The Obi One Podcast

John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy
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Aug 19, 2025 • 54min

Peter Crouch exclusive: ‘Falling short’ at Liverpool, Gerrard ‘cheating’ with Torres & struggles over ‘the way he looked’

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
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Aug 1, 2025 • 58min

Eni Aluko speaks her truth: Barton, Racism & FIFA’s eligibility rules

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
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Jul 3, 2025 • 53min

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink: Why I’d pick Jackson over Osimhen

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
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Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 17min

Andy Cole exclusive: Keegan feud, the REAL reason he never took pens & Hojlund v Zirkzee

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
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Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 24min

John Obi Mikel v Robbie Lyle: AFTV supremo gives his Arteta verdict & ‘snubs’ Drogba

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
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May 28, 2025 • 50min

Mission accomplished… for now: Obi Mikel’s Chelsea UCL verdict & Team of the Season

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
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May 22, 2025 • 43min

Nani exclusive: Swimming races with Ronaldo, becoming Fergie’s taxi driver & Messi trolling

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
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May 20, 2025 • 41min

D-Day for Chelsea: Obi Mikel on Forest, Maresca, Jackson & Osimhen

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
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May 8, 2025 • 1h 3min

Bryan Mbeumo & Yoane Wissa exclusive: Thomas Frank’s secrets, life after Brentford & AFCON dreams

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
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Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 2min

Yaya Touré EXCLUSIVE: ‘Ending Cristiano’s dream, my Arsenal love & how I ALMOST joined Drogba at Chelsea

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=21https://www.facebook.com/share/1AJ7ZPB4Cp/?mibextid=wwXIfr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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