Podcast · Sport

The Obi One Podcast

by John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy · English · Sport

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 dress

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 11 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 16 minNew

Chelsea boast ‘best in the league’, City ruling a MUST & Ronaldo verdict

John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy review a weekend that saw a Cole Palmer-inspired Chelsea hit Bournemouth for five and Manchester City put their legal woes behind them to thrash Liverpool at Anfield. Just how good is Chelsea’s front three? Mikel has special praise for one of the triumvirate in particular while the guys explain why a ruling in City’s appeal against the Premier League is a must before the end of the season. Michael Carrick’s troubles at Manchester United also come under the microscope as the guys name their number one choice to replace him in the Old Trafford dugout should the…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S5 · E4 · 5 Oct 2026 · 1 hr
Willian EXCLUSIVE: No Chelsea Regret, Lampard Love & Broken Arteta Promises
Willian is our special guest on this episode of the Obi One Podcast as the Brazilian reflects on his glittering career. Here, he opens on the protracted nature of his 11th hour move to Chelsea and reveals just how close he came to doing a ‘Roman Abramovich’ and opting for Tottenham. Willian also opens up on life inside the famed Chelsea dressing room, his admiration for Eden Hazard and the dynamics of his working relationship with Frank Lampard: from team-mate to gaffer. The Brazilian also provides fascinating insight into the early stages of Mikel Arteta’s revolution at Arsenal, painting a…
28 Sep 2026 · 50 min
‘Don’t be naïve’: Obi Mikel reacts to Man City’s GUILTY verdict | names his Ballon d’Or winner
John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy have their say on the bombshell news that Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 charges related to breaches of Premier League regulations. What does this mean for the club moving forward? What is a suitable punishment should the guilty verdict be upheld? And what’s the impact on Pep Guardiola’s managerial legacy? The guys discuss it all in this episode of Taking the Mikel. Obi also takes aim at the contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or and reveals who’d get his vote, while Thomas Tuchel’s treatment of Cole Palmer is also a bone of contention.
22 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
André Villas-Boas EXCLUSIVE: Bombshell Chelsea Revelations, Levy’s Tactics & His Porto Masterplan
André Villas-Boas joins the Obi One Podcast to set the record straight once and for all on his time at both Chelsea and Tottenham. And trust us, he doesn’t hold back! Welcoming John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy to FC Porto where he now serves as President, AVB outlines his vision for the club and the challenges faced by the cash-rich Premier League. AVB then lifts the lid on what REALLY happened during his ill-fated eight months in charge at Chelsea. From Roman Abramovich’s exodus plea and fall-outs with key players to feeling betrayed by Roberto Di Matteo and a Champions League Final…
16 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
‘They don’t know the rules’: Mikel’s VAR & throw-ins rage, Chelsea backing & Okocha plea
It’s the day after the night before and the VAR farce that has the whole footballing world talking. John Obi Mikel believes the ‘game is gone’, and he might not be wrong. From clueless refereeing officials to Michael Oliver’s arrogance to throw-in rules that make no sense, the guys cover it all. Mikel also believes Chelsea are on the right track despite shipping another two goals in their draw with Hull City, and explains why he’d rather be in Xabi Alonso’s shoes right now than Roberto De Zerbi’s. Martin Odegaard gets his flowers while Mikel also calls on a couple of Nigerian legends to step…
31 Aug 2026 · 50 min
Obafemi Martins EXCLUSIVE: Learning from Ronaldo, Arsenal heartbreak & Osimhen appreciation
Obafemi Martins joins the Obi One Podcast to reflect on a career that burned bright for both club and country. In this episode, ‘ObaGoal’ reminisces about his big breakthrough at Inter Milan in 2002 and playing alongside a certain Brazilian, the machinations of his move to Newcastle and why his League Cup Final winner against Arsenal almost didn’t happen. Martins also discusses his time with the Super Eagles, analyses Victor Osimhen’s game and tells us why there was no-one quicker than him. NO-ONE.
28 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 29 min
‘Get Martinez NOW’! Mikel slams Sanchez, picks Enzo’s replacement & defends Watkins
A winning start to life as Chelsea manager for Xabi Alonso has got John Obi Mikel excited. Here, him and Chris McHardy assess their 3-2 win at Fulham on the opening week, and explain why, in Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro, they might just have the league’s most devastating forward line. It’s not all good news though as Mikel says ‘enough is enough’ with Robert Sanchez. Is Emi Martinez the answer, what of young Nigerian-Italian Honest Anahor and is Alex Scott the right man to replace wantaway Enzo Fernandez. Mikel also can’t resist a pop at Manchester United (look away now, Harry…
17 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 32 min
Jay-Jay Okocha EXCLUSIVE: Mentoring Ronaldinho, Bolton Madness & Real Madrid ‘Rejection’
John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are back for Season 5, and they’re kicking it off with a player so good they named him twice: Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha. In this candid, in-depth interview, Okocha sets the record straight on a number of subjects. From announcing himself to the footballing world at Frankfurt, changing his name in Turkey, mentoring a future Ballon d’Or winner in Paris and dealing with the unique managerial skills of Sam Allardyce at Bolton, Okocha has seen - and achieved - an awful lot in his career. Who does he regard as Africa’s greatest ever footballer? Which Premier…
11 Aug 2026 · 57 min
John Obi Mikel returns to break down the biggest stories in world football.
News broke this week that Sir Alex Ferguson had a verbal agreement for José Mourinho to succeed him at Manchester United back in 2013 — before Mourinho did a U-turn back to his beloved Chelsea. Mikel gives his honest verdict on what might have been, and explains why the Roman Abramovich pull was too strong to resist. Elsewhere, Vinicius Jr has ended Arsenal's transfer dream by signing a new six-year deal at Real Madrid. Mikel doesn't hold back on why the Gunners were never getting their man — and what it means for Mourinho's new-look Madrid alongside the club's stunning capture of Ivorian…
4 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
Mikel is BACK: Inside Alonso’s Chelsea revolution, Arsenal’s Vini Jnr reality check
New season. New studio. Same John Obi Mikel! Mikel is back with Chris McHardy as they look ahead to the brand new domestic football season. As Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea revolution takes shape, the guys analyse the new arrivals and hypothesise on what transfer business is still needed. Emi Martinez, anyone? Mikel gives his verdict on Morgan Rogers and the other high-profile midfield acquisitions across the Premier Lesgue. From Elliott Anderson to Sandro Tonali to the “best signing of the lot”. Mikel also weighs in on the ‘will he, won’t he’ transfer of Vini Jnr, gives his thoughts on Mo Salah’s…
20 May 2026 · 1 hr 14 min
‘They deserved it’: Arsenal humble Mikel, Pep v Sir Alex, Xabi Alonso coup & why Salah is RIGHT!
It’s the morning after the night before and Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years. John Obi Mikel gives his verdict, and there’s begrudging respect there. With Pep Guardiola set to depart Manchester City after a decade as manager, Mikel and Chris discuss his legacy and ask whether he really is the greatest the Premier League has ever had. Xabi Alonso’s appointment as Chelsea boss comes under the microscope, as Mikel outlines what excites him the most about the Spaniard’s arrival. There’s also a tense standoff between the lads over Mohamed Salah’s latest social media outburst. Was…
7 May 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
‘Chelsea’s DNA gone’: Palmer ‘lost’, players want out & zero direction | What now? 🫣
Chelsea is a club on its knees. Six successive league defeats, four on the bounce at Stamford Bridge and the worst run of results since 1993. Little wonder then, Blues legend John Obi Mikel is crestfallen. Resigned to Chelsea’s fate this season, Mikel calls out the club’s ills and demands a reset this summer as he fears the club are slipping into mediocrity and a finish outside the top half. So what is needed? Leaders? Check. A semblance of a plan? Check. Xavi Alonso…?! 👀 Watch as an impassioned Mikel breaks down what needs to happen sooner rather than later. Mikel also gives his verdict on…
5 May 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
‘Chelsea’s DNA gone’: Palmer ‘lost’, players want out & zero direction | What now? 🫣
Chelsea is a club on its knees. Six successive league defeats, four on the bounce at Stamford Bridge and the worst run of results since 1993. Little wonder then, Blues legend John Obi Mikel is crestfallen. Resigned to Chelsea’s fate this season, Mikel calls out the club’s ills and demands a reset this summer as he fears the club are slipping into mediocrity and a finish outside the top half. So what is needed? Leaders? Check. A semblance of a plan? Check. Xavi Alonso…?! 👀 Watch as an impassioned Mikel breaks down what needs to happen sooner rather than later. Mikel also gives his verdict on…
27 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
Chelsea in Crisis: FA Cup salvation, JT’s snub & why Filipe Luís should be boss
There’s no shortage of talking points for John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy to wade through after a tumultuous week that saw Chelsea sack boss Liam Rosenior AND reach the FA Cup Final. As always, Mikel doesn’t hold back as he applauds Chelsea’s win over Leeds AND picks through the wreckage of their’s shambolic 3-0 loss at Brighton, a result that ended Rosenior’s tenure after just 106 days. Who’s next in the Blues hot seat? Mikel and Chris discuss the leading candidates and John Terry’s latest snub by the club’s owners. Mikel also sets the record straight on “fake news” doing the rounds on…
20 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
Arteta’s worries & Rosenior’s woes: Obi Mikel reacts as Arsenal cede title control & Chelsea lose again
John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy discuss the weekend’s top stories as Manchester City wrestle control of the title race from Arsenal. It’s now just one win in six for the Gunners as they are edged out at the Etihad Stadium, and Obi Mikel isn’t happy with Mikel Arteta. Mikel also has his say on Gabriel’s headbutt on Erling Haaland and ponders whether Arsenal will not be more comfortable hunting rather than being hunted. Another defeat for Chelsea means it’s four on the bounce without so much as a goal scored, and just one win in eight. Little worried Mikel is worried and left questioning…
13 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
Chokers, Cherki & Chelsea: ‘I told you so’ as Obi Mikel talks Arsenal, Pep’s secret weapon & Delap
John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy walk back arguably the best weekend of the Premier League season so far as Arsenal hand the title initiative to City, Chelsea draw a blank (again) and Tottenham’s relegation troubles deepen. Mikel wants Arsenal to ditch the gimmicks and go back to basics, he identifies the REAL reason Man City are back in the title race and he sets the record straight on Liam Delap who he’s been accused of giving an easy ride this season. The guys also pick through the bones of another defeat for Tottenham that leaves them winless in 2026 and staring down the barrel of life…
1 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
Obi Mikel wants Rosenior OUT on one condition, shock Spurs admission & blasts CAF decision-makers
In this episode of Taking the Mikel, John Obi and Chris McHardy delve into Chelsea’s recent woes. From defeats on the pitch to key players speaking out on Enzo Maresca’s departure. What does it all mean for Liam Rosenior? Mikel doesn’t hold back on his assessment. Simply put: it’s Champions League or bust. The guys also discuss Roberto de Zerbi’s appointment as Tottenham’s new boss and why it spells trouble for the club’s underperforming stars. Mikel also makes an admission that might not go down too well with his fellow Chelsea fans. The guys also discuss Mohamed Salah’s next destination as…
19 Mar 2026 · 59 min
Mariga & Wanyama Exclusive: Pochettino’s Special Talent, Fatherly José & Eto’o Africa’s GOAT
John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are in Nairobi in this episode of the podcast to catch up with Kenyan trailblazers: brothers MacDonald Mariga and Victor Wanyama. First up, Mariga lifts the lid on working with José Mourinho, becoming the first player from Kenya to lift the UEFA Championd League and why a potential move to Manchester City was scuppered. He also gives his take on the current state of the Kenyan game and African football as a whole. Wanyama follows as he reflects on a career that took him to England via Celtic to play for Southampton and Tottenham under the leadership of…
5 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 29 min
Salomon Kalou Exclusive: Abramovich’s Secret House, Drogba’s Ferrari & THAT Ballack Punch-Up
John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou have had a brotherly bond since their days together at Chelsea. And that unique friendship is on display here as the two men reunite for a candid and, at times, hilarious jaunt down memory lane. Here, Kalou recounts the lengths José Mourinho went to scout him in person at Feyenoord, his first meeting with Roman Abramovich at a place where ‘everyone signed on the dotted line’ and why he wasn’t so keen on Didier Drogba’s expensive Ferrari! Mikel can’t resist teasing his friend over one of the more unique hairstyles we’ve seen in the Premier League, and why he…
3 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 30 min
Obi Mikel ERUPTS: Arsenal’s ‘cheat code’ a sign of Arteta’s ‘lazy coaching’
Things get heated in this episode of Taking the Mikel as John Obi can’t hide his disgust at what he calls Arsenal’s “cheat code”: their set-pieces. No one is safe as the former Chelsea man hits out at Mikel Arteta and the standard of officiating in the Premier League. But is there an ulterior motive? All is revealed. Mikel and Chris also weigh into the debate over Michael Carrick’s long-term future as Manchester United with both debating the merits of two other candidates. Igor Tudor comes under fire too after his winless start to life as Tottenham boss continues, and Mikel finds time to…
23 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 7 min
Obi Mikel’s verdict: Arsenal Still Lacking | Defending Rosenior | José (& Clattenburg) v Vini Jnr
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.…
19 Feb 2026 · 52 min
Luís Figo reveals all: ‘No - Ronaldo played with ME!’, the mental toll of that Barca-Real transfer & the greatest Galactico
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…
5 Feb 2026 · 47 min
Wilfried Bony: Secret Wenger Meeting | Rejecting Arsenal | Yaya v Drogba | Magic Of Winning AFCON
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…
22 Jan 2026 · 33 min
Diego Costa Exclusive: ‘Nobody Liked Conte At Chelsea’ | Mourinho V Simeone | Why Bad Boy Image Was Unfair
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…
8 Jan 2026 · 26 min
Atiba Hutchinson: Besiktas legend on life under Solskjaer | Mourinho & Osimhen verdicts
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…
8 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 11 min
New Year, New Managers: Chelsea Chaos, United Ownership Mess & Osimhen’s Passion
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
16 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 40 min
Advice for Maresca, Salah backing & Nigeria home truths
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…
11 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 24 min
Gary Lineker Unfiltered: BBC Row, Sh*tting Himself & Why Ronaldo Isn’t On Messi’s ‘Level’
He’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…
1 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Chelsea ‘better than’ Arsenal, finally the ‘real’ Reece James & unsung hero Pedro Neto
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…
27 Nov 2025 · 48 min
Obi Mikel meets Roberto Carlos: Inside story of Real Madrid’s Galacticos, Beckham’s brilliance & Ronaldo’s ‘98 woes
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…

About The Obi One Podcast

The Obi One Podcast is a English sport podcast from John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy
Language: English
Category: Sport
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 11 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1714220587
Rights: John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy

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