Newcastle’s rising star, Anthony Gordon, has unveiled his plans to embark on a career in psychology once he bids farewell to his footballing days. At the tender age of 23, Gordon, who recently made his England senior team debut after shining for the Under-21s, has demonstrated a remarkable maturity beyond his years. In an interview with Manchester United legend Gary Neville for The Overlap, Gordon shared his aspirations to explore the field of psychology, revealing that it may even hold his true calling after hanging up his boots. He sees a potential path in either football management or directly within the realm of psychology. Gordon’s interest in leadership in football has sparked this pursuit, leading him to believe that his future may lie in guiding others. He emphasizes the importance of leading by example rather than relying solely on vocal leadership, a philosophy he applies in the dressing room despite his quiet demeanor. While Gordon may have been spotted learning photography techniques before Newcastle’s victory over Tottenham, it is psychology, not photography, that truly captivates him. This passion has even influenced his match preparations, providing him with a unique advantage. Gordon’s preparation for a match begins two days prior, with every detail meticulously planned. He focuses on meditation and visualization to familiarize himself with potential scenarios, allowing him to approach game day with a sense of calm and confidence. By visualizing his opponents’ tendencies and anticipating their moves, he gains a psychological edge that empowers him on the field. Gordon acknowledges the role of psychology in coping with the intense pressure of playing at the highest level. Meditation and visualization enable him to respond from a higher perspective, mitigating the negative effects of emotions, which he believes are detrimental to sports performance. He draws inspiration from Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who has openly discussed the importance of mindset. Gordon’s performances have significantly improved since his arrival at Newcastle from Everton last January. With 11 goals and 9 assists across all competitions, he has made a remarkable impact. His newfound confidence stems from his meticulous preparation, which he attributes to his love of learning and his deep dive into psychology. While acknowledging that others may have similar approaches, he emphasizes the transformative power of mindset and the positive impact it has had on his career. Gordon’s pursuit of psychology is a testament to his forward-thinking mindset and his desire to make a meaningful contribution beyond the football field.