Two Cymru Premier stars to feature in Baller League alongside YouTubers Mark Goldbridge, Niko Omilana and Micah Richards
Isaac Modi (L) and Lassana Mendes (R) will be competing in the Baller League, on opposite sides! (Image: Nik Mesney/FAW)
Two Cymru Premier players will feature in the Baller League as the six-a-side competition returns for its fourth season on Monday, October 12.
Isaac Modi and Lassana Mendes will both take part in the tournament, which features familiar faces from professional football alongside high-profile celebrities and online personalities.
Modi will turn out for NDL FC, managed by YouTuber Niko Omilana, who has nine million subscribers, while Mendes will represent Wembley Rangers.
Other high-profile names involved in Baller League include YouTuber KSI, who manages Prime FC, and England international Chloe Kelly, who was part of the team that won the UEFA Women’s Euro. Social media personalities Mark Goldbridge and Spencer Owen are also involved, with Goldbridge’s The United Stand boasting 2.3 million subscribers.
Former Arsenal and Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann manages N5FC, whose squad includes former Cardiff City left-back Joe Bennett, ex-Wales international Kieron Freeman and striker Billy Sharp.
Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha is also involved in the competition as part of Toma FC.
The competition has attracted attention for its unique format and blend of football and entertainment, with teams featuring former Premier League players and managers from across the sport.
What is Baller League UK and which teams are involved?
Baller League is a six-a-side football competition that brings together former professionals, emerging players and well-known personalities. It has built an audience through its fast-paced format and digital broadcasts.
Matches last 30 minutes, with rolling substitutions and unpredictable rule changes in the final three minutes of each half, including 1v1 duels, 3v3 play and double-goal opportunities.
The league features 12 teams, each with a 12-player squad drawn from free agents, academy prospects and futsal players. Teams are managed by high-profile football figures and influencers, including John Terry, Micah Richards, Alan Shearer and KSI.
The season follows a weekly league format, with the top four teams qualifying for a Final Four playoff to determine the winner.
NDL FC will face P17 FC, who are managed by Fulham and Nigeria star Alex Iwobi. Their squad includes former Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark, who earned 36 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
Meanwhile, Mendes and Wembley Rangers will take on Deportrio, managed by former Aston Villa and Manchester City defender Micah Richards.
Deportrio have several players with experience in the English professional game, including former Premier League defender Ben Mee, as well as Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Marvin Sordell and Martyn Waghorn.
Wembley Rangers will also be an interesting team to follow, with the side operating under a ‘Mystery Manager’. They were previously managed by former England internationals Ian Wright and Alan Shearer
Cymru Premier duo Modi and Mendes remain key for Flint Town United
Modi is a relative newcomer to the Cymru Premier, having joined Flint Town United in the summer from Radcliffe. Despite a change in management, Danny Holmes has continued to select the midfielder, who has already made his mark with regular appearances.
The midfielder came through Oldham Athletic’s academy before going on to represent a number of clubs in the Manchester area, including Curzon Ashton, Trafford, Cheadle Heath Nomads and Avro.
For Mendes, the Cymru Premier is familiar territory. The 33-year-old has made more than 160 appearances in the Welsh top flight, registering 20 goals and 35 assists. His longest spell came at Bala Town, where he made more than 180 appearances.
Away from their Baller League commitments, both players remain important members of the Flint Town United squad.
Modi has made 13 league appearances this season, scoring once, while Mendes has featured 12 times and scored twice.
Mendes joined Flint in July, with former manager Lee Fowler highlighting his personality and ability when discussing the signing.
Fowler said: “After chatting with Fish and Colin and seeing Las closely, it’s clear he has a massive personality and is a maverick.
“It seems the days of personality in footballers seem to have left the game, which is sad to see. Not in his case. Four seasons ago, I believe he was one of the best players in the league.”
His comments reflect the qualities Mendes brings to Flint, where his experience in the Cymru Premier has helped establish him as a familiar figure.
How to watch Baller League UK as Sky Sports deal ends
The new season begins on Monday, October 12, but viewers will no longer be able to watch Baller League on Sky Sports.
Fans will still be able to follow the action through the league’s digital channels, with matches continuing to be streamed on Twitch, YouTube and TikTok.
The move keeps the competition accessible to its online audience as it continues to combine football with the influence of social media personalities and established names from the professional game.
With Modi and Mendes both involved, Cymru Premier supporters will have an added reason to keep an eye on the competition when the fourth season gets underway.
