Iwobi Opens Up on Music, Mental Health, and Making a Difference

Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed his passion for music and mental health advocacy, emphasising his desire to inspire young people beyond the football pitch. Under the pseudonym “17”, Iwobi dropped his debut single “Don’t Shoot” in June 2024 a reflection of his East London upbringing and a plea for youth to follow their dreams rather than violence. He followed up with “What’s Luv?”, blending Afro-swing rhythms and celebrating his African roots.

Iwobi sees music as therapeutic and creative:

“Creating music doesn’t take anything away from my football it helps me switch off,” he told BBC Sport.

He has been making music since he was a teenager, and in recent times has used his platform to spread messages of positivity and self-expression for youths growing up in challenging environments.

Iwobi’s off-field ventures reflect a broader commitment to mental health awareness. He has candidly shared his own struggles and encourages others especially men to embrace vulnerability and seek help when needed.

Editorial

We applaud Alex Iwobi for showing that footballers can be more than just athletes they can be artists, advocates, and agents of change. His musical journey under the name “17” isn’t a publicity stunt it’s a statement of purpose and identity. He uses music not just to entertain, but to heal and to give back.

We believe his message, drawn from personal experience growing up in London’s tougher quarters, is powerful. Deterring youth from street violence, celebrating their roots, and showing that life can extend beyond one box these are lessons that matter in communities where paths can easily narrow.

His openness about mental health challenges encouraging men, in particular, to be vulnerable is equally vital. In cultures where silent suffering is often the norm, Iwobi’s voice offers reprieve, permission, and hope. We feel his dual venture on the pitch and in the studio demonstrates balance and authenticity. They feed into one another: creativity aids performance resilience in failures lends strength in both arenas.

We stand convinced: when role models like Iwobi show vulnerable, multifaceted humanity, they pave new roads. They empower others to be whole not just heroes. That’s how true legacies start.

Did You Know?

1. Iwobi released his debut single “Don’t Shoot” in June 2024 under the stage name 17, featuring Chuba Akpom (Skoli) and Medy Elito (Don‑EE) it amassed nearly 60,000 Spotify streams.
2. His second track, “What’s Luv?”, blends Afro‑swing beats and cultural themes, celebrating his Nigerian heritage.
3. Iwobi began making music at 14, writing songs long before his public debut—he has shared that he has many unreleased tracks.
4. He has openly championed mental health, advising Black men not to fear vulnerability drawing from his own journey and supporting mental well-being in the community.
5. Iwobi has hosted charity events like transforming his East London shop into a free supermarket called “AleXpress”, feeding around 100 families during the Christmas season,