Footballer John Stones' Favourite Things
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John Stones is no stranger to an award. His trophy cabinet includes five Premier League titles, two EFL Cups, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League as part of a historic treble in the 2022–23 season.
He may also (unofficially) have the best teeth in the league. The Manchester City star is known for flashing his pearly whites both on and off the pitch. So, it comes as a surprise to no one that he’s been tapped as an ambassador by the dental experts at Oral-B.
Stones joined City in 2016 following a successful three-year stint at Everton but when he’s not bolstering the City defence under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, the 29-year-old Barnsley native typically shies away from the limelight, prioritising family time and school runs.
Fresh from an injury which saw him sidelined for almost a month, he’s back and better than ever, joining teammates Kevin de Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden at the Etihad once again.
He is frequently dubbed one of the best defenders in the world and an integral part of both Manchester City and England’s squads. Many credit his increasingly fluid hybrid role as both a centre-back and a central midfielder as the reason for his success. One thing is for sure, he’s a clear favourite in the dressing room - you only need to look to the post-Champions League dance montages and playful YouTube challenges with bestie Kyle Walker for proof.
Naturally, Stones has piqued the public’s interest. A world-class athlete who continues to stun commentators, oozes boyish charm and has a Yorkshire accent thrown into the mix? We had to know more.
We caught up with the England No.5 about his everyday essentials and the road to recovery. Despite his time off, it’s clear that Stones has not lost his touch.
What have you been up to recently?
Football mainly! I’m now fully fit after a small injury and ready to try and help the team as much as possible between now and the end of the season.
What is your health and grooming routine? How do you care for those pearly whites?
I keep my routine simple, to be honest. One big part of that is my trusted Oral-B iO electric toothbrush. I have to watch what I eat and drink anyway as an athlete but I’ve realised that being aware of what you consume can really affect your dental and overall health too. I never really realised either that having unhealthy teeth and gums can impact the rest of your body.
What products are your injury recovery essentials?
I use Hyperice regularly for general recovery and to make sure I am game-ready - it relaxes and relieves any strain and injury.
In an interview, Jack Grealish ranked your fashion sense highly (just after himself) - what clothing or brands do you gravitate towards?
Haha! Well I am flattered by that. I am pretty simple in terms of my fashion preferences and I try to stay up to date with the trends if I can, even though it can be quite difficult. Colour-wise, I’d say I am minimalistic. I do love shoes and like to think I have a great collection too.
What are your travel essentials?
I always bring along my iPad, my Oral-B iO electric toothbrush, my gaming laptop and the essentials like my wash bag, aftershave and spare clothes.
How do you unwind away from the pitch?
With my family. I love spending time with them, even doing the normal things like the school runs. Obviously, I’m away quite a lot so I hang out with them at every opportunity I can.
Who is the best player you have played with or against?
The best player I have ever played against has to be Messi when we played Barcelona at home. Although that game was a good one for me! I have played with some incredible players but I was a big fan of David Silva and how he glided around the pitch. He made everything look so easy, even the difficult things - he was some player.
Of all the football boots that you've worn in your career, which are your favourites?
I’d probably have to say the ones where I have won trophies, especially major trophies – those big moments in my career. I have worn Nike boots for years now and I think they are the best boots around. Also, the Champions League boots that I wore in the final with the date and occasion on the boot. They are a special pair.
What is your advice to budding footballers?
The best advice I can give is to make sure you are enjoying it. Like anything in life. If you’re not enjoying it, you’re not going to excel or be in a positive mindset to improve or do better. You are always at your best when you are enjoying your football and playing with a smile on your face and not thinking about things too much.
John is an Oral-B UK Ambassador helping to improve the nation’s oral health. To see more from John’s Oral-B partnership follow the link here.
