Baller Neicia Ivey drawing up a path to success

While many Jamaicans are voicing their support for Brazil, Argentina and Portugal for this World Cup out of mere excitement, Neicia Ivey says that the tournament is more than just entertainment for her. 

“The excitement and talent surrounding the World Cup is reminding me why I want to become a professional footballer, but at the same time I still want my career as an architect. I don’t see why I can’t do both with discipline,” she said.

The 21-year-old from Mandeville, Manchester, who is now in her third year studying architecture at the University of Technology, Jamaica, is already balancing books and boots as a player for Cavalier FC in the Jamaica Women’s Premier League (J-WPL).

“I play right back and left back. I can play on the wing, but I own the right back position,” she said firmly. Her journey into football, she explained, became real from the very first day she trained with Manchester High School girls team in 2022.

“Something just clicked. From there I went into ISSA schoolgirls’ football from 2022–2023, Reina’s Cup in 2023, and then Mile Gully FC in the J-WPL from 2022 to 2025,” she said.

Now at Cavalier FC, Ivey said the goal has never shifted. 

“I see myself playing professionally. It’s been an actual goal of mine since I started playing in the Premier League,” she said. “When you watch the intensity, the quality, the talent… it just pushes you. It makes you want to be in that environment.”

A self-confessed France supporter, Ivey’s football loyalty was shaped early. 

“I used to support PSG and fell in love with how they play. After watching the last World Cup with France, I just fell in love with them overall. So I’m supporting my team till the end,” she said. “My favourite player from the team is [Ousmane] Dembelé or [Rayan] Cherki. Cherki is phenomenal especially when it comes to skills and technicality; he is magnificent.” When asked about World Cup predictions, Ivey picked a trio. 

“Based on how I’m seeing players right now, I’d say Germany is really doing their thing. But honestly, I see Germany, France and Brazil in the top three.”

Regarding the heavy support for Brazil and Argentina — which some describe locally as “wagonist” behaviour — she had a sharper take.

“Personally, I feel like they’re just jumping on a train. I do understand Brazil is a great team… but some Jamaicans need a little more individualism. Choose a side based on what you recognise, not just because everybody is saying Brazil, Brazil, Brazil.”

The recent fashion around football jerseys styled with beachwear is definitely a look Ivey boasts. 

“I absolutely love it. It’s self-expression and also supporting the sport in any way possible. I don’t see anything wrong with it at all.”

“I love a bikini,” she laughed. “But I have to say boy shorts with my jersey is my favourite.”

To young women hesitant about joining football spaces because of lack of knowledge, her message was direct.

“At some point in time, the men them never know either. I didn’t know before I started playing and learning,” she said. “Just get up, go support the team you want and learn. If you don’t understand, still jump in the conversation—that’s how you learn.”

“A lot of people told me it isn’t realistic but I’ve never really seen it that way. I understand it comes with challenges, but I believe it’s possible with commitment and discipline,” she added.