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

Alex Iwobi is talking about the multi-coloured braids in his hair and how even his hairdo has actually helped his football in what he views as his best start to a Premier League season so far.

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

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

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

Iwobi firmly insists that he’s constantly had the frame of mind of sensation like there’s more to life than football however has just revealed himself more over the last few years, going to Paris Fashion Week, releasing songs and releasing his charitable foundation, Project 17.

‘It’s constantly been my hobby to do music, charity work and things in fashion. But it’s only just recently that I’ve been revealing myself a lot more, to show people that I am not simply a footballer. There is more to life, he says.

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

The 28-year-old states his multi-coloured braids have actually contributed to his on-pitch improvement

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

This weekend, the 28-year-old will have his work eliminated as Fulham take on 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 complimentary in a local supermarket.

‘You understand what Liverpool are like – it’s going to be an extreme video game however whether I get constrain or have no hamstrings, I will exist on Sunday,’ Iwobi tensions.

‘In your house I was raised in, my daddy naturally simply returned. To people in Nigeria, to his household and even people in the street – he would simply buy bottles of water and provide to neighbours. Seeing how my mum and papa are has influenced me to provide to others, whether they are lucky or less lucky. With the position I am in, I feel like it’s just best with the impact I have that I return also.’

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

‘As a youngster you wish to do your finest to impress the manager and want everyone to know you are fully focused on football. But it (flexibility) features age, being complimentary and not being pressed about negative remarks. If it’s constructive, you do not mind the criticism,’ he says.

‘You need to be strong psychologically. Players succeed when they’re confident and with me, feeling great to express myself on and off the pitch, I almost feel unstoppable. And when you have individuals that back you, it truly 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 chance to bring him back to London on Deadline Day in 2015. After his brace versus Brighton last week, Silva stated it was Iwobi’s ‘best season in the Premier League so far’ and he concurs.

The 28 will feed 100 households on Sunday for Christmas as part of Project 17

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

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

‘I have been associated with a great deal of goals, contributing a lot, and defensively I have actually been working well. You might state it’s my finest start to the season – I just have to keep it going and make sure it’s my best season. That’s the aim’ states Iwobi, who credits Silva for offering him ‘the license to express’ himself. ‘It’s great to have a supervisor who gives you the confidence to do that,’ he says.

Earlier this year, Iwobi became the very first Premier League footballer to launch a single with his debut tune ‘Don’t Shoot’ and in November launched a follow-up ‘What’s Luv?’ which is explained 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 room, with Fulham making their best start to a top-flight season given that 2003-04.

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

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

‘Everyone vibes with it and I’m having excellent feedback from the group – even individuals who don’t speak English as their 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 4 months after signing Iwobi. Then Carlo Ancelotti played him out of position while Rafa Benitez hardly played him at all.

Iwobi would take a trip across the M62 to Manchester and play seven-a-side with his mates in camouflage to enjoy his football once again. Now that joy has actually been found after his ₤ 22M relocation last year.

‘Everyone’s frame of mind is one for all and all for one so that’s certainly helping us this season. We’ve been having group meals and bonding which’s brought a lot of togetherness, says Iwobi.

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

Iwobi will have his work eliminated as Fulham take on league leaders Liverpool at Anfield

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

Another group meal is organised for midweek ahead of a run of 3 games in seven days over Christmas. ‘The gaffer wishes to take us out. That’s another little totally free food so I’m not complaining,’ jokes Iwobi. ‘It’s really good. It’s like one huge household.’

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

‘It reveals we have the capability to take on anyone. We are not terrified. Hopefully it will be the very same versus Liverpool. We are going there to get a result,’ Iwobi firmly insists.

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

FulhamAlex Iwobi