Fearless in the Face of Defeat: The Value of Checkmate Moments | Robbie Lyle | TEDxWarwick

Robbie Lyle talks us through his inspirational journey to the top of the football media industry, overcoming doubters to create one of the UK's most popular and loved football channels. Additionally, Robbie considers what can be done to involve more ethnic minority individuals in the industry, demonstrating how, through his work, he is enabling greater minority representation in the media sphere. Though his journey has not been an easy one, Robbie embodies perseverance and resilience, and his rise to the top is testament to this. Robbie Lyle is the Founder and Owner of ArsenalFanTV, the largest football fan channel in the world. On KZbin, his two channels AFTV and Don Robbie have amassed over 1.5 million subscribers, with fans tuning in regularly to watch his content. Robbie's meteoric rise has given rise to dozens of similarly successful online platforms, marking him out as a true pioneer in the football industry. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@bongumusazondi8098]

Liverpool fan here - I absolutely admire what Robbie has done. I follow most of AFTV shows, they are brilliant. Let's congratulate the man, he is living the best life, earning money just from supporting his favourite team.

[@weirdNwacky1995]

Such a dream life

[@nanabarima4433]

Well said !

[@blazejgruchala4361]

but why do u follow aftv shows a a liverpool fan... do you have nothing better to do with ur time?

[@Gonnerhero]

@@blazejgruchala4361 you don’t have to be an Arsenal fan to admire what Robbie has achieved, I’m an Arsenal fan and I often watch rival fans content, I just like to be a football fan in general.

[@hectorr6299]

Arsenal FC owes this man a great deal of gratituted keeping fans engaged in Arsenal during the teams dark ages of defeat after defeat.

[@bahriboy]

Absolute nonsense. He is a part of why our greatest ever manager got hounded out. Specifically picked controversial, negative cretins to be the regulars.

[@narayananmmenon339]

So do other team fans. Aftv has given some legendary banter moments.

[@imanafdar]

Aftv literally thrive off of negativity

[@keynesianeconomics4113]

@@imanafdar We'll call it a byproduct. AFTV still pull in decent numbers and the club's doing well. I see the happiness of guys like Turkish and Troopz who have been down for so long. I see the joy of last minute winners on the watchalongs. I think rain or shine, the opinions of football fans matter and AFTV have been the vanguards of football fan democratisation. I'd rather listen to what fans have to say than someone like Gary Neville who has an agenda against the club.

[@efcdk92]

Dark ages. Give me a break.

[@StephenChukd]

Robbie has broken a lot of boundaries when it comes to the rise of Virtual fan clubs. A true Pioneer this man is.

[@jonathankitonsa9346]

I did not even know fan channels existed unti i landed on AFTV. Watched everyday since then.

[@noah2906]

AFTV means a lot especially to the overseas fans who have never been to the stadium, it's great to see ordinary fans giving their opinions

[@brianmaguire3413]

robbie started something big a lot of fans have followed robbie well done robbie

[@brianrotich4259]

COM ON YOU SPUUUUUURS

[@Limitlesschelsea]

Chelsea fan here and got mad respect for your vision, growth, and determination 👏

[@AZ14ify]

I just love this guys story. Robbie is such an inspiration. As a big Arsenal fan myself I always watch AFTV. But as an entrepreneur as well I so admire what he has done. Not just for the Arsenal fan community but for every fan community. Once he started up this channel the rest all followed with their own channels. It was a genius idea because no football fans used to be heard. All it was was the football pundits and the media. The fans were just there in the background. That's why when he first came along he faced a lot of hostility by the media, as so goes in history when someone comes along with a new concept and idea they see you as a threat. All of a sudden there was an alternative opinion and the power that the media held on people was suddenly taken away.

[@consultinglifestyle902]

Exactly, I admire him as an entrepreneur. He went from having sleepless nights editing videos with the cameraman after making many fan cams to having a studio and be a pioneer of the whole football fan industry. With DR Sports he is creating a media in its own right

[@oskardash]

The Don doesn't fear, fear fears the Don.

[@NiallPrendergast]

Robbie started Fan Football KZbin ....no matter what he changed the game. Every Fan channel owes him. Others may of started before him but he made the landscape what it is

[@Charlie_Alpha_Lima]

From a United supporter, it's amazing what Don Robbie has achieved with aftv and now Don Robbie Sports especially with his weekly round ups which I tune into weekly.

[@africanplume9879]

Robbie in a suit and tie??? That's a sight for sore eyes. On a serious note, though. Big up, Robbie! This "ordinary" guy has been able to accomplish an extraordinary feat. He is a phenomenon. As an Arsenal fan, I'm extremely proud of what he has done for AFC and football in general.

[@adeloyesegun5539]

This is crazy, Robbie is a big source of inspiration. A great manager and a hard worker.

[@JotaOrtiz]

Don Robbie is a legend. Im from Panama, had never been to London until last month, but kept in constant touch with AFTV since it came out. Made me experience things for my team otherwise impossible.

[@calebwalker3294]

Absolutely love and Respect Robbie! Come on Arsenal ❤

[@wilfredjohnson6518]

I'm literate crying tear of joy for Robbie l remember once a wise man told me the only person to believe in is yourself Big to u big Robbie May God continue keeping and blessing you through this journey Gunner forever

[@lledrocvinn8883]

Shoutout to Robbie, he’s such an inspiration. Always stays positive and is a top man. Big up Robbie

[@richardadzimah1087]

My best Ted talk ever! Tears down my cheeks

[@tangbein]

Robbie: Audience was patient. Listened well. Gave a good applause. I'll give them a 6.

[@trevorsmith4080]

😂😂😂

[@sillwuka]

Strange to say this but I'm a United fan and I initially followed AFTV due to the banter after losses and I stayed because of how genuine the content was. Mo, TY, Robbie, Claude, DT and Troops just name to a few.

[@WolfBenjamite]

Excellent Robbie..Im proud of you.

[@danielmuliira5363]

Robbie Lyle is a legend. Robbie just lights up the room wherever he goes. Greetings from Uganda

[@martinhill9261]

He's a top lad Robbie.I met him outside Wembley one day when my team Harrogate were playing and he was such a down to earth and lovely guy.He deserves all the success he gets.

[@joecook1168]

what a man

[@yawmorowah1476]

Robbie's story will uplift a lot of underprivileged youths. The trajectory of his success goes to tell that when one door is closed many more are opened. I like the part that he speaks about Diversity and Inclusion, football has a lot of lessons to learn from this, we have made some progress this far but there is a lot of work to be done so lets come together and "just do it."

[@jayakumarvn1977]

You are an inspiration, Robbie!! Well done with all the excellent work you guys are doing at AFTV

[@jacksontawah4121]

I love becoz every thing is for Arsenal, the greatest club in the world. Right now we lead as others follow

[@deldiyshow-464]

Robbie is one of an Arsenal strong base I look upto.

[@Stanleygtk]

So proud of this guy, feels like I've watched my uncle come up

[@_Damian_.]

Crucial Robbie!👊🏾

[@MrPierritooo]

LOVE YOU ROBBIE!!! You the man!!!

[@lindanimataure1636]

I stumbled on AFTV in the early days and subscribed when it was still small. I appreciate the drive and tenacity Robbie has with his business. Definitely someone whose walked the talk. Too many fake gurus out there nowadays but this man really put in the work. Respect

[@diegoloera435]

Oh snap!!! Big up Robbie! Come on! 🔥🔥🔥🔥😎😎

[@nathangertze5178]

Wow... Robbie.... Thank you for sharing this story...

[@playboicarlos]

I found out about AFTV when Arsenal lost to Villa and we had barely spent. So long ago. AFTV have allowed me to stay connected to the club and the fans. Thank u done Robbie.

[@dorcielngonda4537]

Well done Don Robbie, keep up the good work!! The best is yet to come!!

[@walterschuye2538]

Thank you Robbie for helping me love arsenal more, when we as fan appreciate you man.

[@christopherorumah-fredrick9029]

Great job Robbie. Your contribution to football and the Arsenal fan experience is immense. Thanks

[@madeinindia20]

This was good! Wish I could have listened to this talk live! Got tears in my eyes. Thanks for the inspiration Robbie!

[@drup2013]

Big up Don Rob.. Much respect

[@WolfIronside]

Robbie is an inspiration.

[@GunnerB.N5]

Trust the Process👏🏽

[@mindfulskillmerchant]

Legend man - so impressive

[@AK_1444]

Yes Robbie! Been watching you for years. Thank you for your contribution to our club. This talk was so inspirational Robbie, thank you I needed to hear this! Gunners for life🔴⚪️

[@furydj2311]

Exactly be brave chase your dream and do not give up or give into the naysayers. I have met this man Robbie after our Arsenal game and when he set up a show on Channel 4 real football fan show i made an appearanceon this. Well done Robbie it was a pleasure listening to you & I have shared this to my whatsapp groups. COYG 🔴⚪

[@charliewalters536]

What if I'd been scared at the start....? Checkmate moments are there for a reason. Congratulations Robbie - for not being filled with fear.

[@APCSW19]

That's a really great talk. I really like AFTV as a football fan, and I'm a City fan. May the best team win the league!

[@blurryface_1434]

So glad Robbie is an arsenal fan.... Life is so much better since aftv Helps when arsenal loses the match..... like last night against sporting.... COYG

[@hibberish7498]

Hard work pays off..

[@SRIRAMSUPERMANIAN]

my alma mater! So proud Robbie

[@marc2362]

The Don 🐐

[@allthingsfinancial_FX]

Meet adversity with positivity & a resilient mindset💯 Cheers Robbie♾

[@Tennisfiles]

Don Robbie Lylekaku! Similar to other comments, Spurs fan here but huge admirer of what Robbie has built. Big up the mandem! :D

[@kolyxix]

Robbie the alternate gunner. I wish we at Chelsea had a supporter like you. Great speech, looking great in that suit

[@Inn50cent86]

Big up Robbie 👏🏼 👏🏼

[@emedibamoya3029]

Well done Robbie

[@WestwoodConsulting]

Great video from Robbie. A great talk performed in his own style as always. And what an inspiration to everyone. Hats off to you. 👏👏👏

[@Frank20091969]

Done Robbie ❤very inspiring 👏👏👏✅❤️🙌Gunners for Life 🙌👏👏👏

[@lovellfrancis3942]

Bless up Robbie

[@thabisogoba4487]

Really enjoyed this talk. Big ups Robbie

[@ElectroAtletico]

Well done Don Robbie!!!!

[@astro9219]

A true pioneer

[@macsbaker8884]

You have an idea, believe in it believe in yourself and take the risk! Robbie has proven that it reaps reward!

[@dwayneclarkey]

Robbie lyle. I take my had off for you. He really did start from the bottom now he's here.

[@irielion3748]

And your hat!!!

[@bornonthecusp]

So inspiring and lots of good lessons to takeaway for my own channel even though it has nothing to do with footie - thank you Robbie!

[@itswillsmith]

I love this so much! Amazing talk Robbie!

[@wokthetok9660]

Great stuff Don Robbie

[@chandas9520]

Love your work and courage Robbie :)

[@Juzzyjuzzy]

Don Robbie we have made it to TED.

[@nktalks]

Respect to Robbie ✊🏾

[@piraat070]

Man like Robbie was a dead second Channel. Robbie changed the concept. And now DR Sports are flying. Turned the L into a W thats the man he is. Robbie we love you bro ❤

[@mossy199]

The right product at the right time. If he had set up AFTV now, with Arsenal doing well, he wouldn't have got anywhere near the levels.

[@dr.gordon420]

Well done Robbie.

[@tobimartins9734]

Robbie ARSENAL FOOTBALL CLUB OWE U ALOT.. LOVE U DON ROBBIE

[@Theclippingkon]

W

[@johnwood5387]

I have been an arsenal fan since George graham days And aftv rocks!

[@Yoloswaggens]

Dubs so immaculate bossman donned his armour

[@janakipejov3667]

Arsenal being a banter club in the 2010s helped him tremenduosly to grow his channel, because lets be real, big part of the viewers/commenters were the opposing fans laughing at the DT rants/Clyde rants etc. Nonetheless, they're probably the most famous fan tv channel and Robbie has managed to sail through a lot and is now reaping rewards. Now that Arsenal is good again, its only going to get better

[@kehindeademolaadekeye8157]

Neva seen Robbie in suits, u sure look great. Yr presentation is brilliant and d content is very nice.

[@shishibenterfa]

Robbie my man

[@leoaguilar3442]

I remember subscribing to his channel at 20K when arsenal vs Aston villa losing 3-1 and that viral video with Chris the lowest of the low but never forgot where arsenal came from and me as a fan.

[@peeper2070]

I was scrolling down and had to scroll back up to see I didn't misread the title 😂 big Don giving the inspiration to the world

[@justicea88]

Great speech 😊

[@jessemfon1757]

Great talk Robbie🔥🔥🔥

[@xGGx3453]

The Don!

[@poiiop3395]

Keep up the good work Robi, hope we will win premier league this season.

[@hughwalcott546]

The Don!!!!

[@avaneeshsingh7021]

Respect to the Don

[@yawampeh9189]

INSPIRATION !

[@Chrisgooner]

Top man Robbie

[@timbelsi2]

The Don

[@generaldestiny8862]

The Don himself 🔥🔥🔥

[@dinoceman9663]

You are doing great 👍

[@Luba_Dyasi]

Well done Don Robbie ,truly inspirational

[@zico2674]

Knight this Man. 👊

[@oceanmike8516]

A man with a purpose with endure almost anyhow. - Friedrich Neitszche

[@cplcummins]

Well said.. Best person for the job gets its.. meritocracy... but that's unfortunately not the world we live in anymore.

[@dr.clivejames4567]

AFTV is now way bigger than his friends channel, (IFLtv)- who didn’t have time to help him! Wow! 😮

[@Blaze0071]

Bruh I was just scrolling down and spat my coffee out when I saw Don Robbie on Ted Talk - I had to look again as I'd seen a similar thumbnail relating to the minister of Congo, but I guess the Don did it. Never knew he achieved this 🎉

[@erictko85]

The DON!

[@propagafun4368]

The Don 😎