Peter Crouch is football’s BFG. A player who perhaps never got the plaudits his talent deserved on the pitch and who’s now flourishing off it with his eponymous Peter Crouch Podcast and as a pundit for TNT Sports. He’s also the latest guest on the Obi One Podcast as he swaps his hot seat for the sofa, quite literally, to talk to John and Chris: Here, “Crouchy” discusses life at Liverpool, why he wanted to impress Steven Gerrard more than anyone else and why Stevie’s on-field love affair with Fer...
Aug 14, 2025•49 min
It’s fair to say former Chelsea and England forward Eni Aluko has been in the wars of late. Here, the footballer-turned-pundit has her say on a wide range of subjects including her well-publiced legal battle with Joey Barton, and the reason she believes it’s gone this far. Eni also discusses her Nigerian roots, explains the similarities between Emma Hayes and José Mourinho, and puts forward a radical new eligibility rule for FIFA to consider. Aluko also reflects on her struggles in Italy with Ju...
Aug 01, 2025•58 min
On the latest episode of the Obi One Podcast, John Obi Mikel sits down for a chat with another Chelsea great: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. The former Blues No9 gives his verdict on the current Chelsea side under Enzo Maresca, gives his full backing to an under-fire Nicholas Jackson and explains why he DOESN’T want Victor Osimhen at Stamford Bridge. Jimmy also reflects on his own time in West London, why the calibre of striker in the Premier League at that time drove him to greater heights and there’...
Jul 03, 2025•53 min
He’s a Treble winner and fourth on the Premier League’s all-time scoring list with 187 goals. Introducing the latest guest on the Obi One Podcast: Manchester United legend Andy Cole. ‘Coley’ sits down with John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy to reflect on the highs - and lows - from his career on and off the pitch. He sets the record straight on what really happened at Newcastle and why he hasn’t spoken to Kevin Keegan since. What were his first impressions of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson a...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Arsenal Fan TV host Robbie Lyle is the latest guest to join John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy on the Obi One Podcast, and as you’d expect, it’s full of passion and disagreements! Robbie has built AFTV into the biggest fan network in the world and is well-versed in defending his team to the hilt, even in the face of a Chelsea great. In this episode, Robbie reflects on the tenure of Mikel Arteta, ponders whether he is still the right man for the job and discusses what is needed in the summer transf...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 24 min
It’s a case of ‘I told you so’ for Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel as his former side achieve their No1 ambition this season of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Mikel reflects on their win at Nottingham Forest on the final day, plus he looks ahead to their Europa League Conference showdown with Real Betis. John and Chris also have praise for Ange Postecoglou, preview PSG v Inter Milan in the Champions League Final and pick their Premier League Team of the Season. Just how many Chelsea pla...
May 28, 2025•50 min
Former Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani joins John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy on a brand new episode of the Obi One Podcast. From his tough upbringing in Lisbon to lighting up the Theatre of Dreams with his dazzling array of skills, Nani opens up on a wide range of subjects, including his close relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, revealing just how competitive his compatriot can be. He also reminisces about a hilarious trip with boss Sir Alex Ferguson and explains how his son has bee...
May 22, 2025•43 min
John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy reunite to preview the biggest week of Chelsea’s season: away to Nottingham Forest for a place in the UEFA Champions League before a date with Real Betis in the Europa Conference League showpiece. John sticks to his guns on his former club, gives his verdict on Enzo Maresca’s future at the club and offers some friendly advice to Nicolas Jackson. He’s far from happy with Erling Haaland, has special praise for Marc Cucurella and makes a final plea on behalf a certa...
May 20, 2025•41 min
They are the Premier League’s most prolific strike partnership this season with 36 goals between them, and they’re the latest guests on the Obi One Podcast. Introducing Brentford’s dynamic duo Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are at Brentford’s training ground to find out a little more about what makes Bryan and Yoane tick. From their friendship off to pitch, to their devastating relationship on it, the pair open up on a whole host of subjects including life under T...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 3 min
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’, whi...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 2 min
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/obion...
Apr 10, 2025•20 min
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 w...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 12 min
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 Zla...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 6 min
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 fo...
Mar 13, 2025•38 min
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/1...
Mar 10, 2025•47 min
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 ...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 22 min
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. O...
Feb 26, 2025•38 min
‘I’m just a fan who wants the best for my club.’ John Obi Mikel makes an impassioned defence of his recent criticism of this current Chelsea side. Back-to-back defeats to Brighton coupled with Nicolas Jackson’s injury has him asking serious questions of the club’s recruitment policy and he hits out at the notion that the Blues are ahead of schedule in their bid to return to the Champions League. As always, it’s forthright stuff from the former Chelsea No12. https://www.instagram.com/obionepodcas...
Feb 17, 2025•59 min
John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy review Chelsea’s 2-1 win over West Ham - a game that through up more questions than answers. Where is the Jadon Sancho of earlier this season, and are the Blues now too reliant on Cole Palmer? Mikel also discusses his reunion with John Terry and gives his verdict on the transfer deadline day deals at the Bridge, including Joao Felix’s departure for AC Milan that has Mikel scratching his head. And what of Marcus Rashford’s much talked about move to Aston Villa. Wi...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 5 min
History made for the Obi One Podcast as we bring you our first ever Taking the Mikel Live event in Dubai, brought to you by BetWinner. John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are joined by over 200 fans from Chelsea’s official Supporters Club in the UAE for an intimate evening of revelations, insights and laughter. Recorded prior to Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat at Manchester City, John reveals the truth behind his Manchester United snub, makes a candid admission about his relationship with José Mourinho and ge...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 16 min
John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy pick the bones out of Chelsea’s first match of 2025 as their winless run in the league stretches to four matches after a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. ‘Hard work’ is John’s buzzword as Nicolas Jackson’s lean spell continues, plus Enzo Maresca’s apparent aversion to substitutions also comes under the microscope as does an injury that threatens to derail the Blues’ season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 4 min
John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy kickstart 2025 by looking back over a festive period that wasn’t kind to Chelsea - or Manchester United. John also has his say on Noni Madueke’s recent troubles, his January transfer wish list and weights in on the nightmare that has befallen Ruben Amorim’s start to life at Manchester United. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 9 min
John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy welcome Arsenal and England great Sol Campbell onto the Obi One Podcast, and the former defender doesn’t disappoint. Campbell, an Invincible with the Gunners in 2003-04, opens up on a range of subjects, from turning his back on management to why he doesn’t believe he gets the credit he deserves. The 73-capped star also unpacks the story of his controversial move from Tottenham to rivals Arsenal and details the underhand tactics that led to his contentious switch ...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 19 min
John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are in London for this week’s Taking the Mikel episode. John meets Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali and enjoys his hospitality as the Blues claim a 2-1 home win over Brentford. So what’s he really like? John reveals all plus the guys discuss Mykhailo Mudryk’s shock failed drugs test and it’s possible ramifications for the player and the club. And there’s plenty of festive cheer as John reminisces about Christmas at the club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Dec 18, 2024•50 min
Steven Bartlett; entrepreneur, speaker, investor, author and the host of the popular ‘The Diary of a CEO’ podcast, is our latest special guest on the Obi One Podcast. Steven talks candidly about the experiences and decisions that shaped his life and career, and reveals the secrets behind his hugely popular podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 09, 2024•47 min
In this episode of the Obi One Podcast John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy sit down with one of the greatest commentators ever, Martin Tyler, to discuss life in the gantry. From being the voice of Sky Sports’ football coverage for over 25 years to delivering some of the greatest lines in Premier League history, including the most famous of them all: ‘Aggggüüüeeeerrrrooooo’. Who can forget it? In this, at times emotional, interview, Martin opens up on the secrets of his craft, his legendary partners...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 23 min
John Obi Mikel has his say on Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with old rivals Arsenal. From some ‘friendly’ advice for ex-Blue Kai Havertz to question marks over Robert Sanchez’s suitability as the club’s long-term No1. John also opines about Cole Palmer’s quiet afternoon and asks for more in the big games from Chelsea’s main man. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 13, 2024•54 min
Matchroom CEO Eddie Hearn is one of the most influential figures in boxing, and he’s the latest guest on the Obi One Podcast with John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy. Eddie opens up on life in the industry, the lessons he learned from his father Barry, Turki Alalshikh’s role in shaping the sport’s future and answers the burning question: will Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury ever fight? As for the possibility of him one day becoming owner of a football club, Eddie gives his verdict. Learn more about y...
Nov 11, 2024•52 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Fresh from his appearance at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Chelsea great John Obi Mikel aims both barrels at Real Madrid, settles on Enzo Maresca’s ideal midfield pairing and gives his verdict on Europe’s hottest striker right now. So who gets his vote? Sporting’s goal machine Viktor Gyökeres or fellow Nigerian, Victor Osimhen? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 07, 2024•58 min
He’s the man who has a position named after him, and he’s also the latest guest on the Obi One Podcast. Introducing the one and only Claude Makélélé. The former midfield metronome looks back on his career, from being unceremoniously jettisoned by Real Madrid to finding a home at Chelsea. He also opens up on the qualities needed for his position, what made Zinedine Zidane so unique and why he wasn’t as quiet as some may think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Oct 28, 2024•52 min
