“I could run before I started walking” — Alex Iwobi reveals career journey from kid

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria international Alex Iwobi has opened up about his early football journey, revealing how his natural athleticism paved the way for his successful career.

Iwobi shared a fascinating anecdote from his childhood, describing how his parents would often remark that he could run before he even started walking.

The 28-year-old, who currently plays for Fulham in the Premier League, recalled the boundless energy he had as a child, which hinted at his future in football.

“My parents said I could run before I started walking,” Iwobi said in an interview on the Fulham Fix Podcast.

“They told me I’d sit down, and in a split second, I’d sprint around the flat and they were thinking, ‘this baby is on crack!’”

Iwobi’s early enthusiasm for movement didn’t stop with running—he was known for his energetic nature.

“When I was a kid, I was very excited, used to run around, slide tackle balloons, kick chairs, kick anything in sight, so I was just an energetic, weird child,” he added.

His innate love for movement and football eventually led him to Arsenal’s Hale End Football Academy, where he began his formal football training.

From there, Iwobi made his way into the first team, impressing as one of the club’s most promising young talents.

After a successful spell with Arsenal, Iwobi moved to Everton, where he was developed into a versatile midfielder.

His career took another turn with his recent move to Fulham, where he has become a regular starter, contributing seven goals and three assists in 26 Premier League games this season.