Jermaine Jenas & Jermaine Pennant Launch New Football Podcast “Wildcards” | FPL Meets Real Football Stories
Football podcasts have exploded in popularity over the past decade, giving fans access to the game like never before. From tactical breakdowns to locker room banter, podcasts allow football enthusiasts to experience the sport in a raw, unfiltered way. Now, two familiar names from English football — Jermaine Jenas and Jermaine Pennant — are stepping into this space with their brand-new podcast titled “Wildcards.”
Launching on 15 August 2025, the weekly show promises to blend Fantasy Premier League drama, dressing room secrets, transfer gossip, and football chaos in a format that is entertaining, revealing, and sure to spark debates among fans. The show will be available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms, hosted by Sport Social and produced by Pivot Productions Group, a company co-founded by Jenas.
Why “Wildcards” Matters in the Football Podcast Landscape
The football media scene is crowded — from mainstream broadcasters to independent fan-led shows. Yet, Wildcards stands out for a few key reasons:
Star Power: Hosted by two former England internationals who have played at the highest levels of the game.
Unique Concept: A crossover between Fantasy Premier League (FPL) banter and real-life football insights.
Authenticity: Promises no filters, raw conversations, and inside stories from dressing rooms, training grounds, and beyond.
Fan Interaction: Forfeits, shout-outs, and heated debates designed to make listeners feel part of the conversation.
With millions engaged in FPL worldwide and countless fans craving insider football stories, this combination is bound to resonate with a broad audience.
The Hosts: Jermaine Jenas and Jermaine Pennant
Jermaine Jenas: From Pitch to Punditry
Former England international and Premier League midfielder.
Played for Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Queens Park Rangers.
Transitioned into media as a popular BBC Match of the Day pundit and presenter.
Co-founder of Pivot Productions Group, focusing on developing bold, IP-led content in the sports and entertainment space.
Jenas has built a reputation as a sharp, articulate voice in football analysis. His move into podcasting feels like a natural extension of his media career, offering a platform with fewer restrictions than television.
Jermaine Pennant: A Maverick’s Perspective
Known for his talent and flamboyant career, Pennant played for clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool, Birmingham City, and Stoke City.
Represented England at youth levels and gained a reputation for his outspoken personality.
Has often shared candid insights about the highs and lows of his career, making him a natural fit for an unfiltered podcast format.
Together, Jenas and Pennant bring balance and chemistry: Jenas as the analytical, structured voice, and Pennant as the unpredictable wildcard — fitting for the show’s name.
Inside the Format: What to Expect Each Week
According to early previews, Wildcards will revolve around four core elements:
Fantasy League Drama:
Heated debates over transfers, team selections, and weekly point totals.
Banter-filled rivalries between the hosts as they battle for FPL supremacy.
Unfiltered Football Stories:
Dressing room bust-ups.
England camp anecdotes.
Behind-the-scenes tales fans rarely hear on TV.
Insider Access:
Voice notes from training grounds.
Rumors and whispers straight from players and managers.
Sharp reactions to breaking transfer news.
Weekly Mayhem:
Forfeits for failed predictions.
Hot takes that will spark social media debates.
Fan shout-outs to bring the audience into the action.
This unique combination ensures that every Friday release is a mix of entertainment, rivalry, and raw football culture.
What the Hosts Say About “Wildcards”
Jermaine Jenas: “We’re bringing the arguments, the disasters, and the madness from our own FPL group chat into the spotlight with no filter.”
Jermaine Pennant: “We’re giving football fans access to the kind of chat they wish they heard on TV.”
Their vision is to move away from sanitized studio analysis and toward authentic, pub-style football conversations, but with the insider knowledge that only former pros can provide.
Sport Social’s Role in the Launch
The Sport Social Podcast Network, one of the fastest-growing audio networks in sports, is the exclusive host of the show. Stefan Doyle, Head of Sport Social, expressed excitement about the collaboration:
“We’re thrilled to be hosting the show on the Sport Social Podcast Network and bringing JJ and Pennant’s unfiltered take on the game to fans each week. We’re excited to watch this community of football and Fantasy Premier League fans grow.”
Sport Social’s infrastructure ensures Wildcards will have strong discoverability across streaming platforms, backed by professional production values through Pivot Productions Group.
Fan Reactions and Early Buzz
Even before the official launch, the announcement of Wildcards has generated considerable buzz on social media:
FPL communities are already speculating about the rivalry between Jenas and Pennant.
Fans welcome the behind-the-scenes stories that promise to lift the lid on Premier League life.
Many see the podcast as a fresh alternative to the polished studio shows dominating mainstream coverage.
With the global reach of both ex-players and the mass appeal of Fantasy Premier League, Wildcards has the potential to build a loyal fanbase quickly.
The Rise of Football Podcasts: Why Timing Is Perfect
The timing of Wildcards couldn’t be better. Football podcasts have become a major part of fan culture worldwide. According to recent studies:
Over 50% of football fans listen to at least one football-related podcast weekly.
The Fantasy Premier League community, with over 11 million registered players globally, has become a fertile ground for digital content.
Fans are increasingly turning to alternative football media over traditional TV punditry for fresh, unfiltered insights.
By merging FPL obsession with authentic football storytelling, Wildcards taps into both booming trends.
Where and When to Listen
First Episode Release Date: Friday, 15 August 2025.
Available On: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms.
Hosted By: Sport Social Podcast Network.
Produced By: Pivot Productions Group.
Episodes will drop every Friday, giving fans the perfect weekend warm-up before the Premier League fixtures kick off.
Why Wildcards Could Be a Game-Changer
In a world where football fans crave authenticity, humour, and access beyond the cameras, Wildcards looks set to deliver. With the star power of Jermaine Jenas and Jermaine Pennant, coupled with the surging popularity of both podcasts and FPL, this new show has all the ingredients to become a fan favourite.
Whether you’re a die-hard Fantasy Premier League player, a casual football fan, or someone who just loves hearing untold stories from the beautiful game, Wildcards promises to be the must-listen podcast of the season.
