Prince William teams up with Premier League stars to talk mental health in football

Prince William has teamed up with Premier League heroes including former England goalkeeper Joe Hart to talk about mental health. The Duke of Cambridge, 37, meets the ex-Manchester City star, 33, as part of an upcoming BBC documentary. Burnley star Joe had loan spells at Torino and West Ham after being told he had no future at City in 2016. 

He talks to William about the “very public decline in his career”, according to programme makers. Former Watford and Bolton striker Marvin Sordell, 29, opens up about his struggle with depression, and Aston Villa and England defender Tyrone Mings, 27, talks about the pressures of being in the public eye.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, 41, tells the Duke he used to be “stuck in the Stone Age” when it came to mental health. William also speaks to a group of bereaved fathers who use their local football team as a support network and safe space to talk.

The programme follows last year’s A Royal Team Talk, which also featured the Duke talking to stars including Thierry Henry, Gareth Southgate and Peter Crouch. The new documentary will air next month as part of the BBC’s mental health season.


BBC director-general Tony Hall said: “Mental health is important - and during this pandemic, more important than ever. "Many people may be struggling alone; be worried about maintaining their own wellbeing; or want to better equip themselves to help loved ones.

“That’s why bringing mental health issues out into the open is so important. Our programmes aim to do just that. They highlight the issues affecting many and will hopefully help people seek the support they need.

© Getty Images The Duke of Cambridge meets Joe Hart as part of an upcoming BBC documentary“The BBC wants to help. Hopefully these programmes will make a real difference. I want to thank all the contributors who have generously shared their personal stories with the BBC.”