The Obi One Podcast

Settle in, folks as John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy bring you this extended version of Taking the Mikel, and for good reason, as there’s no shortage of talking points. In this episode, the guys try to decipher Enzo Maresca’s cryptic post-match comments as Chelsea return to winning ways, while Mikel has some friendly advice for the Blues boss. Mikel also weighs into the spat between Mohamed Salah, Liverpool and Jamie Carragher, and he doesn’t hold back either assessing Nigeria’s African Cup of Nations chances. The guys clash as they discuss the biggest headache facing England boss Thomas Tuchel: who gets the nod in that No10 position? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He’s one of the most recognisable faces in the UK for his work on - and off - the pitch. A prolific goalscorer for England turned host of the BBC’s iconic Match of the Day TV programme. Now embarking on a new chapter with his hugely-popular The Rest is Football podcast, Gary Lineker sits down with John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy to reminisce. And there’s plenty on the agenda. From his fallout with Johan Cruyff to his close bond with Terry Venables, and from the embarrassment of shitting himself at Italia ‘90 to the heartbreak of losing a World Cup semi-final. And there’s questions. What hurt more? Defeat to Diego Maradona’s Argentina in ‘86 or that loss to Germany in ‘90? Who is better - Scholes, Gerrard and Lampard? And why is Cristiano Ronaldo not on Lionel Messi or Maradona’s level. He also speaks powerfully about his son’s childhood leukaemia battle, how it changed his outlook on life, and why being able to look himself in the mirror matters more than any headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are back in the hotseats as they pour over Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with league leaders Arsenal. Did Moises Caicedo deserve his red card? And what did we learn about Chelsea as again, in the big games, they come to the fore. Obi has words of praise for an embattled star AND one of Enzo Maresca’s trusted lieutenants, while he again questions whether Arsenal have what it takes to finally rid themselves of the “bottlers” tag. There’s also war stories from Obi’s career during UK winters, with the snood - a favourite among many footballers - coming under attack. Plus a former Blues defender is hailed after guiding Flamengo to Copa Libertadores success in South America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Obi Mikel is in Madrid to catch up with arguably the greatest left-back in the history of the game: Roberto Carlos. In this wide-ranging interview, the Brazilian legend opens up on what life was like as a Real Madrid ‘Galactico’. The highs, the lows, and the stories from inside one of the most famous dressing rooms of all-time. What was it like playing with Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane? What REALLY led to the fight between Thomas Gravesen and Robinho? And who was the greatest of them all? His answer might surprise you. Roberto also takes us into the Brazilian dressing room before the 1998 World Cup Final? What is the truth behind Ronaldo’s ‘injury’? And just how good was Ronaldinho? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s only one thing on John Obi Mikel’s mind in this episode of Taking the Mikel: Nigeria’s failure to reach the World Cup Finals. Again. The former Super Eagles captain calls for every member of the NFF to stand down in the wake of their defeat to DR Congo, opens the door to joining a new-look board IF certain criteria is met and asks the question: why hasn’t any African nation used ‘voodoo practices’ to actually win the World Cup? Eric Chelle’s long-term future as coach also comes under the microscope while Obi Mikel makes no secret of the fact over who he’ll be supporting next summer now. A must-listen for all Nigerian football fans struggling to come to terms with their side’s World Cup demise and eager to see a regime chance at the top of the Nigerian Football Federation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

‘Mr Chelsea’ himself John Terry returns to the Obi One Podcast. Only this time he joins his former teammate John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy in front of a live audience at the Clapham Grand in London. JT and Mikel share a treasure trove of insights and anecdotes from Chelsea’s unforgiving dressing room. From standards to superstitions; Petr Cech’s unforgettable first training session, Tal Ben Haim’s bold request and Didier Drogba’s pre-match ritual. Terry also reveals Carlo Ancelotti’s love of a post-game cigarette, how close he came to a dressing room punch-up with Rafa Benitez and why he’ll always be Roman Abramovich’s number one supporter. The former Chelsea captain also gives his verdict on Enzo Maresca’s side and picks out a former Blue as his dream signing. And if all of that wasn’t enough, tune in, as Obi Mikel reveals why you should never, EVER get in a lift with Diego Costa! John Terry and John Obi Mikel, in conversation with Chris McHardy. A must-watch for all Chelsea fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are back with a new Taking the Mikel as they reflect on a weekend that saw the old Manchester City return in their 3-0 win over Liverpool. Obi Mikel goes to war with Pep Guardiola naysayers but not before waxing lyrical about a trio of Chelsea players he believes forms the best midfield three in world football. He also can’t resist another dig at Arsenal as they drop points at Sunderland plus he’s in good spirts ahead of Nigeria’s make-or-break World Cup playoff meeting with Gabon. And he’s asked for one thing… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Obi One Podcast, John Obi Mikel sits down with a young manager destined for the very top: his former Chelsea team-mate Filipe Luís. In this exclusive, in-depth conversation, Filipe Luís discusses life as Flamengo boss, his managerial traits and why he treats everyone differently in the dressing room. He also outlines why Diego Simeone has had the biggest impact on his footballing life, gives a detailed tactical breakdown of how his side beat Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup and recalls the time José Mourinho said he was “shit”. Hear from a manager destined to managing one of Europe’s biggest clubs sooner rather than later. John Obi Mikel in conversation with Filipe Luís. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Obi Mikel is back in the hotseat alongside Chris McHardy for the latest episode of Taking the Mikel. Chelsea’s 2-1 home defeat to Sunderland leads to uncomfortable truths as the issue of consistency rears its ugly head. John is forced into an Arsenal admission as they keep a sixth clean sheet in nine league games this season. Is this FINALLY their time? Liverpool’s demise also comes under the microscope while Nigeria’s World Cup odyssey leads John to making a bold claim while aiming both barrels at CAF for their ‘disrespect’ towards Nigerian referees. Thanks to our proud sponsors Betwinner | betwinner.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are in Rio de Janeiro to speak to one of Brazilian football’s favourite sons: Zico. Affectionately known as the ‘White Pele’, the former No10 is arguably the greatest player never to win the World Cup whilst for his beloved Flamengo, he has attained God-like status. In this interview, filmed at the Bakana Bar, a stone’s throw from the iconic Maracana, Zico explains why Pele is, and always will be, the GOAT. He has his say on the great Messi-Ronaldo debate, likens Estêvão to another boy wonder and gives his verdict on the greatest player out of Africa. CLUE: he’s Nigerian! 😀 The Obi One Podcast in conversation with the legendary Zico. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Obi Mikel is a happy camper in this episode of Taking the Mikel as Chelsea produce their best performance of the season to down Liverpool. Obi explains why the win might just be bigger than any other for Enzo Maresca, outlines the brilliance of Moises Caicedo, and explains why he would have excelled in this 2025 team. Obi and Chris also discuss a make-or-break week for Nigeria and their hopes of reaching next summer’s World Cup Finals. Obi’s message is pretty simple. And there’s details too on the Obi One Podcast LIVE event in London on Monday, October 13. Join John Obi Mikel and John Terry for a special Q&A at the Clapham Grand. Buy your tickets now: TheObiOne.eventbrite.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To kick off Season 4, John Obi Mikel has flown almost 7,400 miles to Brazil to catch up with his former Chelsea team-mate Oscar Emboaba. Now at boyhood club São Paulo, Oscar reflects on his five year stay at Chelsea, the ex-Blues manager he spurned in order to move to Stamford Bridge and the role Antonio Conte played in his departure from the club in 2017. The Brazilian playmaker sets the record straight on his ‘lucrative’ move to China, reveals what life was like in the Far East and the massive club who came so close to bring him back to European football. Oscar also ponders whether Carlo Ancelotti will be a success in Brazil, Neymar’s future with the national team and Enzo Maresca’s suitability as Chelsea boss. Not one to miss! 🔥 Season 4 of the Obi One Podcast. In conversation with Oscar Emboaba. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back-to-back Premier League defeats for Chelsea has John Obi Mikel worried in this episode of Taking the Mikel. John explains why a side containing John Terry would NEVER have been as naive as the Blues were in defeat to Brighton. Enzo Fernandez gets both barrels too for his role in Trevoh Chalobah’s sending off. John also casts his eye over “lucky” Arsenal and says enough is enough with the Ruben Amorim experiment at Manchester United. As for his replacement? John sounds the alarm that every United fan will dread… JOIN US The Obi One Podcast is coming to London on Monday, October 13. Come and watch the guys LIVE with special guest John Terry joining them at the iconic Clapham Grand. Expect plenty of laughs and revelations not to mention changes to win some incredible signed merchandise. Tickets are on sale NOW. TheObiOne.EventBrite.co.uk COMING UP Our exclusive interview with former Chelsea and Brazil star Oscar drops on Thursday, October 2. Don’t miss it, right here on the Obi One Podcast YouTube channel. 🔥 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Taking the Mikel, John Obi can’t hide his frustration after Chelsea’s defeat at Manchester United. Was the criticism of Robert Sanchez and boss Enzo Maresca fair? And what concerns with this Chelsea side are keeping John up at nights? The guys also discuss José Mourinho’s return to management with Benfica. But will we see a more selfless José as promised? John’s verdict on that plus the reason he’s still not convinced by Arsenal and Mikel Arteta this season. All of that PLUS details of the podcast’s upcoming live show in London with special guest, Chelsea legend John Terry. Join the guys at Clapham Grand in London on Monday, October 13. Doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets are available now: TheObiOne.eventbrite.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a summer stint with DAZN at the FIFA Club World Cup, John Obi Mikel is reunited with Chris McHardy for the first Taking the Mikel episode of the new season. 🔥 Here, John reflects on Chelsea’s success Stateside, runs the rule over his former club’s summer transfer dealings and bemoans the one player that got away. Ange Postecoglou’s appointment as the new Nottingham Forest boss attracts John’s ire as does Ruben Amorim’s body language on the touchline for Manchester United. As for Nigeria’s faltering bid to qualify for next year’s World Cup Finals? Hold onto your hats, folks, as John doesn’t hold back in his assessment of what EXACTLY is going wrong behind the scenes. gulp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Fernando Torres spelled the end of his own Anfield career. The brilliance of Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and… Tony Pulis is also discussed, as is Peter’s relationship with his wife, Abbey, and the reason she helped him flourish. Crouch also candidly opens up on the mental anguish he suffered over the way he looked. Watch our Season 3 Playlist: YouTube Follow, connect, and engage on our social media channels: Instagram | X/Twitter | Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Juventus and gives her verdict on Enzo Maresca and Chelsea’s ‘business-first’ owners. All this, and much more, on the latest episode of the Obi One Podcast, in conversation with Eni Aluko. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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’s the TRUTH behind his Chelsea exit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 and a certain Eric Cantona? And, what does he make of today’s United and Ruben Amorim? Cole also famously shunned penalty kicks, scoring just once from the spot in the Premier League. But why? The former striker reveals all. Plus, Cole also lifts the lid on his health battle off the field and a betrayal that left him questioning everything. This is the real Andy Cole. Unapologetic and authentic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 transfer window. Robbie and John also deliberate over a combined Chelsea-Arsenal XI, which leads to one astonishing omission. 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

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 players does John manage to squeeze into his starting XI? 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

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 been trolling him with YouTube clips of Lionel Messi! 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

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 certain Victor Osimhen. All in the latest episode of Taking the Mikel. 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

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 Thomas Frank, their ambitions for the future and their toughest opponent in the Premier League. Flying the flags for Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo respectively, Mbeumo and Wissa also discuss their international ambitions and explain why success with their countries will always take precedent over club glory. An in-depth discussion with two of the Premier League’s most underrated and assuming stars. 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

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