all.

Iwobi would travel throughout the M62 to Manchester and play seven-a-side with his mates in disguise to enjoy his football once again. Now that happiness has been rediscovered after his ₤ 22M relocation in 2015.

‘Everyone’s frame of mind is one for all and all for one so that’s certainly assisting us this season. We’ve been having team meals and bonding which’s brought a great deal of togetherness, states Iwobi.

Marco Silva first signed the Nigerian at Everton then brought him to Fulham later on in 2023

Iwobi will have his work cut out as Fulham handle league leaders Liverpool at Anfield

‘Even when Sander (Berge) and Joa (Andersen) signed, they took us out to consume. We arranged a trip to Paris to clear our heads (after the Wolves loss), came back then went once again with the Tottenham and Brighton results. We seem like we’re prepared to fly and we can do anything together.’

Another group meal is organised for midweek ahead of a run of three video games in 7 days over Christmas. ‘The gaffer wishes to take us out. That’s another little complimentary food so I’m not complaining,’ jokes Iwobi. ‘It’s truly nice. It resembles one big household.’

But first, Fulham will head to Anfield with belief, having actually taken points from Arsenal last week and narrowly losing at Man City in October in a game where Pep Guardiola was complete of credit for Fulham.

‘It shows we have the ability to complete with anybody. We are not terrified. Hopefully it will be the exact same versus Liverpool. We are going there to get an outcome,’ Iwobi insists.

Get something at Anfield and Arne Slot’s league-leaders might well be hearing ‘What’s Luv’ blasting out from the away dressing room.

FulhamAlex Iwobi