Perspectives

Richard Kone’s story is far from ordinary. Born in Ivory Coast, at 16 years old he was made homeless. But, he turned that struggle into triumph.Representing Ivory Coast at the homeless world cup and making a name for himself. From the streets of Ivory Coast to England. His journey has been anything but ordinary. Football wasn't just a game, it was survival. Kone moved to England and scored over 100 goals in the ninth tier of English football, catching the eyes of professional clubs. Then he achieved his dream of becoming a professional footballer after signing for Wycombe.From his debut goal in the EFL Trophy to a record breaking nine minute hat trick, Kone’s rise has been electric. League One player of the season. Young player of the season. A name on everyone's lips. Kone has just signed for QPR and will surely light up the championship this season.This isn't just a football story. It's about persistence. It's about seizing the moment. It's about never letting go of the dream. For Perspectives on Rising Ballers, this is Richard Kone.This episode was recorded before Kone’s move to QPR on 13.08.25FOLLOW RISING BALLERS 👇Instagram:   / risingballe.  .TikTok: / risingballers. .X: https://twitter.com/RisingBallers_?re...0:00 Intro2:07 Growing Up in Ivory Coast4:12 Homeless World Cup5:23 Partnering with Skechers8:17 Moving to the UK & First Impressions9:42 Non-League Beginnings10:57 Goalscoring in Debut Season12:15 Scoring 40+ Goals in a Season13:31 Advice for Young Strikers15:57 Experience of Trials With Pro Clubs17:44 Frustrations & Dealing with Setbacks19:09 Learning Things About Himself20:19 Trial at Wycombe22:55 Wycombe’s Faith in Him23:48 Signing Pro Terms25:55 Making His Debut26:54 What Does A Match Day Feel Like28:08 First Hattrick30:30 Culture at Wycombe31:06 Signing an Extension32:00 Making the Dream Bigger33:00 Winning League 1 Player of the Year34:58 Playing For His Country36:25 Advice to All Young Athletes38:47 Targets For This Season

A footballer whose name became synonymous with scandal, a life derailed by a fateful mistake.This is Moses Swaibu - once a rising star, a player tipped for greatness in the football league. But his world came crashing down when he got involved with the Chinese mafia and caught in a match-fixing scandal that led to a 16-month prison sentence. In the blink of an eye, he went from being a player with a future to someone whose career and freedom were in jeopardy.From the streets of London to the cold confines of prison, Moses faced it all. And now, he’s rising again. This is the story of a man who’s not just fighting to rebuild his career, but to reclaim his life from the depths of despair.This isn’t a tale of just a fall from grace - it’s about survival. It’s about redemption. It’s about facing your darkest days and finding the strength to rise again.For Perspectives, this is Moses Swaibu: raw, real and in his own words.FOLLOW RISING BALLERS 👇Instagram: / risingballe. .TikTok: / risingballers. .X: https://twitter.com/RisingBallers_?re...TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Intro01:24 Early Beginnings02:55 Introduction to Football05:35 Opportunity Growing Up06:59 Joining Crystal Palace Academy09:25 Making the Palace Squad11:16 Working with Neil Warnock & Getting Released13:21 Lows After Getting Released15:45 Joining Bromley17:45 Working Way Up to Lincoln City20:16 Establishing Himself Back On Football Pyramid22:09 Dressing Room Culture Surrounding Money25:05 Life Begins to Spiral & Drug Raids On His House27:24 Accused of Stealing Chicken From Tesco31:29 Shootings & a Semi-Automatic Uzi37:41 Dealing With Issues Mentally42:09 Introduction to Match-Fixing & How Does it Work?47:10 What Made Him Decide to Do It?48:48 What Was His Fear On What Could Go Wrong?52:15 How Widespread is Corruption in Football?01:06:03 Lead Up To Arrest01:08:32 Breaking Down01:15:36 Being Arrested01:16:56: Responsibility for Others01:18:53 Being in Jail01:25:40 Men’s Mental Health & Accountability01:30:47 How Can Governing Bodies Protect Players Better?01:34:00 Personal Relationship With Football Now01:38:45 Message To Younger Self

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TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro02:00 How Football Started for Him03:26 Family Background in Football03:50 Anderlecht Academy04:49 Big Clubs’ Interest in Signing Him07:10 Why Did He Choose Chelsea?09:50 Challenges Moving Country11:04 Who Was In His Youth Team?12:17 Youth Team Successes13:19 Real Betis Loan16:08 Making Chelsea Debut18:43 Playing With Chelsea Legends20:07 Fabregas Smashed Him In Training21:19 John Terry Influence21:52 Celtic Loan25:13 Recalled & Loaned to Vitesse25:43 First Big Injury27:42 Rehab at Chelsea28:21 Second Tear30:32 Rebuilding at Chelsea Under Lampard31:41 Marina Granovskaia Influence on Loans32:41 Return to Vitesse34:00 Worsening of Knee Injury35:35 Need for Surgery37:16 Doctors Tell Him Recovery Is Impossible38:28 Mental Battles & Fear Of Never Playing Again39:50 Impact of Covid41:42 Moving to Dubai for Rehab43:59 Having a “Nearly” Story & Battling Depression46:15 Loneliness in Dealing With Injury48:33 Chelsea Exit “Killed” Him50:11 Why Did He Really Leave Chelsea?52:55 Getting Covid During Pre-Season54:30 Club Politics at Chelsea55:51 Offered to Play for Chelsea for Free57:26 Finally Leaving Chelsea58:24 Heartbreak at Leaving & Taking a Break1:00:01 Crying in the Car01:01:03 Move to Levante01:02:56 Bad Start to Season & More Injuries01:05:01 Working Toward Full Recovery01:05:54 Leaving Levante01:07:00 Training Changes & It Not Being Fun01:08:57 Huge Career Announcement01:12:07 Finding New Purpose01:13:59 Letting Go

One of Europe’s most wanted defenders - composed beyond his years, sharp in the tackle and always a step ahead. Still a teenager, but already a leader at the back.

At Lille, he made his debut at just 16, growing into one of Ligue 1’s standout centre-backs.

From Northern France, to Manchester United, the spotlight followed. And in the Europa League, he marked his arrival with his first goal against Lyon.

For Perspectives on Rising Ballers, this is Leny Yoro.

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TIMESTAMPS:

One of African football's brightest young talents - just four league games at Atalanta was enough to catch the eye of Europe’s elite. Composed, quick, instinctive - Manchester United moved fast.The road since hasn’t always been smooth, but it’s never been quiet. A standout loan at Sunderland reignited the buzz.And this season, a 12-minute hat-trick against Southampton lit it all up again. For Perspectives on Rising Ballers, this is Amad Diallo.FOLLOW RISING BALLERS 👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risingballe...TikTok:   / risingballers.  .X: https://twitter.com/RisingBallers_?re...TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Intro01:25 Falling in Love with Football01:55 Leaving Ivory Coast at a Young Age02:58 Most Important People03:40 Premier League vs Serie A04:27 Toughest Defender05:14 Hat-Trick vs Southampton06:43 Playing for the National Team07:50 One Trophy He Wants to Win08:29 Celebrating09:04 Dealing With Injuries & Setbacks10:00 Dream Dinner Guests11:06 Aspirations as a Person11:35 5 Year Plan12:05 Sunderland

For 15 years, Brandon Ashton was more than just Manchester City’s kit man: he was part of the fabric of the club. A key figure surrounded by world-class players, a trusted presence in the dressing room and the heartbeat of a squad that made history.From the chaotic early days of the Abu Dhabi takeover, to the club’s first-ever Premier League title… from witnessing the highs of a historic treble to becoming a viral sensation himself - belly-sliding across champagne-soaked floors in the wildest title celebrations - he saw it all.Now, he shares his story. The unseen side of Manchester City. The moments you’ve never heard before.For Perspectives on Rising Ballers, this is Brandon Ashton: uncensored, unfiltered, and in his own words.FOLLOW RISING BALLERS 👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risingballers/?hl=en-gbTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@risingballers...X: https://twitter.com/RisingBallers_?re...

TIMECODES

00:00 Intro

01:45 Starting Out

04:47 First Ever Game

05:50 THAT Agüero Goal

09:02 Mancini & Pellegrini

11:14 Pep's Arrival

13:12 Pep's Genius

14:15 Working With Mikel Arteta

16:38 Treble Winners

19:06 UCL Final Win

20:02 Infamous Belly Slide

23:16 Vincent Kompany

24:30 Carlos Tevez

25:30 Mario Balotelli

26:49 Joe Hart, James Milner, Frank Lampard

29:04 Jack Grealish

29:42 Fernandinho

30:22 Sergio Agüero

31:12 Emmanuel Adebayor

32:20 Touré Brothers

33:28 Kevin De Bruyne

34:04 Erling Haaland

34:46 Cole Palmer

35:59 Fabian Delph

36:43 Favourite Memory

37:42 Role Of A Kit Man

39:13 Chappy As A Role Model

40:21 Biggest Jokers In The Dressing Room

41:31 Why Did He Leave Man City

42:36 New Ventures

45:36 What Does The Future Hold?

🎙️ In this episode of Perspectives, we sit down with Mohammed Kudus—one of the most electrifying attacking midfielders in world football.A dynamic playmaker with elite dribbling, explosive pace, and a lethal eye for goal. 🎯We caught up with Kudus at the launch of the brand new Skechers Electrum Pack, to talk about his journey—his rise from the streets of Ghana to the Premier League, and what’s next for one of football’s brightest stars.🔥 Kudus’ journey began in the streets of Ghana⚽He then moved to FC Nordsjælland where he continued to develop🏆 After this he joined Ajax’s world renowned setup where he won Back-to-back Eredivisie titles, The KNVB Cup and more🌟 He developed A reputation as one of the most exciting young attackers in Europe.The world took notice. The hype was real. 🚀💷 In 2023, West Ham United came calling, securing his signature for £38 million—a move that took his career to the next level. And in the Premier League, he’s proving his class week in, week out. 🔥 For the first time, he shares the untold story:👉 What was it like growing up in the ghetto in Ghana?👉 How he overcame the biggest setback in his career👉 How did he adapt to the intensity of the Premier League?⚡ Now 23, Kudus is a key player for West Ham and a standout for Ghana’s Black Stars, with ambitions of reaching the very top. 🚀🎥 This is Perspectives, with Mohammed Kudus. 🎙️Listen to the podcast below 👇FOLLOW RISING BALLERS 👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risingballe...TikTok: / risingballers. .X: https://twitter.com/RisingBallers_?re...Timestamps:00:00 - 01:38 - Intro01:38 - 03:44 - Childhood and Growing up in Ghana03:44 - 04:08 - New Skechers Electrum Boots04:08 - 04:38 - How comfortable are Skechers boots?04:38 - 06:00 - The journey from Ghana to Europe06:00 - 07:40 - Signing for FC Nordsjælland07:40 - 08:11 - Experience at FC Nordsjælland08:11 - 09:07 - Signing for Ajax09:07 - 10:09 - Experience at Ajax10:09 - 12:04 - Kudus best Season at Ajax12:04 - 12:33 - Signing for West Ham12:33 - 13:29 - Transitioning to the Premier League13:29 - 14:21 - Why Skechers?14:21 - 15:12 - From the streets in Ghana to the Premier League15:12 - 17:51 - Biggest setback 17:51 - 19:02 - First international call up19:02 - 19:48 - Representing Ghana at the World Cup19:48 - 20:46 - Realising how far he has come20:46 - 21:26 - Best player played against21:26 - 21:58 - Best player played with21:58 - 22:18 - Football idols growing up22:18 - 22:51 - Toughest thing about being a footballer22:51 - 23:02 - Best thing about being a footballer23:02 - 23:24 - Favourite footballing memory23:24 - 23:32 - What is the competition you want to win most?23:32 - 25:26 - Advice to younger self25:26 - 25:59 - What would you change about the football industry?25:59 - 26:42 - How important is family to you?26:42 - 27:58 - The future?27:58 - 28:18 - Biggest mistake28:18 - 28:36 - Question for Audience28:36 - 28:50 - Outro

In this episode of Perspectives, we sit down with Ryan Gravenberch, who has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season and helping to lead Liverpools title charge.

💎 At just 22, Ryan Gravenberch has already made his mark in the Premier League and is now being tipped as one of Liverpool’s brightest midfield talents. But his journey is only getting started.🚀

🔥 Ryan Gravenberch is a product of the famed Ajax Academy.

🇩🇪 After 12 Years at Ajax he decided to make a big jump, joining Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga

🏆 After winning the Bundesliga in his first season he then made another big move

✍️ Gravenberch then left Bayern to join Liverpool

🔑 He has been having a great season and is one of the key players in Liverpool’s Premier League title chase.

In partnership with Adidas, we caught up with Gravenberch to hear the untold story:

👉 Why did he chose Liverpool?

👉 What makes the Ajax academy so successful

👉 His favourite Adidas boots

👉 And whether or not Liverpool will win the league this season?

Watch the episode below 👇

https://youtu.be/FFKFwgsenGA

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TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - 01:57 - Intro

01:57 - 03:00 - Childhood and Growing Up Playing Football

03:00 - 03:33 - Standing out as a young footballer

03:33 - 04:10 - Getting scouted for Ajax

04:10 - 04:49 - Gravenberch’s opinions on the iconic Adidas F50’s

04:49 - 05:44 - Ajax academy memories

05:44 - 06:33 - Ajax Principals

06:33 - 07:45 - Joining Bayern Munich

07:45 - 08:18 - Signing for Liverpool

08:18 - 08:36 - Why is Klopp such a great manager?

08:36 - 09:26 - Transitioning to the Premiere League

09:26 - 09:56 - How is Arne Slot as a manager?

09:56 - 10:31 - Playing as a 6 instead of an 8

10:31 - 11:10 - Favourite position?

11:10 - 11:26 - Will Liverpool win the league?

11:26 - 11:57 - Toughest thing about being a footballer?

11:57 - 12:20 - Dealing with pressure?

12:20 - 12:52 - Advice to younger self

12:52 - 13:25 - What does the future hold for Gravenberch

13:25 - 13:50 - Advice to young footballers?

13:50 - 14:11 - Outro

In this episode of Perspectives, presented by EA SPORTS FC, we sit down with Roméo Lavia, one of the most exciting young midfielders in football today and one of EA SPORTS FC 25 Future Stars.⚡ At just 21, Roméo Lavia has already made waves in the Premier League and has now been named an FC Future Star for 2025. But his journey is only getting started. 🚀Lavia isn’t just composed—he’s intelligent. 🧠 A midfield maestro with elite technical ability and the vision to dictate a game. 🎯🔥 By the time he joined Southampton in 2022, he was ready to prove himself. And prove himself he did.⚽ In his first Premier League season, he:🏆 Became a key player at just 18💎 Caught the eye of Europe’s top clubs🚀 Secured a huge £58m move to Chelsea in 2023Hype was real. The competition was fierce 👀💷 Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all wanted him. But why did he choose Stamford Bridge? What really happened behind the scenes? 🤔We caught up with Lavia to hear the untold story:👉 Why did he switch from striker to midfield?👉 What’s the best advice he received at 14?👉 How can footballers do more for the community?👉 And what was the moment he wasn’t sure he could talk about? 🤐🎙️ This is Perspectives, with Roméo Lavia. 🎥FOLLOW RISING BALLERS 👇Instagram: @risingballersTikTok: @risingballersX: https://twitter.com/RisingBallers_?re..TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - 02:09 - Intro02:09 - 03:41 - Roméo’s reaction to last link up with Rising Ballers03:41 - 04:20 - FC Future Star 04:20 - 05:38 - Childhood and Growing Up Playing Football05:38 - 06:28 - Joining Man City at 1606:28 - 06:58 - Leaving Man City to join Southampton06:58 - 07:30 - Realising His Talent07:30 - 08:40 - Getting Scouted08:40 - 09:11 - Joining Anderlecht09:11 - 10:43 - Football Heroes10:43 - 10:52 - Playing as a striker10:52 - 11:44 - Being A Complete Midfielder11:44 - 12:20 - Turning Point In His Career12:20 - 12:47 - Premier League Debut12:47 - 13:28 - Roméo’s Chelsea FC Future Stars Picks13:28 - 15:03 - Most Challenging and Best Part About Being A Pro Footballer15:03 - 16:00 - Dreaming of Playing At This Level As A Kid16:00 - 17:23 - What Does The Future Hold For Roméo Lavia?17:23 - 18:01 - Best Advice He’s Received18:01 - 19:10 - Playing Against Cristiano Ronaldo19:10 - 19:53 - Most Challenging Part of His Career19:53 - 20:34 - Toughest Player He’s Faced20:34 - 20:50 - Roméo’s Question To The Audience20:50 - 21:12 - Outro

It was announced this morning that Spurs signed talented defender, Kevin Danso from RC Lens on an initial loan with an obligation to buy for €25m. ✅Kevin’s journey has been crazy. He’s played in The Premier League, Bundesliga & Ligue 1. 🤩 He accidentally broke Mbappé’s nose at The Euros 😬 & reportedly failed a medical at AS Roma last summer due to a “heart abnormality”.For the first time on camera, Kevin addresses his medical situation and explains how he has been proven to be healthy. He talks about his journey so far and his goals for the future.Meet Tottenham’s new CB, Kevin Danso. 😎