Newcastle's Callum Wilson Opens Up on Eddie Howe's Influence & the Silent Battle He Fought Alone

Callum Wilson is a Premier League striker known for his sharp finishing and explosive pace on the pitch; but off it, he has an equally powerful story.

In this episode, Callum opens up about the darker side of his upbringing, including dealing with suicidal thoughts as a teen and the emotional scars that came with growing up in chaos. He reflects on how football gave him a sense of direction and purpose when everything else felt unstable.

He also shares the impact of Eddie Howe, who became a father figure, and how therapy helped him face long-buried trauma. From two ACL injuries to mentoring younger players, Callum reflects on resilience, growth, and staying grounded.

This episode dives into mental health, fatherhood, football, and the power of second chances.

🚨 Partners

Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://hppod.co/20heights

HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation

HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:
https://hppod.co/partners


Chapters
00:00 - Intro
00:57 - From the Streets of Coventry to the Premier League
9:20 - Growing Up in Chaos: Callum’s Tough Childhood
14:00 - Domestic Violence, Foster Care & Food Banks
18:40 - Dark Thoughts Aged 12: The Untold Story
23:20 - Football Saved My Life
28:00 - I Never Told My Mum: Mental Health Struggles
32:40 - Opening Up in Therapy After 20 Years
37:20 - Becoming a Dad & Breaking the Cycle
42:00 - The ACL Injury That Nearly Ended It All
46:40 - How I Came Back Stronger... Rehab & Grit
51:20 - Getting Written Off & Proving Everyone Wrong
56:00 - My Family, My Drive: The Real Motivation
1:00:40 - Parenting After Trauma: Lessons for My Kids
1:05:20 - Scarred But Standing - Final Thoughts & Hope

#HighPerformance #football #newcastle