Why Aren't Footballers Authentic?

[@silkiercomet]

Also with Modern Footballers there are millions on the line, so the safe bet brings way more benefits for them than being themselves

[@watchalexander]

Absolutely! A major reason why todays footballers are so meticulous about maintaining that non-controversial image and reputation is because endorsements and sponsorships are at stake (and sometimes, having a controversial reputation can even deter clubs from signing them). This is why I'm not overly critical of players relying on PR, as the current structure of football makes it nearly impossible for a player to reach their ultimate potential without it. But also, some players do rely too heavily on it and they end up with no personality or use it to shield underperformance.

[@alphorinfm]

i agree with this take. also, i believe that the letter Rashford wrote was sincere but lacked depth due to the shape of Manchester United, at the moment, which is unfair. I think due to United’s lack of stability and transparency as a club, fans find the letter from “one of their own” players a bit daft to the current on-field performance, and boardroom changes. So it almost feels like, for a footballer’s image to really reach its potential, both the club and player’s image must be in good standing with the public.

[@shawklan27]

​@watchalexander reminds of how boring a grand majority of hockey players personality wise

[@effincozii]

Maddison is a player who had said F to the PR training 😂 He said about that in an interview with Ben Forster

[@nathanl2498]

The goat has dropped another quality vid. Editing is way too satisfying, explained so clearly, keep it up bro

[@watchalexander]

Thank you Nathan! 🙏🏽😁

[@kenon6111]

As an American it’s very interesting to compare footballers to American athletes. American athletes are much much more expressive with their natural personalities. Guys like Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, Patrick Beverly, Kyrie Irving and even LeBron are all allowed to say what they want in media interviews and they’re not scrutinized for it at all. Public trade requests, guys going to the media to say they are unhappy with the players around them, guys putting their political views on the game all of it is very unfiltered.

[@raul5081]

I remember when LeBron was criticized by Rockets people for siding with Hong Kong in 2019 or so, and guess what? He later said something like "yea, I believe you we didn't have enough information about it, my bad". When money talks, American stars are also silenced. The difference in football is that oil money is much more prevalent, so it's harder to find someone willing to get out of line. But Kroos is a great example of a player who doesn't care about hurting sponsors because of his views. You also have Socrates (Brazilian legend who made FIFA ban political statements on headbands etc, back when he was fighting against the ongoing dictatorship here), Cantona, Di Canio (my guy was a literal fan of the mustache man from Austria and celebrated like that 💀)... In Brazil we also have this issue but it's not worth mentioning local players who didn't care about PR, current ones that give somewhat different interviews are Felipe Melo (yep, the psycho lol) and Deyverson (an average striker who played for Alaves in Spain if I'm not mistaken and who scored goals against Barça and Madrid as well. If he were British, he would be a walking football meme, that's how good he is and that's because he doesn't care about PR). But anyway, I think the two main factors are money (in the US, you guys are your own consumers, so only now that China is becoming a major NBA market is that you will have to bow to another culture) and culture. Culture because you guys do have a somewhat crazy concept of free speech, to the point of allowing the KKK to exist, so athletes expressing their opinions is no big deal.

[@youllneverknow_123]

@@raul5081KKK doesn’t exist anymore as an active organization, but BLM does exist and it’s just as bad

[@zuuuu24]

@@raul5081Completely agree, but I feel that the Lebron example was a bit extreme. We have athletes that openly support different political aisles, presidents, social movements, etc.. Even in football, we’ve had players bring shotguns in the locker room to go hunting after, and nobody gave a shit. The China thing is just one of those weirdly sensitive subjects in America, and LeBron is THE MOST PR TRAINED MAN in both North and South America. In Brazil, players can still have a personality (from what I see, I can be completely wrong), but every English player sounds like they have a script memorized to answer questions for every public appearance. You don’t even have to talk about political or serious topics, just show me a bit of character, and I feel like others want to see it. This is why guys like ange made such a storm for being a normal human being with everyday dry Aussie humor, he fills that appetite for a non script reading football figure.

[@WatchTheClipsFilm-Tv]

The unpopular truth is you are allowed to be more expressive with your natural personality but you have to have a certain personality and a certain look. If you are black (like the athletes you mentioned) you better shut up or be humble. If that’s not you then you will be criticised for displaying any signs of culture that is more common with black British, black American, black French, African or Caribbean culture. People will probably try and deny this

[@kenon6111]

@@WatchTheClipsFilm-Tv I agree with this because I remember in either 2018 or 2019 a fox news anchor told Lebron to just "shut up and dribble" which was just completely out of line

[@ibelrafie]

As a business major in university and a football fan, I really like the perspectives you provide on various football topics, definitely gives a different lens especially to topics that I’ve never given much thought about… I mean I’ve always understood why players need to media trained as public perception is important in such a well publicized field and industry but I also have always felt that it’s like they are playing a character that they have to rather than being themselves… which I love how you explained it as the “divided self” really interesting. Loved the video Alexander.. definitely gonna see what’s next from you.

[@exploremore2438]

Man, your videos are so well detailed and qualitative. Top notch stuff. Keep it up bro

[@watchalexander]

Thank you man. 🙏🏽

[@solarmaru49]

* quality

[@kenon6111]

When Zlatan had a beef with Lebron telling him to not talk about social issues since he is an athlete that was a very real moment on how I realized how different PR is in Europe and the USA

[@ronmastrio2798]

Nah MJ was the same as Zlatan.

[@bartolomeus441]

I thought this would be a simple video, but your takes and examples were interesting and thought-provoking. It helps me appreciate more those people who say what they think, even though they risk hindering their career prospects.

[@watchalexander]

Thank you for this comment. 😊 And yes, I agree. In my last video I spoke about how footballers are becoming more political, but in a way, even that has become “controlled” and there are certain politics that are more PR-friendly to approach than others. It takes a lot of gut to unapologetically be your “true” self in public, both for footballers and the everyday person.

[@kitty_s23456]

​@@watchalexanderyes, I agree. I recall the time when Benzema got flak because of his views on Palestine. It's a bit sad that athletes aren't free to express themselves (whatever their views are). However, I also see the corporate viewpoint. Major companies like to get endorsers who are child-friendly/ role models/ non controversial since they know that many kids & adults look up to them. Great vid. Cheers!

[@adimehrotra2651]

Don’t know if you will read this or not, but came on my recommendation & damn…this felt like a video from a big publisher or a channel with huge subscribers. Such simple editing and cuts. Also your voice suits this style too!. New subscriber!

[@watchalexander]

This is a major compliment, thank you so much! 😁🙏🏽

[@ashrkvch]

Just Recently came across your channel, Sir But how happy am I, just binging your content and keep going/do more please Editing, narration, style everything is top-tier Wish you luck and success with the channel

[@watchalexander]

Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@fernewelsh]

Such an underrated channel. You deserve million subscribers mate!

[@watchalexander]

Thank you man! 😁

[@Warner24-t1f]

This channel deserves way more then this this channel is good

[@watchalexander]

Thank you! 🙏🏽😊

[@Jaxter2i]

@@watchalexanderI agree with him, you’re a hidden gem in KZbin :D

[@watchalexander]

@@Jaxter2i Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@Jaxter2i]

@@watchalexander You’re welcome bro :)

[@altdefcon]

truly an underrated channel, video was curated perfectly

[@watchalexander]

Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@HyphenYouTube]

Bro I love this channel, and surprised by the scripts and narration.. Dope!

[@watchalexander]

Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@rowelljallorinajr5560]

I do think some clubs do assume that their players are out of control that is why they use PR. But i do also love it when players are just being themselves in and off the pitch, it makes it feels like they closer to us more than ever. But if they do chose to put media on auto pilot its fine cause they already work hard in training, the media can be really cruel. (Love the succession scenes thooo bout PR

[@watchalexander]

Great point! And thank you! 😁🙏🏽 Succession is one of my favourite shows.

[@TalkingFootballWeekly]

Best football documentary channel!

[@watchalexander]

I appreciate this, thank you. 🙏🏽

[@GenesisOnMoney]

Great stuff! I totally enjoyed this one. It was worth the wait. Thank you @Alexander👍

[@watchalexander]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed! 😁🙏🏽

[@hamdims8265]

I was so surprised that you only have +20k subscribers, you really deserve atleast 1million

[@watchalexander]

Thank you! Fingers crossed I get there soon. 😁

[@katlamash1189]

Bro you never miss in terms of video quality. I love your content man keep it up , I want see you hit that 10 mill milestone someday day

[@watchalexander]

Thank you so much 🙏🏽

[@london8615]

I saw a clip shown from Perfect Blue (1997) great film to watch that represents PR and the marketing behind being a celebrity

[@watchalexander]

One of my favourite movies! 😊

[@markusk9080]

I don't think you can ever be "authentic" being aware that hundreds of cameras are recording you. Even behavior by football stars that's being called "authentic" is not even close to being that.

[@jamiestaussi7157]

I'm so glad this channel exists.

[@watchalexander]

🙏🏽😁

[@milli1089]

Your videos are truly entertaining. I was excited every second. well done. Your dedication to creating high quality work is inspiring. ❤

[@watchalexander]

Thank you Milli! 🙏🏽🤍

[@dannavalenzine]

your vids are so easy and intresting to watch you need like a million subscribers

[@watchalexander]

Aha hopefully I get there soon, thank you. 🙏🏽

[@yasheebfaridi2888]

Yup, players like Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Jamal Musiala, Grimaldo doesn't get that much PR the way Jude Bellingham, Rasmus Hojlund gets. I mean he didn't have a good last season but after his transfer to Madrid, he played 5-10 games and already was being considered for Ballon D'or. I mean Mbappe and Haaland aren't in the discussion. F Real Madrid PR.

[@yasheebfaridi2888]

The same happened with Pedri and Gavi. Barcelona PR. They didn't meet the hype.

[@smarthustle7063]

Glad to find this channel as a big fan of MMA (UFC particularly) it's always jarring to see how sterile football interviews are, it's night and day.. Keep up the good work, you've got yourself a new subscriber.

[@watchalexander]

Thank you, will do! 🙏🏽😁

[@luisgarcia1096]

this channel reminds me of JxmyHighroller. Keep going man, love the content

[@watchalexander]

Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@EzeBall1710]

Not a compliment😂😂jxmy highroller is trash

[@MCFCJake]

Your channel is going to have 100 k subs in no time bro keep up the grind🔥🔥

[@watchalexander]

Thank you Jake! 🙏🏽

[@edwardhary1899]

Love these videos!

[@watchalexander]

Thank you! 😁🙏🏽

[@nathaniel7744]

Just came across this channel, it’s great

[@watchalexander]

Thank you Nathaniel! 🙏🏽😊

[@Xumal]

This videos quality is crazy for your size

[@watchalexander]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@Xumal]

@@watchalexander actually really excited for your next video

[@tobinayoda]

Great video!

[@watchalexander]

Thank you! 😁

[@blazostark9347]

Bro your channel is truly underrated. This needs 100k views and 1M sub coz you are worth it.

[@watchalexander]

Thank you so much 🙏🏽🤍

[@blazostark9347]

@@watchalexander keep making such great vids.

[@mievstickles]

great video mate

[@watchalexander]

Thank you! 😁🙏🏽

[@ricardosanchez5078]

Despite me not liking them too much, I feel Real Madrid does this really really good, like obviously the players are trained, but also most if not all of them run their socials and are not afraid to show themselves. And when the players takes a stand, Madrid usually supports them.

[@watchalexander]

I think that although PR is an industry norm across the board, English clubs especially employ it a lot more due to the more PC culture we have in Britain. I agree with you that clubs and players in Spain and Italy seem a lot more lax.

[@ricardosanchez5078]

@@watchalexander Yes the Prem teams are the ones who use it the most.

[@re089]

The quality is amazing! Any chance we get some Formula 1 videos in the future?

[@jaspreetsinghsuman]

The sky’s the limit, Mr. Alexander. Your work keeps getting better. COYS 🤍🤍🤍

[@watchalexander]

COYS 🤍 Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@michaelmatt9752]

Perhaps there's another group you're not taking into consideration. The ones that understand the benefit of having a social media presence, but don't necessarily care about social media itself so they just hire PR to do it on their behalf and are not necessarily trying to fool anyone.

[@watchalexander]

There are definitely footballers that come under this umbrella!

[@carlhinx]

Great video again! You thinking about starting a PR firm?

[@watchalexander]

Thank you! And aha I haven’t thought about that but maybe one day! 😊

[@thetitanofwallstreet7839]

Just subscribed G; American here tyring to get into football so this channel clutch

[@watchalexander]

Glad I could assist 😁 thank you!

[@Bensou9]

6:38 I'd go so far to say that his actions actually show that his (or any player's) career is to a greater length impacted by his public image rather than his (under)performance.

[@AA1747_]

This is a great video very well made. You have earned a new subscriber. Also what is the name of the song at 6:12 ?

[@emelnwoye4449]

But Rashford is actually a PR Merchant

[@robs9237]

QUALITY VIDEO

[@watchalexander]

Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@xex163]

That’s fire 🔥🔥🔥

[@watchalexander]

🙏🏽

[@juckoosaurus]

While its true there are some targeting from racist angles Rashford does not address his own faults and which he is guilty off and this is why so many fans do not like his new PR article. Sterling, Mings, Saka, all have suffered horrific abuse but they never used it to deflect any blame away from themselves when they messed up. He seems like a nice guy but I feel the toxicity at united had made him get a little bit off an ego, especially after the good season he had last year.

[@iamghxstz1684]

Background music at 7:23 ?

[@ollieangel8067]

Hi mate I was wondering what video editing software you use for your videos? Cheers

[@watchalexander]

Adobe Premiere Pro!

[@teerich]

You would do well covering other sports too. Do let us know if you launch another channel that is focused on sports in general. Or anything else for that matter

[@tobinayoda]

Road to 100k.

[@m_zakhary]

I can’t wait until you cover Motorsport

[@airo4217]

Which software(or softwares) do you use to make your videos? I really like how your video’s editing makes what your saying all the more interesting and since I want to creat my own channel, I thought I could ask from some help from a certified video essayist.

[@watchalexander]

I use the Adobe Creative Suite to create my videos! 😊

[@airo4217]

Thank you so much! Btw, I love your videos. Keep up the amazing work. @@watchalexander

[@SiRDonFratello]

ALEXANDER FOR THE WIN!

[@watchalexander]

🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@logann.jw.44]

This is 💯 true

[@watchalexander]

🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@lancinekeita4823]

good shit

[@watchalexander]

🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@katlamash1189]

Where do you find the background music ?

[@watchalexander]

Epidemic Sound! 😊

[@KM10HM12]

Acting like Messi isn’t a PR god….

[@Mr_everything10]

How?

[@EzeBall1710]

Facts😂😂

[@j3ts287]

I don’t care about personality, just play good football and let your personality shine on the pitch.

[@user-hd8ej8yx9p]

What does Puerto Rico have to do with this

[@1n196]

good vid bro pr is ruining the sport

[@watchalexander]

Thank you!

[@EuroExpert_]

🔥🔥🔥

[@watchalexander]

🙏🏽🤍

[@OtesOtesOtes]

Personal Records FTW

[@NkosanaMakhubele]

Messi is a great example of having PR teams helping his public image😂

[@london8615]

🐐🐐🐐

[@jordanzilofo1617]

Could You give some ressources for learning PR ?

[@watchalexander]

I did my degree on communications so I know a lot about it through schooling, but it’s also very easy to learn about how it works through KZbin videos and online articles! I have my sources link in my description that has links to articles I used in the creation of this video. 😊

[@jorgefranco9817]

Lots of these players have been raised to be a hollow shell of skill , you can feel it.

[@KM10HM12]

PR was invited by the one and only Lionel Messi.

[@Plato3745]

9:20 minute video the only that went to head was messi after all that explanation😂

[@KOP-YNWA-LFC]

Because the best players in the Prem stupidly think they are better than what they actually are, simple as that.

[@overman2306]

Fact: Propaganda was renamed Public Relations by Edward Bernays.

[@EzeBall1710]

Facts

[@nananou1687]

SELL TRASHFORD. NO AMOUNT OF PR IS SAVNG HIM

[@Oke.385]

A persona is a mask

[@benjaminmubbala]

then you have cr7 lmaooo

[@kimothemo]

Rashford plays shit. Deal with it.

[@KingCalla]

There is no better example of this than Marcus Rashford. His PR team have convinced people that he’s some sort of messiah 🥱

[@juuglord8509]

For me, it's Mesut Ozil and his agent, who somehow managed the trick the world into believing that Arsenal dropped him because of some comments. That was the player that *really* showed me the power of branding and player image.

[@juckoosaurus]

@@juuglord8509 exactly when Emery had a problem with your effort you know something is wrong extends to how he fell out with the German team too which had completely absolved him

[@Kiage.]

One of my favourite channels currently keep it going mate u need a 100k subs by this year🔥🫶

[@watchalexander]

Thank you! 🤞🏽😊

[@orionpacks]

Cook 🧑‍🍳

[@watchalexander]

🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@mia_djojowasito_malik]

PLOT-TWIST: what if the “handlerʼs intervention” was staged by the PR team to paint an image of an authentic player? kidding Bruh, or maybe i'm just real jaded lol ✌🏼✌🏼 cool video, thanks for making it~ 🙏

[@watchalexander]

That wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility. 👀

[@marcop.525]

Sanatinazion to maximize monetization 🤑