Ilia Gruev: Beyond the Pitch

Ilia Gruev, a midfielder for Leeds United, is redefining the image of a professional footballer with his diverse interests beyond the sport. Gruev frequently discusses his engagement with literature, citing self-help books such as Jordan Peterson's "12 Rules for Life" and biographies of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

He believes that personal development outside of football is crucial for enhancing his performance on the field. Gruev also actively listens to podcasts, including "Gemischtes Hack" for humor and "Lanz + Precht" for discussions on social and political issues. He seeks out different opinions to gain a broader understanding of the world and avoid ideological bubbles.

Gruev acknowledges that discussing these interests can make players vulnerable to criticism, especially after poor results. However, he notes that the younger generation of footballers is more open to sharing their multifaceted lives. He finds support for these non-football discussions primarily with his mother, Petia, while his father, a former international player and coach, focuses more on football.

Recently, Gruev participated in a community event at Leeds Beckett University, recognizing a Leeds United Foundation coach for her work with children through the Premier League Kicks program. He highlighted the positive impact of such initiatives on young people.