Jack Grealish, the £100 million Manchester City star, stands at a crossroads in his illustrious career. At 29, the charismatic winger, known for his flair on the pitch and vibrant personality off it, has begun to ponder life beyond football. Recently, Grealish made headlines with a candid admission about his fledgling passion for DJing, confessing he was “awful” at it just a few years ago. Yet, as he prepares for an FA Cup semi-final clash against Nottingham Forest, the Birmingham native is already spinning plans for his post-football future, blending his love for music with his relentless drive to reinvent himself.
Grealish’s journey from Aston Villa’s boyhood hero to Manchester City’s record-breaking signing in 2021 has been nothing short of cinematic. His £100 million transfer, a British record, brought sky-high expectations. “I think it sounds good. I’m happy with it, I like it,” he said at the time, embracing the weight of the price tag. But the past year has tested his resilience. A goalless 2024, coupled with being axed from England’s Euro 2024 squad, marked what he called “the most difficult year of my life.” Injuries, inconsistent starts—only six in the Premier League this season—and fierce competition from wingers like Jeremy Doku and Savinho have pushed him down Pep Guardiola’s pecking order. “I want to start playing more often and have that rhythm,” Grealish admitted, yearning for the days when he dazzled week in, week out.
Despite these struggles, Grealish’s spirit remains unbroken. This week, he took a break from the pitch to indulge his passion for music, collaborating with DJ Rudosa to practice his first set. Sharing the moment on Instagram, he wrote, “Some practice with the guvnaaa. Trying to plan my first set.” Music has long been a refuge for Grealish, who dreams of headlining stages, perhaps even in Ibiza’s pulsating clubs. “People say DJing, once you get the hang of it, it’s something you can really enjoy,” he shared in 2022, envisioning a genre-blending style spanning ‘80s, house, RnB, hip-hop, and ‘90s hits. His foray into DJing isn’t new—he hosted a set with Oliver Heldens in 2023 as part of a Manchester City sponsorship—but his renewed focus suggests a serious ambition to transition into music after hanging up his boots.
Grealish’s off-field pursuits extend beyond turntables. “I want to try and learn some stuff outside of football,” he once said, revealing he’s dabbling in Spanish, albeit with a Brummy accent. His curiosity led him to the MLS, where he admires former teammate Carles Gil’s success with New England Revolution. “I’ve always loved the US… I could see myself playing in America,” he told NBC Sport, hinting at a potential stint across the Atlantic before retiring. Such plans reflect Grealish’s desire to break the mold of traditional footballing careers, where coaching or punditry often beckons. Unlike many peers, he’s expressed no interest in management, preferring paths that align with his free-spirited nature.
On the pitch, Grealish remains a fighter, as Guardiola noted after a recent FA Cup match against Leyton Orient, where his pinpoint pass set up a late winner. “Jack is a fighter… He has this sense of being a player of the street,” the manager praised. Yet, with his contract running until 2027 and transfer rumors swirling—Tottenham, Newcastle, and even a romantic return to Aston Villa have been mentioned—Grealish’s future at City is uncertain. Posts on X suggest the club may consider him surplus to requirements, with Newcastle emerging as a potential destination to revive his career under Eddie Howe.
For now, Grealish is focused on recapturing his magic at the Etihad. His assist against Leyton Orient and moments of brilliance, like provoking Atletico Madrid in past Champions League ties, remind fans of his unique talent. Off the pitch, his connection with supporters—forged through his everyman charm and candid reflections—endures. As he navigates this pivotal chapter, Grealish’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of joy, whether through a perfectly timed pass or the beat of a future DJ set.