Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain has the opportunity to emulate his well-known brother by winning a league championship.
While it`s not the Premier League title Alex won with Liverpool five years prior, Christian`s team, Truro City, can secure the National League South championship with a victory over St Albans City.
Achieving this would mark Truro City as the first team from Cornwall to reach within a single division of the English Football League (EFL).
Remarkably, they are one of six teams vying for the title on the season`s final day.
Truro holds a slim lead over their Devon rivals Torquay based on goal difference, with Eastbourne, Worthing, Boreham Wood, and Dorking also having a chance.
The 26-year-old Oxlade-Chamberlain stated: “If we manage to achieve this, it will be the greatest accomplishment of my career.
“There`s immense excitement here because we are on the verge of making history for both Truro and Cornwall as a whole.
“We`ve had fantastic attendance this season, averaging just under 1,800, creating incredible atmospheres.
“Over 3,300 people attended the game against Torquay last Friday. Saturday`s match is sold out, and we hope to bring pride to the city.”
Interestingly, Oxlade-Chamberlain is on a season-long loan from Kidderminster, a team currently leading the National North division heading into their final fixture.
His brother Alex, who currently plays for Besiktas in Turkey, has been closely following Truro`s progress by watching highlights online.
Christian recounted with a laugh: “When we conceded a goal against Torquay, he messaged me asking, ‘What were you doing? Terrible defending.’ He later removed ‘Terrible’ and conceded he was a bit harsh!
“Alex is much more direct with his advice and opinions than my dad. He hasn`t been able to attend a match yet, as there aren`t direct flights from Istanbul to Newquay!”
Oxlade-Chamberlain is fortunate to have both his brother and father, who have played at the highest level, including representing England.
His father, Mark Chamberlain, played in the top flight for Stoke, Sheffield Wednesday, and Portsmouth, earned eight international caps, and scored one goal for England.
Meanwhile, Alex played for Arsenal and Liverpool, accumulating 35 England caps and scoring seven goals.
Christian commented: “They have both served as inspirations. My father is an excellent coach. I recall playing for Portsmouth`s youth team against Aldershot one time, and I kept losing possession, so I started avoiding the ball.
“On the drive home afterward, he told me, ‘Never shy away again. Always seek the ball and strive to do things correctly; don`t be afraid to make errors.’”
“It was amazing to watch Alex develop and play in major stadiums. It inspired me to pursue football as a career.
“As children, we often played together on a large field near our home, and when he was at Southampton, I would help collect cones and balls after practice.
“Other players developing there at the time included Luke Shaw, Harrison Reed, and Calum Chambers.”
“What I most admire about my father is how he confronted racism during his playing career.
“He shared stories with me about Millwall fans throwing bananas at him, and he would simply pick one up and eat it! That demonstrates incredible resilience.
“Regarding my brother, I admire how he has recovered from numerous injuries. It becomes increasingly difficult, but he remains professional, undergoes rehabilitation, and returns. He is a strong individual.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain began his career in the youth setup at Portsmouth, later moving to Notts County before their relegation to the National League.
He has gained extensive experience in non-league football playing for Gosport, Aldershot, King`s Lynn, and Kidderminster.
He expressed: “I made a few appearances for Notts County in the Football League, and it would be fantastic to return to that level.
“Winning a title on Saturday would certainly be a source of pride.”
