Episodes

  • Yaya Touré EXCLUSIVE: ‘Ending Cristiano’s dream, my Arsenal love & how I ALMOST joined Drogba at Chelsea

    Yaya Touré EXCLUSIVE: ‘Ending Cristiano’s dream, my Arsenal love & how I ALMOST joined Drogba at Chelsea
    Apr 24 2025
    In the latest episode of the Obi One Podcast, John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy track down one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. A treble winner with Barcelona and one of the catalysts for Manchester City’s recent dominance. It’s Yaya Touré. Hailed by John as ‘the most complete African footballer to ever grace the Premier League, Touré cuts a laid back figure as he opens up on his early days at Barcelona, and how set about adapting to the demands of playing for ‘Més que un club’, which included a reluctant date with a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. Touré also gives his verdict on Pep Guardiola’s role in changing the game as we know it, reveals just how close he came to joining his ‘dream club’ Arsenal and lifts the lid on his relationship with fellow Ivorian, Didier Drogba. And there’s a bombshell admission to boot as well as he reveals the shock club he almost joined before land. https://www.instagram.com/obionepodcast?igsh=MWNzbHVocHdzeWZwdA== https://x.com/obionepodcast?s=21 https://www.facebook.com/share/1AJ7ZPB4Cp/?mibextid=wwXIfr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Dries Mertens Exclusive: Galatasaray ‘lucky’ to have Osimhen & Hazard ‘not to blame’ for Belgium woes

    Dries Mertens Exclusive: Galatasaray ‘lucky’ to have Osimhen & Hazard ‘not to blame’ for Belgium woes
    Apr 10 2025
    Dries Mertens sits down with our very own John Obi Mikel to discuss life in Turkey with Galatasaray. The Belgian forward also reflects on finally ending Napoli’s 33 year wait for the Scudetto, explains why there was no problem with Eden Hazard in the Belgium set up and reserves special praise for team-mate Victor Osimhen. He may be 37 now, but Dries Mertens - Napoli’s all-time leading goalscorer with 148 goals - still has plenty left to achieve in the game. Enjoy! https://www.instagram.com/obionepodcast?igsh=MWNzbHVocHdzeWZwdA== https://x.com/obionepodcast?s=21 https://www.facebook.com/share/1AJ7ZPB4Cp/?mibextid=wwXIfr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    20 mins
  • Nkunku’s time up at Chelsea? | Jackson return | Lampard v De Bruyne | Kalou brain teaser

    Nkunku’s time up at Chelsea? | Jackson return | Lampard v De Bruyne | Kalou brain teaser
    Apr 8 2025
    John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy reunite to reflect on Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Tottenham and goalless draw at Brentford - two results that have breathed new life into their Champions League hopes. What is Christopher Nkunku’s best position? And is Trevoh Chalobah the answer to Chelsea’s centre-back conundrum? John gives his verdict while he finally gives Nicolas Jackson his flowers! Kevin De Bruyne’s imminent Manchester City exit is another topic for conversation while John says it’s Okan Buruk who should be embarrassed and NOT José Mourinho after their comedic spat in Turkey. https://www.instagram.com/obionepodcast?igsh=MWNzbHVocHdzeWZwdA== https://x.com/obionepodcast?s=21 https://www.facebook.com/share/1AJ7ZPB4Cp/?mibextid=wwXIfr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Mamadou Sakho AKA ‘The Killer’: Gerrard’s slip, Mbappé’s critics & why he can’t say ‘Man Utd’

    Mamadou Sakho AKA ‘The Killer’: Gerrard’s slip, Mbappé’s critics & why he can’t say ‘Man Utd’
    Apr 7 2025
    At just 17 years and eight months, Mamadou Sakho became Paris Saint Germain - and Ligue 1’s - youngest ever captain. A move to Liverpool followed where he would earn the nickname ‘The Killer’. Now plying his trade in Tbilisi, Georgia while managing a successful property business, Sakho joins John Obi Mikel to look back on his nomadic career. The no-nonsense defender gives his verdict on Steven Gerrard’s infamous slip. Did it cost Liverpool the title? Who was his toughest opponent and what is Zlatan Ibrahimovic like as a team-mate? Sakho also has a message for Kylian Mbappé and outlines why he’s never, EVER allowed to utter the words ‘Manchester United.’ Don’t miss it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Victor Osimhen RETURNS: Why He’s Loving Life At Galatasaray | No Chelsea Regrets

    Victor Osimhen RETURNS: Why He’s Loving Life At Galatasaray | No Chelsea Regrets
    Mar 13 2025
    In this latest episode of the Obi One Podcast, John Obi Mikel reunites with his former Nigeria team-mate and a man he considers his ‘little brother’: Victor Osimhen. Things have changed dramatically for the 2023 African Footballer of the Year since we last caught up with him having swapped Napoli for Galatasaray. Back scoring goals, and more importantly, enjoying his football again, Osimhen opens up on life in Turkey, why he’s so grateful to Gala’s fanatical support and outlines his ambitions for the future. Osimhen also reflects on his time at Napoli, the lessons he learned under boss Luciano Spalletti and why former team-mate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is ready to propel PSG to European glory. ttps://www.instagram.com/obionepodcast?igsh=MWNzbHVocHdzeWZwdA== https://x.com/obionepodcast?s=21 https://www.facebook.com/share/1AJ7ZPB4Cp/?mibextid=wwXIfr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • John Obi Mikel: ‘Chelsea will win the title BEFORE Arsenal’ | Leicester win MASSIVE

    John Obi Mikel: ‘Chelsea will win the title BEFORE Arsenal’ | Leicester win MASSIVE
    Mar 10 2025
    Back to back Premier League wins for Chelsea have John Obi Mikel smiling again. That is, until Chris McHardy informs him of the Blues’ fixture list in the run in. gulp John also gives his verdict on Arsenal’s title ambitions after two more dropped points at Manchester United, and breaks why he think the title will be heading to West London before it ever goes North. https://www.instagram.com/obionepodcast?igsh=MWNzbHVocHdzeWZwdA== https://x.com/obionepodcast?s=21 https://www.facebook.com/share/1AJ7ZPB4Cp/?mibextid=wwXIfr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • Ryan Babel Exclusive | Slot’s Secret To Success, Zirkzee’s ‘Wrong Choice’ & What Made Gerrard The Best

    Ryan Babel Exclusive | Slot’s Secret To Success, Zirkzee’s ‘Wrong Choice’ & What Made Gerrard The Best
    Feb 27 2025
    Season 3 of the Obi One Podcast made possible by Betwinner is here, and we’re kicking it off in the company of former Liverpool and Netherlands forward Ryan Babel. The Dutchman talks to John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy about how lonely he felt at Liverpool, his struggles with Rafael Benitez and why Steven Gerrard is the best he ever played with. Babel also shares his experiences as a young teammate of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, explains the ONE mistake Arne Slot has avoided in order to be a success at Liverpool and reveals why he fears the worst for Joshua Zirkzee at Manchester United. == Thanks to our proud sponsors Betwinner | Betwinner.com https://www.instagram.com/obionepodcast?igsh=MWNzbHVocHdzeWZwdA== https://x.com/obionepodcast?s=21 https://www.facebook.com/share/1AJ7ZPB4Cp/?mibextid=wwXIfr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • How dare he…’ 🤬: Obi Mikel blasts Carragher over AFCON jibe | Mourinho ‘no racist

    How dare he…’ 🤬: Obi Mikel blasts Carragher over AFCON jibe | Mourinho ‘no racist
    Feb 26 2025
    John Obi Mikel is angry. Irate in fact. Watch as he hits back at Jamie Carragher’s assertion that the African Cup of Nations is not a “major tournament”with a passionate defence of the competition and it’s standing in the game. The Chelsea great, who captained Nigeria to success in the tournament back in 2013, does not hold back! John also has his say on the racism storm engulfing Jose Mourinho in Turkey, and has a message for journalists chasing him for comment. An explosive Taking the Mikel. One not to be missed. https://www.instagram.com/obionepodcast?igsh=MWNzbHVocHdzeWZwdA== https://x.com/obionepodcast?s=21 https://www.facebook.com/share/1AJ7ZPB4Cp/?mibextid=wwXIfr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins