A mysterious artist known only as DIDE is currently gaining a lot of hype following the release of their track ‘Thrill’. There’s some undoubted lyrical talent there, but the real kicker? DIDE claims to be a Premier League footballer. Only question then is, who is it?
Footballers have a strong relationship with music, and it’s certainly not unheard of to see some testing out their skills with a mic, from Memphis Depay to Rafael Leao, Ryan Babel to [ahem] Erling Haaland. But there’s a new voice on the block that’s gaining a lot of attention. Going by the Pseudonym DIDE, the artist claims to be a professional footballer, playing at the very top of the game. So, is DIDE a bonafide Premier League player, a clever marketing stunt, or both? Speculation is rife following the release of the mystery man’s latest single release, ‘Thrill’.
DIDE keeps their identity hidden under a black rose-style mask, but is upfront about declaring their full-time occupation, with their Instagram bio reading "Rapper at home Footballer on the pitch". This was elaborated on in a post from February which read: "Premier League footballer jumps in the UK music industry. Keeping his identity unknown by wearing a uniquely designed mask, that is covered in roses. He goes my the name of Dide". A quick search on the artist’s ‘about’ page on their website expands even further, reading: "Hailing from the UK, masked hip-hop sensation Dide keeps his Premier League football life separate from his evocative music by donning a rose-adorned disguise. While living the luxurious life of a pro footballer, Dide reveals his depth and complexity through powerful tracks." And there’s plenty of football references in his bars, calling out the likes of Foden, Kane and Neymar.
And so the hunt for this masked maestro’s identity is on, with fans picking up on any potential clues, such as the locations used in his videos, suggesting that it’s a footballer from one of London's various Premier League teams. Odds are that it's a player from either Arsenal, Chelsea or Crystal Palace, but a certain lyric calling out that his “team stays winning” would currently suggest that it’s the former of that trio.
Various names have been mentioned about who the rapper could be, with the likes of Wilfred Zaha, Noni Madueke, and Reiss Nelson all being rumoured. However, Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah seems to be the front runner, although even this has been called into question due to a supposed tattoo on the artist’s left hand – something Nketiah apparently does not have. Aside from that though, Nketiah would make sense given the aforementioned lyric. Even the name Eddie is almost an anagram of DIDE, just missing an added 'E'.
For now though, whether it's a purposeful approach to protect the player from the negativity that would undoubtedly come were they to go public, or whether it's just a shrewd bit of marketing, it remains a mystery. Sure it'll be revealed one day, and if it is one of the Premier League's elite then we're just plain jealous that someone gets that much talent – but fair play to 'em.
Check out DIDE's music on Spotify.
