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This Sports Conversation represents an innovative program in which prominent figures from sports and show business join host the interviewer for frank and comprehensive dialogues about football.

The program examines mental approach and motivation, discussing defining moments, professional achievements and individual insights. This series reveals the individual behind the athlete.

The Chelsea defender started training with the London club at six years old and - after developing through the academy and into the senior squad - is now team leader.

The defender introduced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in style, netting on his debut in a comprehensive win over Grimsby Town in 2019.

Currently twenty-five, James' career highlights to date include making his international bow against Wales in the year 2020, winning the European Cup with his club in 2021, and being appointed team skipper in 2023.

Nevertheless, his journey hasn't been without challenges, with multiple fitness issues affecting him over the past four seasons.

The athlete spoke with Kelly Somers to discuss his career highs, the Brazilian's impact, and his friendship with seven-time F1 world champion the racing driver.

The interviewer: First question: identity, where you're from, and what's your coffee order?

The athlete: The name is Reece James, I grew up in the area, near Richmond - I expect many will know that area. My coffee is a flat white.

The host: Has it always been a that particular coffee?

James: Not exactly, I began with, such as, vanilla lattes and similar drinks.

Kelly: We'll begin by discussing soccer. What significance does soccer hold to you?

The defender: Essentially, from childhood, it's kind of my entire focus in school. I wasn't the brightest kid, and I just loved playing football.

Kelly: What's your earliest memory of playing? Is this tough to answer because it represented a big part of your early years and development?

Reece: No, just because my recollection is quite poor. My earliest memory was probably, unsure, going to watch my brother compete. He's my senior by two years than me, and he also participated as well.

Kelly: It was big in your family, wasn't it, because your father was so heavily involved? He is a soccer trainer too, isn't he? Share with me a little about that.

The athlete: Well we were three children growing up. We were completely soccer-obsessed, and he naturally was a coach as well, and we frequently practiced extensively with him.

Kelly: Can you recall many of those training periods? Since I learned that starting from the four years old, you were outside and he conducted drills with you in the yard.

Reece: Yeah, I recall - the training started young. Thankfully, they paid off for me and my sister [the club and England attacker his sister].

Kelly: Talk to me about your first ever team that you played for as a youngster, what was it called, and your memories?

The defender: My recollection is limited, frankly. It was the local team in Kew. I think I played for about a year. From that point that talent spotters noticed me for Chelsea.

Kelly: You didn't start as a defender at first, correct? Talk to me about your positional journey and its development...

Reece: I started off as a striker, and then subsequently transitioned to wide positions, left side, right wing, and eventually to central positions, and then finally at right-back, and I disliked it at the time.

Kelly: What caused your dislike for it?

The athlete: Because I always wanted to play midfield. You didn't touch the ball as much but one day it just clicked and I became a defender since.

The interviewer: You mentioned you started as a forward - who was your role model?

Reece: The player I admired was [the legendary] Drogba. I was a supporter during youth and he represented the player I admired.

Kelly: Can you think of a pivotal moment in your professional life - an experience that has shaped you and the player you have become?

Reece: I'd likely identify going on loan. Transitioning between youth and first-team football is most challenging and that is probably what most players transitioning upwards find difficult.

The presenter: You're referring to Wigan, of course. What made did Wigan become the ideal team for you at that period? The location was miles away from all you were familiar with in London - what made it successful so well?

James: The primary factor is that I featured week in week out, which proves beneficial. I acquired a lot of experiences - I moved away from my friends and family and was forced to grow up quickly. Participating on a regular schedule assisted a lot.

The interviewer: Which individual exerted the biggest impact on your career?

Reece: I would say [the experienced Brazilian] Thiago Silva. He is nearly sufficiently experienced to be my father and has competed at elite standard for so long. He always tried to help me from the minute he arrived and still does, presently he is departed [after leaving the club in 2024].

The host: In what way would he help you?

Reece: It was little messages away from games. During matches, he occasionally see things that I perceived differently and try and paint a different picture.

Kelly: It must have been pleasant to meet him this summer [during the tournament]?

The defender: It was wonderful to reconnect with him. I'm happy that his team did well in the tournament [they lost in the penultimate round to the champions his team]. It's always good to see him.

Kelly: Were you able to return and experience again a single game in your career, what would you choose?

Reece: Assuming the result is remains the same - I'd select the European Cup decider.

Kelly: Other than victory, what made it exceptional about the occasion