“Some Of My Teammates Call Me Donkey” Chelsea’s Kai Havertz On Football And Expectations

Kai Havertz has recently done an interview with The Guardian where he has opened up about the highs and lows of football while expressing his views on several things, including the expectations that fans have from a footballer.

Kai Havertz On His Friends Calling Him A Donkey

Chelsea forward Kai Havertz is affectionately nicknamed “Donkey” by his teammates, but this moniker isn’t a dig at his football skills. It reflects his deep connection with the humble animals, which has helped him find peace amidst the pressures of his professional life.

Growing up in Aachen, Germany, Havertz’s parents gifted him a cuddly donkey toy as a child, and by the time he turned 18, they presented him with three real donkeys at a sanctuary. These animals have since provided Havertz with a sense of comfort and respite, teaching him to let go of the stresses and pressures that come with a high-profile career in football.

Kai Havertz of Chelsea
MAINZ, GERMANY – MARCH 25: Kai Havertz of Germany controls the ball during an international friendly match between Germany and Peru at MEWA Arena on March 25, 2023 in Mainz, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

From a young age, Kai Havertz has felt a special connection with donkeys. They embody the calmness and serenity he values in life, helping him find balance amidst the whirlwind of professional football. This passion has inspired him to create the Kai Havertz Stiftung, a charity focused on animal welfare, youth development, and elderly care.

Kai Havertz On Finding Balance in Football and Life

While Havertz calls football “the best thing in the world,” he acknowledges the intense pressure that accompanies the game, especially in tumultuous times at Chelsea. The West London club has seen sanctions, numerous signings, and ownership changes, leaving Havertz and his teammates to adapt to new coaches, staff, and players. Amidst these challenges, Havertz insists on giving 100% but also recognizes the importance of having perspective and finding solace in other aspects of his life.