Iwobi Opens up on how his Hairstyle, Fashion and Music have Actually Helped Him

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

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

‘My papa’s in your house and he’s most likely heard me. He didn’t like that I coloured my hair. I got tired and didn’t wish to cut it off so I thought let’s do something different that nobody else has. I literally informed the hairdresser to ‘reveal yourself’ however not too wild. It’s wild due to the fact that it’s red and purple at the minute but I like it. My daddy’s accepted it now so I’m simple.’

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

Iwobi insists that he’s always had the mindset of feeling like there’s more to life than however has only expressed himself more recently, going to Paris Fashion Week, releasing songs and introducing his charitable foundation, Project 17.

‘It’s constantly been my pastime 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 reveal individuals that I am not simply a footballer. There is more to life, he states.

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

The 28-year-old says his multi-coloured braids have actually contributed to his on-pitch enhancement

It’s a stark contrast from the short-haired teenager who made his launching under Arsene Wenger

This weekend, the 28-year-old will have his work cut out as Fulham handle league leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday and on Sunday, he will be back in London feeding 100 households for Christmas as part of Project 17.

For one day, there will be an AleXpress in Canning Town, his home town, where everything will be free in a regional grocery store.

‘You know what Liverpool resemble – it’s going to be an extreme video game however whether I get constrain or have no hamstrings, I will be there on Sunday,’ Iwobi stresses.

‘In your home I was raised in, my papa naturally simply returned. To people in Nigeria, to his household and even individuals in the street – he would simply purchase bottles of water and provide to neighbours. Seeing how my mum and father are has inspired me to provide to others, whether they are lucky or less lucky. With the position I am in, I feel like it’s only right with the influence I have that I offer back too.’

Through these initiatives off the pitch, Iwobi thinks is the trick to his success on the pitch too. The Nigerian has actually currently scored more objectives than in any other season, with 5 in the league for a Fulham side that is just 2 points behind fifth-placed Nottingham Forest.

‘As a child you wish to do your best to impress the manager and desire everyone to know you are totally concentrated on football. But it (liberty) comes with age, being totally free and not being pressed about unfavorable remarks. If it’s constructive, you do not mind the criticism,’ he says.

‘You have to be strong mentally. Players do well when they’re confident and with me, feeling positive to express myself on and off the pitch, I practically feel unstoppable. And when you have individuals that back you, it really 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 be reluctant when he had the chance to bring him back to London on Deadline Day in 2015. After his brace against Brighton last week, Silva stated it was Iwobi’s ‘best season in the Premier League so far’ and he concurs.

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

Iwobi insists that he’s always had the mindset of sensation like there’s more to life than football

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

‘I have been involved in a lot of objectives, contributing a lot, and defensively I have actually been working well. You might say it’s my finest start to the season – I just need to keep it going and ensure it’s my best season. That’s the aim’ states Iwobi, who credits Silva for providing him ‘the license to reveal’ himself. ‘It’s great to have a supervisor who provides you the self-confidence to do that,’ he says.

Earlier this year, Iwobi became the very first Premier League footballer to launch a single with his launching tune ‘Don’t Shoot’ and in November released a follow-up ‘What’s Luv?’ which is referred to 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 finest start to a top-flight season because 2003-04.

‘I do not get it on in the dressing room but when you have team-mates like Calvin Bassey, he simply can’t help himself, Iwobi exposes.

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

‘Everyone vibes with it and I’m having good feedback from the team – even the people who do not speak English as their mother tongue like the Brazilians, they’re vibing also,’ includes Iwobi.

Silva’s strategy at Everton was to construct around the midfielder however 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 throughout the M62 to Manchester and play seven-a-side with his mates in camouflage to enjoy his football once again. Now that pleasure has been rediscovered after his ₤ 22M relocation in 2015.

‘Everyone’s mindset is one for all and all for one so that’s definitely assisting us this season. We’ve been having group meals and bonding which’s brought a great deal of togetherness, says Iwobi.

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

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

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

Another team meal is arranged for midweek ahead of a run of 3 games in 7 days over Christmas. ‘The gaffer wishes to take us out. That’s another little complimentary food so I’m not complaining,’ jokes Iwobi. ‘It’s truly great. It resembles one huge family.’

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

‘It shows we have the capability to take on anyone. We are not scared. Hopefully it will be the exact same against 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