Claim OwnershipThe Obi One Podcast
Subscribed: 11,884Played: 56,678
Subscribe
© John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy
Description
Welcome to The Obi One Podcast. Join Chelsea and Nigeria legend, John Obi Mikel, as he chats candidly to the game’s biggest names. From former team-mates, to his greatest rivals, to some of today’s current heroes.
Alongside Chris McHardy, renowned sports broadcaster, the pair bring you the dressing room secrets, the untold stories, the in-jokes and the disagreements.
Make sure to download The Obi One Podcast for free on your preferred podcast platform NOW. You can also watch every episode - in full - on our YouTube channel - @obionepodcast
86 Episodes
Reverse
Taking the Mikel is back with a bang as John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy run the rule over a controversial week.
First up, the race for the Premier League title, and Mikel refuses to get carried away with Arsenal’s 4-1 at Tottenham for one major reason.
Doubts over this Chelsea team linger, but Mikel has Liam
Rosenior’s back when it comes to trolling on social media.
John and Chris also wade into the racism storm involving Vinicius Junior and the incendiary post-match comments of José Mourinho. John pleads with his former boss and weighs in on Mark Clattenburg’s ill-advised remarks too.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Luís Figo is a footballing icon. One of the greatest players of his generation, a Ballon d’Or winner and the subject of one of the most controversial and talked about transfers of all time.
Here, the Portuguese sits down with John and Chris at the Melia Desert Palm in Dubai to reflect on his illustrious career, and set the record straight once and for all.
So what does he REALLY think of Cristiano Ronaldo and his place among the game’s pantheon? And what of his bid to one day become UEFA president?
Luís also takes us into the inner workings of his transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000, a move that shocked the world. What was the catalyst, how did his family deal with the fallout and most pressing of all: does he have any regrets?
Figo also talks us into the inner sanctum of Real’s Galacticos, picks the team’s best player and reveals just how close he came to a move to the English Premier League.
Luís Figo was speaking to the Obi One Podcast to celebrate La Liga’s partnership with Meliá Hotels International in the Middle East.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Obi One Podcast is on the road again, this time in Abidjan for a live event with special guest Wilfried Bony.
A cult hero at Swansea, a League Cup winner with Manchester City and an African champion with his beloved Ivory Coast, Bony looks back on his career and some of the sliding door moments within it.
he came close to a move to Arsenal after a clandestine meeting with then boss Arsene Wenger, why he spurned the riches on offer in China and the rollercoaster of emotions that he went through in winning the African Cup of Nations in 2015.
Bony also discusses the dressing dynamics of that Ivory Coast team which featured both Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré. Who was the top dog?
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Diego Costa is a two-time Premier League winner, a Chelsea cult hero, and a man who gave many a defender sleepless nights He remains, however, somewhat of an enigma.
In this exclusive interview, Diego sits down with his former Chelsea team-mate John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy to set the record straight. Is he the snarling, aggressive man we see on the pitch or simply misunderstood?
So, why did he leave Chelsea? And what does he REALLY think of the man who engineered his exit: Antonio Conte? Unsurprisingly for a man who never backed down from a fight on the pitch, he doesn’t hold back.
Costa also outlines what makes Diego Simeone and José Mourinho so special, has his say on his bad boy image label, and takes us back to the night of the infamous Battle of the Bridge against Tottenham.
He also explains why Didier Drogba will always be ‘God’ and names the striker he’d pick ahead of Erling Haaland today.
Hold onto your hats, folks, for this unfiltered and unflinching conversation with a Blues great. It’s Diego Costa unleashed.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Obi One Podcast is on the road again, this time back in Istanbul to chat to Besiktas’ cult hero Atiba Hutchinson.
The Canadian spent a decade with the club, winning three league titles and a Turkish Cup during that period to establish himself as one of the club’s greatest ever players.
Alongside a coterie of die-hard Besiktas fans, John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy quiz the Canadian on life in Turkey, the impact both José Mourinho and Victor Osimhen have had on the league and what life was like under former managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Slaven Bilić.
There’s also Hutchinson’s thoughts on the current Canadian team and whether they have what it takes to shock the world next summer at the World Cup Finals.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New Year, New Managers!
We kick things off with why Maresca’s exit felt like an “accident waiting to happen” — and John Obi Mikel asks the big question: what’s Chelsea’s objective right now?
Then it’s on to Manchester United: ownership chaos, and why the biggest names won’t walk into a job where they’re expected to be a yes-man.
And finally, Nigeria. Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel gives his take on Victor Osimhen’s passion — and how far this team can really go.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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
1He’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
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States