In this i-D and Nike film, we embark on a journey tracing the remarkable rise of footballer Jack Grealish, from a schoolboy dreamer in Solihull to becoming England’s World Cup talisman.
If you tasked a football-obsessed schoolboy with outlining his dream life, chances are it wouldn’t stray too far from the extraordinary reality that Jack Grealish has lived. His journey began as a standout player for his beloved hometown club during his early teenage years. By the age of 24, he had become the captain of his team and had already earned the admiration of the nation. By 25, he was a £100 million signing, making him the most expensive English footballer in history. Nine months later, he celebrated becoming a Premier League champion.
What sets Jack’s journey apart is the universal appeal he holds. He’s not only an idol to millions of young fans but also a hero to an older generation who see in him the maverick idols of their youth. Jack could walk into any sixth-form common room or old-man pub across the country and be adored.
England hasn’t been captivated by a footballer like this since David Beckham, and it hasn’t witnessed such audacious talent since Gazza. However, there’s a sense that Jack is more accessible to the public than these iconic figures. While he’s a “rock star” footballer and the face of the renowned global brand Nike, he consistently dedicates his time to charitable causes beyond the realm of football. Most recently, he became an ambassador for Special Olympics GB.
Jack’s journey began on the school playing fields in Solihull, near Birmingham. In this Nike-created portrait, we accompany Jack as he returns to his cherished home turf, reflecting on the gap between where it all began and where he stands today. Along the way, we meet his proud father Kevin, Kevin’s excitable Cavapoo Roger, and the aspiring Solihull schoolboys who dream bigger thanks to Jack’s inspiring example. “I never thought, truthfully, that I’d be where I am now,” says Jack. “That’s why it’s so special to come back to places like this and reflect on how far I’ve come.”
To many observers, the defining moment that showcased his character strength occurred during a derby match between Aston Villa and Birmingham City in 2019. Infuriated by Jack’s prowess, a Birmingham fan invaded the pitch and assaulted Jack from behind. But Jack is no ordinary player. He rose, brushed off the incident, and proceeded to score the match-winning goal.
It’s moments of unwavering resolve like these that transform a man into a legend, a hero into a talisman. Yet, anyone who knew Jack from his formative years never doubted his determination to succeed. At the tender age of five, with no local team young enough to accommodate him, he played for his older brother’s team, running the show against boys several years his senior.
Jack’s next dream on the horizon is the upcoming winter’s World Cup. Should he succeed on the world stage at the highest echelon of the game, it will be a testament to his humble beginnings that have shaped him into the everyman icon, born and raised in Solihull.
