From Dark Times to Success
Reece James has been through a tough stretch in recent years with multiple serious injuries, but he’s finally starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. The Chelsea captain recently opened up about the people who stood by him through the hardest moments of his career, and surprisingly, one of them is Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton. James, 25, made a strong return to the pitch in January after a hamstring injury sidelined him for months. He even scored in that comeback game. Then, in March, he netted his first-ever senior goal for England with a stunning free-kick. For a player who’s quietly endured more injuries than most deal with in their entire careers, it’s a moment that means a lot. He’s still got many years ahead, but the support he’s had has made all the difference. From Dark Times to Success.
Lewis Hamilton’s Influence
A big Formula 1 fan, Reece James has always admired Lewis Hamilton. He’s often seen trackside at races and tries not to miss a single one. But the relationship goes beyond fandom. Reece has actually spoken with Hamilton several times and sees him as more than just an icon he sees him as a mentor. “I’ve talked to him on multiple occasions. He’s the greatest driver in F1 history and someone I really look up to,” James said in an interview on Picture This with Optus Sport. “He’s helped me view things differently. He’s given me so much advice and really supported me during those tough injury periods.” From Dark Times to Success.
Family Support and Football Roots
James isn’t the only footballer in the family. His sister Lauren is a star in her own right, also playing for Chelsea, and their older brother used to play too. With their dad Linton also having a football background, the James household was a breeding ground for fierce sibling competition. “It was chaos growing up,” Reece laughed. “We’d be out in the park or on the streets playing football every single day before and after dinner. It was really competitive. I learned from Josh, and Lauren learned from me.” He gave major credit to their parents too, saying they dedicated their lives to driving the kids around the country for matches and training sessions. “We couldn’t have done it without them.”
More Than Just a Footballer
Reece James wants fans to know there’s more to him than what happens on the pitch. His Instagram bio even says, “more than just a footballer.” He’s passionate about fashion and self-expression and is aware that people often forget athletes are human too. “A lot of fans think we’re just robots that play football, but there’s another side to us,” he said. Reflecting on a particularly bold photo of himself, Reece explained, “My style used to be all over the place. I went through a wild hair phase for a while. I haven’t done that lately I guess it just reflected where I was in life at the time.” For him, style is about mood, performance, and personal life it’s all connected.
