Ben Greenhalgh’s Journey in Professional Football
In a candid reflection on his unexpected ascent to professional football, Ben Greenhalgh shares a nostalgic laugh while recounting the memorable moment he almost neglected to shake hands with the legendary manager José Mourinho. This moment of awkwardness unfolded during a filming of “Football’s Next Star,” a 2010 reality show aired on Sky One that promised the winner a six-month contract with the prestigious Inter Milan. The competition attracted over 7,000 hopefuls, narrowing down to just ten finalists who spent their days in a villa overlooking the serene Lake Como.
“We were driven by the desire to remain in the competition week after week, rather than focusing on winning,” Greenhalgh recalls.
Like a football-themed version of “The X Factor,” the show featured Marco Monti, Inter’s academy technical director, in a role akin to Simon Cowell. Greenhalgh not only emerged as the victor but also concluded his season adorned with a Champions League winner’s medal, although it soon became a humorous tale of loss during a casual day at the golf course.
A Surreal Experience
For Greenhalgh, a then 17-year-old A-level student, the experience was surreal. He transitioned from the periphery of non-League football at Welling United to training alongside world-class athletes at Inter Milan.
“This journey began as a bit of fun, and then it flipped my life upside down,” he said, revealing how overwhelming the exposure was in those early days.
This excitement was shared with his long-term girlfriend, Grace, with whom he now has three children.
Memories from Inter Milan
Despite the thrill of being part of a historically successful season at Inter, Greenhalgh’s tenure with the club was relatively short-lived. Just months after winning the show, he found himself back in England, trialing with Brighton after a loan stint in Serie C with Como. Looking back, he cherishes the memories, including a signed shirt from Patrick Vieira and stories of the enigmatic Mario Balotelli.
The season was historic for Inter as they achieved a treble, securing victories in the league, Coppa Italia, and the Champions League. Although Greenhalgh mostly played with the reserves and U18 squad, he recalls the intense experiences leading up to the Champions League final against Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu. Remarkably, he featured in a pre-final match against Bayern at Real Madrid City, where their U18 team also emerged victorious.
He recounts how some reserve players traveled with the main squad, fully immersing himself in the atmosphere surrounding the high-stakes game, culminating in a medal being casually handed out in the changing room afterward. This comical twist was just one of many fond memories Greenhalgh has of his time at Inter, and as manager of Margate in the Isthmian League, he delights in the chants from fans celebrating his distinct past.
A Humorous Reflection
Reflecting on his unique journey, Greenhalgh often faces playful jests about his TV show origin and experiences in Italy.
“I still hear jokes about it on the non-League scene, and it remains a defining chapter in my life,” he admits.
However, transitioning into a highly competitive professional landscape did come with its challenges, including conflicts between Welling and Inter over transfer fees and the pressure of performance from peers who viewed him merely as a reality TV star.
Despite these pressures, Greenhalgh emphasizes the immense enjoyment he had playing for one of the best teams during one of their finest eras, all while striving through the competitive hierarchy to define a career path filled with memorable adventures, including a surprising sidestep into professional golfing. After turning pro in 2015 and even using his Champions League medal on the golf course—teasing opponents about its significance—he retrieved it after a brief period of absence, now keeping it safely stored at his parents’ home.
Looking Ahead
As Inter prepares to face Paris Saint-Germain in the upcoming Champions League final, Greenhalgh draws parallels between Mourinho’s era and the current squad’s work ethic and tenacity. He fondly recalls the extraordinary days of his youth while expressing hope that the club will reclaim the coveted trophy, acknowledging the extraordinary talent they once had and how they achieved remarkable triumphs against formidable foes like the Barcelona of 2010. Reflecting on these experiences not only provides insight into his life but also illustrates the unpredictable nature of a career in professional sport.
