Footballer Turned DJ: Jack Grealish Makes Surprising Metaverse Music Debut with Oliver Heldens

In an unexpected crossover of sports and music, Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish stepped up to the virtual turntables for his DJ debut alongside electronic music veteran Oliver Heldens. The collaboration marked a unique moment in Web3 entertainment, featuring the two artists performing as metahuman avatars in a futuristic virtual stadium.

From the Pitch to the Decks

Grealish, better known for his electrifying performances on the football field, has long harbored a passion for music. Under the mentorship of Heldens, a pioneer in the future house genre, the athlete trained on DJ production and mixing techniques to prepare for this groundbreaking moment. The 15-minute virtual set brought together two worlds—professional sports and electronic music—in a digital environment.

A Historic Collaboration Track

The performance wasn’t merely a showcase of learned skills; Grealish and Heldens debuted an exclusive original track created specifically for the metaverse experience. This new composition represented a genuine artistic partnership, blending Grealish’s creative input with Heldens’ production expertise and established sound.

Why This Matters for Web3 Entertainment

The metaverse has opened doors for athletes and celebrities to explore creative pursuits beyond their primary disciplines. This Jack Grealish DJ venture demonstrates how virtual worlds enable unprecedented fan experiences—allowing supporters to witness their sporting heroes engage with passions outside traditional boundaries. The immersive concert-like setting created an intimate connection between the artists and global audiences watching from anywhere in the world.

Expanding Virtual Fan Engagement

Manchester City has increasingly embraced Web3 platforms to deepen fan interactions. Beyond Grealish’s DJ debut, the club has leveraged virtual spaces for player training experiences and tactical masterclasses, allowing supporters direct access to behind-the-scenes moments and exclusive content.

The experiment signals a growing trend: elite athletes are no longer confined to their sport—they’re using blockchain-enabled platforms to express themselves creatively, collaborate across industries, and build deeper relationships with fans in ways previously impossible in the physical world.