Prince William Discusses Football Passion on Travis Kelce’s New Heights Podcast

Prince William Discusses Football Passion on Travis Kelce’s New Heights Podcast

Prince William made a surprise appearance on Travis Kelce’s New Heights podcast, offering a candid conversation about his lifelong passion for football, England’s FIFA World Cup campaign, and his hopes of attending the tournament final if England qualifies.
The episode, released on the same day Travis Kelce and global music icon Taylor Swift were married, focused primarily on football rather than the couple’s wedding celebrations. During the conversation, the Prince of Wales playfully corrected Kelce’s use of the term “soccer,” reminding the hosts that the sport is known simply as “football” in the United Kingdom.
When asked whether he would travel to the United States if England reached the World Cup final, William responded without hesitation.
“Definitely, if we’re in the final,” he said.
Kelce welcomed the idea enthusiastically, while William jokingly added that he looked forward to seeing both Travis and Jason Kelce at the championship match.
Throughout the 28-minute interview, Prince William shared his deep emotional connection to football and explained how supporting Aston Villa has become a significant part of his life. Interestingly, he revealed that his passion for the club grew even stronger after Aston Villa was relegated from the Premier League.
“Oddly enough, I became even more invested in football when Aston Villa was relegated,” William said. “The challenge of fighting to return to the Premier League made following the club even more exciting.”
The Prince admitted that Aston Villa’s performances can greatly influence his mood.
“When we win, the weekend feels fantastic. When we lose, Monday mornings can be much more difficult.”
Asked whether his love for football came from his father, King Charles III, William offered a humorous response.
“Absolutely not. My father hates football.”
Despite the light-hearted remark, King Charles has previously acknowledged supporting Burnley Football Club.
The conversation also touched on England manager Thomas Tuchel and the national team’s tactical approach. William praised Tuchel’s attacking philosophy, saying he appreciates a style of play that prioritizes creativity and ambition over caution.
“If we’re going to score four goals, we’ll score five,” William said, describing the mindset he believes best represents England’s footballing identity.
The discussion expanded beyond football, with Jason Kelce recalling his memorable meeting with the royal family during an NFL game at Wembley Stadium. He admitted he was unsure of royal protocol while holding a beer during the introduction and described meeting Princess Charlotte as one of the highlights of the experience.
Prince William congratulated Jason on raising four daughters, joking that it must be “the hardest job.”
The Prince also reflected on the long-standing relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. When asked whether he was surprised America was celebrating its 250th anniversary, William responded with good humor before emphasizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.
“I’d like to think the UK and the US will continue standing together. It’s a strong brotherhood.”
As President of the Football Association, William was asked for his management philosophy. His advice was simple and direct:
“Just don’t mess up.”
Toward the end of the interview, William named several players he believes belong among England’s greatest footballers, including David Beckham, Gary Lineker, Harry Kane, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Sir Bobby Charlton. He also predicted that Harry Kane could ultimately be remembered as one of England’s greatest-ever strikers—a prediction that has since been reinforced by Kane’s record-breaking achievements.
Prince William’s appearance on New Heights reflects the royal family’s growing willingness to engage with audiences through modern digital platforms, using popular podcasts and informal conversations to connect with younger and international audiences while sharing more personal insights into royal life.