It’s not every day you see a massive YouTube star cruising around with former football greats, but that’s exactly what happened recently when Darren Jason Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, spent a day with CBS Sports analysts Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards.
The trio’s lively banter, streamed live on Twitch, quickly captured the attention of football fans and online viewers alike.
Who Is IShowSpeed? The Young Star Behind the Screen
IShowSpeed is a 20-year-old American content creator who has skyrocketed to fame with nearly 40 million subscribers on YouTube.
His videos mainly revolve around his passion for football — and, more specifically, his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo.
For Speed, Ronaldo isn’t just a footballer; he’s the GOAT (greatest of all time), a title he doesn’t hesitate to proudly defend.
The Ronaldo Obsession: A Topic of Debate
During their car ride, Micah Richards couldn’t resist digging into Speed’s Ronaldo fascination.
“What’s the obsession with Ronaldo? We never really talk about this on CBS,” Richards said with curiosity.
“I know you love him, and I respect that. But why?”
Speed’s answer was simple and emphatic: Ronaldo is number one in football and the world, hands down.
But Jamie Carragher wasn’t so quick to take that at face value.
He teased Speed, suggesting maybe the young streamer jumped on the Ronaldo bandwagon to boost his own following.
“No way,” Speed fired back immediately, but Carragher pressed on.
“You came on the scene at 15, you mimicked his celebrations — he was massive on social media.”
Richards found the whole exchange hilarious, laughing as the conversation unfolded.
Awkward Moments and Trophy Talk
Things got a little tense when Speed cheekily challenged Carragher with a question: “Jamie, have you ever lifted a trophy in your life?”
When Carragher asked him to clarify, Speed added, “A UCL trophy. Have you ever lifted a UCL trophy?”
For those not in the know, Carragher was a key part of Liverpool’s stunning 2005 UEFA Champions League win, famously overcoming a 3-0 deficit to AC Milan in one of the greatest finals ever.
He answered Speed with a knowing smirk: “What do you think?”
Speed guessed no, but Carragher playfully reminded him of the epic achievement, joking, “That’ll go down well on your stream. I was only part of the greatest final of all time.”
Amused but skeptical, Speed pulled out his phone to fact-check Carragher’s claims while both pundits chuckled at the moment.
From Words to Action: The Indoor Football Challenge
The fun didn’t stop there.
Later in the stream, the two went head-to-head on an indoor pitch for a one-on-one football showdown.
Speed tried to outpace Carragher but lost the ball after a heavy touch.
Carragher used his experience and strength to push forward but also failed to hold onto possession.
Speed made another attempt, losing not just the ball but also one of his shoes in the process.
He accused Carragher of rough play, claiming, “He hit me in the face,” although nothing like that was caught on camera.
Carragher’s Trophy Cabinet: A Storied Career
Beyond the Champions League win, Carragher’s trophy haul is impressive.
He lifted the FA Cup twice, claimed two League Cups, won two Community Shields, two UEFA Super Cups, and a UEFA Cup (now called the Europa League) during his time with Liverpool.
What’s Next for This Dynamic Duo?
Their unexpected meeting, blending modern internet culture with football history, left fans entertained and wanting more.
Whether Speed will keep learning from legends like Carragher or continue to carve his own path in football fandom, one thing’s clear — this was a day full of laughs, lessons, and lively competition.