At just 18, the West Ham forward Princess Ademiluyi, is drawing attention both on and off the field. Known for her agility and power, she’s building an impressive career – from her roots in Gravesend, Kent, to her debut with West Ham United, and now on loan to Charlton Athletic for the 24/25 season. She also made history as the first player to progress through West Ham United Foundation’s Player Pathway, signing her professional contract on her 18th birthday in July 2024.
“Football wasn’t just about playing for me – it became a way to express who I was, how I moved, how I thought”. Her love for the game was born in the cage pitches of Peckham, where she’d play on rough concrete and score in goals made from sweatshirts.
Her style – classic, yet athletic, with vibrant hair colours that shift from platinum to hot pink and beyond – ensures she’s unmissable. “I love reflecting my thoughts in art”, Princess shares, nodding to her love for drawing, writing, and filming. A collector of retro gaming consoles and vinyl records, she finds inspiration in mixing the old with the new, creating a fresh take.
Traditionally, being on a sports team meant conforming to a uniform-appearing ‘unit’ with little room for individual style. While this unity is essential on the field, icons like David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, or Héctor Bellerín have redefined what it means to blend style with sport. For Princess, style is central to her confidence. “When I’m on the field, I want to look good, feel good, and play my best”, she says. “When I feel confident, it shows. It gives me that edge”.
Princess takes inspiration from players who push boundaries in both sport and style. “I don’t want to sound cliché”, she says, “but I’ve always been drawn to Cristiano Ronaldo — not just for his fame or achievements, but for his resilience and consistency. He’s faced criticism and challenges, but he always bounces back stronger. That mental toughness really inspires me; it’s so important for my game too”. She also mentions Mario Balotelli for his bold fashion choices and impact: “On the pitch, he’s known for his style of play, presence, and crazy goals”, she explains. “Off it, his mix of cutting-edge streetwear and designer pieces reflects his confident, rebellious personality… and the colour-dyed mohawk shows what he’s all about. For me, he’s a symbol of extending influence beyond football”.
This approach to self-expression is integral to Princess’s identity, allowing her to push personal boundaries. “Sport and beauty are both ways to show who you are. It’s not about fitting into a mould, but being true to yourself”, she explains. “Either through avant-garde fashion, athletic achievements, or even self-care beauty practices – it pushes us to inspire others and challenge norms”.
Like any athlete, Princess’s gameday mindset and physical prep are essential, but a little glam also plays a key role. “I always take time to do my hair and makeup before a match. It helps me feel confident, and ready to face what’s ahead”, she says. I can’t help but compare it to the feeling I get whenever I get a blow dry: invincible.
“I’m a private person when it comes to my goals – I like to talk about them after they’re achieved”. One main aim, she does add: “would be embodying mastery”. For Princess, this means refining her style of play, her finishing technique, and “developing a strong mindset, being present, and embracing self-care to take full care of my body”.
What lies ahead for Princess Ademiluyi? With so much already achieved, and even more to conquer, her journey is just beginning. The question she leaves us with? “What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?”
