Best known for his talent on the pitch, Alex Iwobi is now looking to make waves off it as well. The Fulham and Nigeria midfielder, already a household name in football, has ventured into the music scene, hoping to use both his sports and musical platforms to inspire young people. With a mission to uplift and empower, Iwobi’s dual passions are redefining what it means to be a role model.
Earlier this year, Iwobi kickstarted his rap career under the artist name “17,” and he has recently released his second single, What’s Luv?. His debut single, Don’t Shoot, dropped in June and has already been streamed close to 60,000 times on Spotify. That first track, a collaboration with former Arsenal teammate Chuba Akpom (known in music as Skoli) and former England youth international Medy Elito (Don-EE), sent a strong message against street violence, aiming to steer young listeners away from negative influences. In contrast, his new track is a celebration of his African heritage, highlighting themes of culture and identity.
Reflecting on his upbringing in a challenging London neighborhood, Iwobi says he understands the struggles young people face today. “Growing up in an area of London that is challenging for some people, I know how hard it can be, and I’m grateful to have a platform to try and make a difference,” he shared. For Iwobi, music offers another outlet to show young people they don’t need to fit into just one mold. He encourages them to pursue their dreams and find a path that brings positivity into their lives.
Despite his commitment to music, Iwobi’s dedication to football remains unwavering. This season, he’s started all nine Premier League matches under Fulham’s manager Marco Silva, even scoring his second goal of the season recently in a 1-1 match against his former club Everton. Iwobi explains that his music doesn’t interfere with his football – instead, it provides a productive way to unwind. “Creating music doesn’t take anything away from my football; it helps me switch off. I will always work hard and try to improve in my sport, but this is a good use of my spare time,” he said.
By merging his athletic and creative talents, Iwobi is not only broadening his own horizons but is also paving a path for the younger generation to believe in possibilities beyond stereotypes. With a foot in both the sports and music worlds, he’s an example of how passion can bridge different fields – and how one person’s journey can inspire countless others.
