Footballers Unfiltered with Joe Hart returns for Season 2 with a powerful conversation about leadership, identity, and activism in the modern game, told through the lens of Australian international and FC St. Pauli captain, Jackson Irvine.

A standout midfielder in the Bundesliga, Jackson is also vice-captain of the Socceroos and co-president of Professional Footballers Australia - making him a leading voice on and off the pitch. He speaks openly about his passions beyond football, including politics, fashion, and music, and how they’ve shaped both his game and his mission to represent players.

Joe and Jackson swap World Cup memories, from Jackson’s experiences as a fan and player to facing Mbappé and Messi in 2022. With Australia already qualified for 2026, he hopes to make it three tournaments and counting.

They’re joined for this episode by Shoko Tsuji, General Secretary of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, who sheds light on the unique challenges players face across the region. This includes anti-union sentiment to extreme travel demands and online abuse.

Together, they discuss:

• Balancing football with leadership in global and national unions

• How dressing rooms have shifted to embrace individuality and self-expression

• The need for better mental health support and post-career planning

• What it’s like leading the Socceroos and going toe-to-toe with Messi

• Why more players need a seat at the table in shaping football’s future

This episode is a reminder that footballers are more than athletes; they’re people, leaders, and changemakers. And Jackson Irvine is helping define what the future of the game can be.

To discover more about FIFPRO and their 60th anniversary, visit:

Follow for more on X: https://x.com/FIFPro?mx=2

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fifpro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FIFPRO/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fifpro/posts/?feedView=all

YouTube:: https://www.youtube.com/user/FIFProTV/videos

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fifpro 

This is a podcast made by Message Heard for FIFPRO.

Host: Joe Hart

Producer: Mark Kendrick

Production Coordinator: Kirsty McLean 

Videographer and editor: Ethan Judd

Sound Editor: Lizzy Andrews