Levi Colwill, the promising Chelsea centre-back, has found an unexpected way to balance the pressures of elite football: building intricate Lego models. The 22-year-old defender has embraced the hobby as a way to relax and clear his mind during rare moments of downtime, finding comfort in the detailed process of construction away from the pitch.
Colwill’s passion for Lego began last season when he was struggling with form and fitness. After returning from a successful loan spell at Brighton, expectations were high for the young defender, who had signed a new contract in August 2023 and was poised to become a key figure under Mauricio Pochettino. However, his initial performances were inconsistent, and he faced challenges adapting to an unfamiliar position at left-back. Injuries and fluctuating form hampered his progress, and he was even left out of England’s squad for Euro 2024.
During this difficult period, Colwill turned to Lego to take his mind off the pressures of football. He recalls being inspired by a TikTok video of a girl building Lego sets and decided to try it himself. The process of building a Lego version of the house from Home Alone became a calming ritual, allowing him to focus on something joyful and absorbing. “It just takes you back to when you’re a kid,” he explains. “There are no worries, no problems. You feel relaxed and in your comfort zone. You blank out everything else around you.”
The Home Alone set was no small feat. It took Colwill weeks to complete, and he marveled at the intricate details hidden within the build—the opening compartments, the basement, and more. This hobby provided him with a therapeutic distraction during a tough phase of his career and helped him regain mental balance.
But the Lego hobby is just one piece of the puzzle behind Colwill’s improvement this season. After a tough campaign, he committed himself to hard work in pre-season, moving back to Southampton to be closer to family, and quickly earned the trust of Chelsea’s new head coach, Enzo Maresca. The two have developed a strong working relationship, with Maresca playing a key role in Colwill’s progress and confidence on the field.
Under Maresca’s guidance, Colwill’s defending has notably improved, and there is potential for him to become even more physically dominant in aerial duels. His ability to bring the ball out from the back and use his left foot to launch attacks makes him a vital component in Maresca’s plans. Scoring the winning goal in Chelsea’s recent victory over Nottingham Forest, which secured Champions League qualification, was a highlight that underlined his growing influence in the team.
Chelsea’s current crop of young players shares parallels with the club’s squad during José Mourinho’s first tenure, when a first taste of silverware helped forge a mentally tougher and more hungry team. While Chelsea have yet to reach the heights of those days, the team’s progression under new ownership has been steady, with the Conference League final against Real Betis representing a chance to add tangible success.
Colwill is clear that the Conference League should not be underestimated. “People outside our bubble underrate the competition,” he says. “We all know how big the competition is. If we win it will give us confidence to hopefully win more.” For him and the team, this competition is a stepping stone toward future achievements.
Off the pitch, Colwill’s thoughts have already turned to his next Lego project—a model of a McLaren racing car. He even jokes about celebrating victory with a visit to Legoland. The hobby that started as a way to manage pressure has become a source of joy and focus, helping him build not only Lego creations but also a promising football career.
