Perspectives

Rising Ballers

Perspectives - where you can listen to the most interesting stories from behind the scenes in football, that you wouldn't hear anywhere else. A podcast by Rising Ballers.

  1. From Homeless, to League 1 Player of the Year: The REAL Story of RICHARD KONE | Perspectives

    09/04/2025

    From Homeless, to League 1 Player of the Year: The REAL Story of RICHARD KONE | 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

    40 min
  2. How I Battled the Chinese Mafia, Jail & Match-Fixing: MOSES SWAIBU REVEALS ALL | Perspectives

    08/12/2025

    How I Battled the Chinese Mafia, Jail & Match-Fixing: MOSES SWAIBU REVEALS ALL | Perspectives

    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

    1h 40m
  3. What REALLY Happened to CHARLY MUSONDA? The Untold Story | Perspectives

    06/30/2025

    What REALLY Happened to CHARLY MUSONDA? The Untold Story | Perspectives

    FOLLOW RISING BALLERS 👇 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risingballers/?hl=en-gb TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@risingballers... X: https://twitter.com/RisingBallers_?re... 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

    1h 17m
  4. What REALLY Happens Inside a Premier League Dressing Room? | Brandon Ashton for Perspectives

    04/24/2025

    What REALLY Happens Inside a Premier League Dressing Room? | Brandon Ashton for Perspectives

    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?

    48 min
  5. From the streets of Ghana to The Prem 🇬🇭 Mohammed Kudus | Perspectives

    02/24/2025

    From the streets of Ghana to The Prem 🇬🇭 Mohammed Kudus | Perspectives

    🎙️ 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

    29 min
  6. Will Liverpool win the league? 👀 Ryan Gravenberch | Perspectives

    02/13/2025

    Will Liverpool win the league? 👀 Ryan Gravenberch | Perspectives

    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 FOLLOW RISING BALLERS 👇 Instagram:  @risingballers TikTok: @risingballers X: https://twitter.com/RisingBallers_?re.. 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

    14 min

About

Perspectives - where you can listen to the most interesting stories from behind the scenes in football, that you wouldn't hear anywhere else. A podcast by Rising Ballers.

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