The Obi One Podcast

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...

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...

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 s...

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...

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...

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...

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 w...

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 radi...

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, w...

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 spo...

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, pon...

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 th...

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...

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...

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...

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 earl...

Dries Mertens sits down with our very own John Obi Mikel to discuss life in Turkey with Galatasaray. The Belgian forward also reflects on finally ending Napoli’s 33 year wait for the Scudetto, explains why there was no problem with Eden Hazard in the Belgium set up and reserves special praise for team-mate Victor Osimhen. He may be 37 now, but Dries Mertens - Napoli’s all-time leading goalscorer w...

John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy reunite to reflect on Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Tottenham and goalless draw at Brentford - two results that have breathed new life into their Champions League hopes. What is Christopher Nkunku’s best position? And is Trevoh Chalobah the answer to Chelsea’s centre-back conundrum? John gives his verdict while he finally gives Nicolas Jackson his flowers! Kevin De Bruyne...

At just 17 years and eight months, Mamadou Sakho became Paris Saint Germain - and Ligue 1’s - youngest ever captain. A move to Liverpool followed where he would earn the nickname ‘The Killer’. Now plying his trade in Tbilisi, Georgia while managing a successful property business, Sakho joins John Obi Mikel to look back on his nomadic career. The no-nonsense defender gives his verdict on Steven Ger...

In this latest episode of the Obi One Podcast, John Obi Mikel reunites with his former Nigeria team-mate and a man he considers his ‘little brother’: Victor Osimhen. Things have changed dramatically for the 2023 African Footballer of the Year since we last caught up with him having swapped Napoli for Galatasaray. Back scoring goals, and more importantly, enjoying his football again, Osimhen opens...

Back to back Premier League wins for Chelsea have John Obi Mikel smiling again. That is, until Chris McHardy informs him of the Blues’ fixture list in the run in. gulp John also gives his verdict on Arsenal’s title ambitions after two more dropped points at Manchester United, and breaks why he think the title will be heading to West London before it ever goes North. https://www.instagram.com/obion...

Season 3 of the Obi One Podcast made possible by Betwinner is here, and we’re kicking it off in the company of former Liverpool and Netherlands forward Ryan Babel. The Dutchman talks to John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy about how lonely he felt at Liverpool, his struggles with Rafael Benitez and why Steven Gerrard is the best he ever played with. Babel also shares his experiences as a young teammat...

John Obi Mikel is angry. Irate in fact. Watch as he hits back at Jamie Carragher’s assertion that the African Cup of Nations is not a “major tournament”with a passionate defence of the competition and it’s standing in the game. The Chelsea great, who captained Nigeria to success in the tournament back in 2013, does not hold back! John also has his say on the racism storm engulfing Jose Mourinho in...

‘I’m just a fan who wants the best for my club.’ John Obi Mikel makes an impassioned defence of his recent criticism of this current Chelsea side. Back-to-back defeats to Brighton coupled with Nicolas Jackson’s injury has him asking serious questions of the club’s recruitment policy and he hits out at the notion that the Blues are ahead of schedule in their bid to return to the Champions League. A...

John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy review Chelsea’s 2-1 win over West Ham - a game that through up more questions than answers. Where is the Jadon Sancho of earlier this season, and are the Blues now too reliant on Cole Palmer? Mikel also discusses his reunion with John Terry and gives his verdict on the transfer deadline day deals at the Bridge, including Joao Felix’s departure for AC Milan that ha...