Beyond the Pitch: Brennan Johnson's Lens on Life and the New Wales Kit
You know Brennan Johnson as the quick-footed winger, tearing up the pitch for Wales and Tottenham Hotspur. But there's another side to him, a quieter passion that takes him behind the lens, capturing moments most of us never get to see. And it's this unique perspective that recently brought him together with adidas for the launch of the new Wales national team kit.
It wasn't just about modelling the new strip; Brennan was there to create. He stepped in as a photographer, snapping candid, behind-the-scenes shots of his teammates as they got their first look at the latest design. Imagine being a fly on the wall, seeing those genuine reactions – that’s what Brennan was there to catch.
Earlier this year, he actually started an Instagram page, @bjfilesolympus, dedicated solely to his photography. It’s a pretty cool collection, really. You’ll find everything from holiday snaps with his partner to the electric atmosphere of Champions League nights, and even a selfie or two with Sonny (that’s Son Heung-min, for the uninitiated) from a Spurs tour in Seoul. It’s a raw, unfiltered look at his world, both on and off the pitch.
We caught up with Brennan to chat about the new kit – with its distinct retro feel, central badge, and a splash of green – but also to dig into why having a creative outlet like photography is so important to him.
"Overthinking can really mess with your confidence," he explained, pausing between shots of his teammates. He makes a good point, doesn't he? When you’re under that much pressure, day in, day out, your mind can easily become a battlefield. "Having something creative, it keeps your mind open. It just helps you feel more at ease." He believes that when players are truly in their stride, they’re often in a "flow state" – that zone where everything just clicks. And for him, creativity feeds right into that. "If feeling good creatively transfers onto the pitch, it can only help." It’s a simple, powerful thought.
So, what did he actually make of the new adidas Cymru kit? "I really like it," he told us. "The retro look with the badge in the middle and that touch of green is a nice update. And the quality feels great, so I can’t wait to wear it." It’s always good to hear the players genuinely rate what they’re wearing.
Being the one behind the camera for a change was a new experience for him. "It’s been cool," he said. "I’ve never done anything like this before, but it was nice taking some pictures and being involved with the lads. Always a good time." You can almost picture him, camera in hand, laughing with his mates.
When asked if anyone was a natural in front of his lens, he didn't hesitate. "I’d say Sorba (Thomas). He definitely enjoyed the camera the most. Brooksy (David Brooks) was good too, but Sorba was probably the most natural." It’s interesting to hear who lights up when the camera is pointed their way.
And did the lads act differently with him taking the photos compared to the official team photographer? "Definitely," he laughed. "Some of the poses they gave me probably wouldn’t make it onto the official Wales pictures. But that’s the fun of it – it’s a more laid-back approach and a bit of a joke at times." It makes sense, doesn’t it? Being shot by a friend, someone you trust, would naturally lead to more relaxed, playful moments.
What got him into photography in the first place? "Mainly travelling to nice places," he explained. "Seeing things you want to capture properly – not just on your phone – makes you appreciate having a camera with a bit of character." He loves the distinct look his photos get, and all the travel that comes with being a footballer just made him want to capture more.
What he loves most about it is the freedom. "I like that it doesn’t have to be perfect," he said. "I just pull my camera out and take a few shots, and some of them turn out really nice. The natural, unplanned moments often make the best photos – one click and you’ve got something that lasts a lifetime." It’s about capturing a feeling, a moment, not necessarily a perfectly posed shot. That authenticity really shines through.
He strongly believes in the importance of creative outlets for footballers. "Definitely," he affirmed. "If it’s something you enjoy – for me that’s photography and bits of fashion – it’s nice to explore it." Football is, of course, the main gig, but these other interests can actually complement it. "These things can go hand in hand, like today with shooting the lads in the new kits or taking photos when we’ve got different team outfits. It all mixes together well. Creative outlets keep your energy up and give you something fresh to do now and then. I think it’s important." It's about finding balance, isn't it? Something that recharges you outside of the intense demands of your job.
When it comes to inspiration, he’s not really following one specific photographer. "There are definitely photographers who come to games and use nice effects," he noted, "but I wouldn’t say there’s one particular person I follow. A lot of celebrities use similar vintage cameras and capture cool moments – that’s probably where I take most of my inspiration." It seems he's drawn to a certain style, a way of seeing the world that feels real and immediate.
What’s next for his photography? Any big goals? "I enjoy taking photos on Champions League trips," he shared. "I haven’t posted any yet, but I’ve taken shots of the different cities we visit. No real goals – I just bring the camera with me and take pictures whenever I can." It sounds like a natural, organic journey, which is often where the best creativity comes from.
And does he showcase much of his work? "When the time feels right," he said. "Once I get the photos developed, I post them whenever – there’s no order or plan. I’ve got some nice ones from Monaco, with the stadium and the city, so hopefully they’ll go up soon." We'll definitely be keeping an eye out for those.
Finally, we talked about the common opinion that footballers should "stick to football." Brennan's response was thoughtful and direct. "People will always have their opinions, and fans sometimes use that line when something goes wrong. But creative outlets help people express themselves on the pitch." He brought it back to that core idea: "Overthinking can make you less confident, and having something creative keeps your mind open. It helps you feel more at ease. When players are at their best, they’re usually in a flow state, and being creative can feed into that. If feeling good creatively transfers onto the pitch, it can only help." It’s a powerful argument for allowing athletes to be whole people, with interests and passions beyond their sport. It’s not a distraction; it’s a way to thrive.
The new adidas Wales home kit is available to purchase now online and via selected retailers.
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