Ben Chilwell, the English footballer, is eyeing World Cup success as a defining moment in his career. After joining Strasbourg, he has found a renewed sense of purpose and ambition, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup firmly in his sights.
Chilwell’s Move to Strasbourg
Chilwell’s transfer to Strasbourg came under the mentorship of manager Liam Rosenior. This partnership has been fundamental in rejuvenating his career. “It wasn’t my top choice, but a short conversation with the manager changed my mind,” Chilwell stated. “I was eager to make this move.”
Rosenior believes in Chilwell’s potential, challenging him with new roles on the field. “He thought I could improve, and that’s already happening,” added Chilwell.
A Competitive Environment
Chilwell has been impressed by the quality of football in the league. He noted, “We’ve shown we can compete with top teams like PSG. The atmosphere in the stadiums is remarkable, with fans showing strong support.”
Personal Growth and Challenges
The player’s transition to life in Strasbourg has not been without its challenges. Since losing his father Wayne in 2023, family has become increasingly important to Chilwell. He shared, “My father is the reason I am here. His legacy has made my family closer.”
As the oldest outfield signing for a club now owned by Todd Boehly and Clearlake, he is part of Europe’s youngest squad. Chilwell is committed to mentoring younger players, particularly about the negative impacts of social media. “I advise them to ignore harmful comments. I no longer check my social media actively,” he remarked.
Learning and Adaptation
Chilwell is also adapting to new cultural experiences in France. Despite most of his teammates speaking English, he has taken the initiative to learn French. He noted a fascinating fact: Strasbourg’s cathedral was the tallest building in the world until 1874.
Rediscovering Passion for Football
Chilwell feels that his time in Strasbourg has reignited his passion for football. “I was falling out of love with the game,” he admitted. Now, he relishes the opportunity to play in front of passionate fans, stating, “60,000 fans at a match in Lyon is exhilarating.”
At 28, Chilwell feels he is in the prime of his career. He remains focused on performing well in France while keeping an eye on his World Cup goals. “First, I want to stay healthy and perform at my best. The World Cup will follow if I do that,” he concluded. “Even if I don’t achieve it, I’ll still love playing the game.”
