For Asmir Begović, it was always going to be goalkeeping, a path shaped by a family steeped in a shot-stopping legacy.
“For me, it was a natural thing,” Begović says.
“My dad and my grandad were both goalkeepers, so I was always around it. It wasn’t even a question, becoming a goalie just made sense. It was really simple.
“I was always watching my dad play, learning from him. But at the professional level, it was definitely Oliver Kahn. He was the guy. I watched him growing up and tried to emulate him in every way I could.”
256 Premier League appearances later, with spells at clubs like Chelsea and AC Milan, Asmir Begović speaks to The Kitroom Collective about his playing days and starting his very own goalkeeper glove business.
The current Everton shot-stopper has also made 63 appearances for Bosnia and Herzegovina, but many perhaps remember him most for being part of a very exclusive Premier League club.
In 2013, playing for Stoke against Southampton, that famous Britannia Stadium wind carried his kick from his own penalty area all the way into the net, making him only the fifth goalkeeper in Premier League history to score.
That remarkable moment, just 13 seconds into the game, even earned Asmir Begović a place in the Guinness World Records for the longest goal ever scored in a competitive football match.
“I mean, it was obviously a bit of an unexpected moment, let’s just say that, but definitely one that stands out,” says Begović.
“As the years have gone by, it’s become even more memorable and special because you start to realise just how rare it is for a goalkeeper to score. So yeah, it’s definitely a highlight of my career, something I’m proud of and that fans still talk about.”
🇧🇦🤯 11 YEARS AGO TODAY: Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic scored a goal from 97.5 yards out!💥 pic.twitter.com/gc4nYcJ8VF
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) November 2, 2024
While that goal remains an iconic Premier League moment, Begović also reflects on the elite goalkeepers he played alongside, who shaped his approach to the game.
“If you look at players like Courtois, Donnarumma, Pickford, and even from earlier days, David James, Thomas Sørensen, they’re all keepers on a different level.
“You pick up certain things from them, learn by watching and picking their brains, and obviously you develop a lot on your own too. So, it’s definitely a combination of many factors that shape you as a goalkeeper”
While it might sound simple, gloves have always been essential for Begović throughout his career.
“I mean, it’s ultimately about feeling like a glove, you know? You don’t want to be constantly thinking about the glove when you’re playing. It should feel natural, almost like an extension of your hand.
“You don’t want to be distracted by discomfort or worry about whether the glove will perform. Comfort and confidence in your gloves are key. That’s true in any profession, but especially for goalkeepers.”
Understanding the difference the right gloves can make first-hand, Begović decided to start his own glove brand to offer goalkeepers exactly what they need.
Named AB1, after himself, the brand is more than just a business, Begovic views it as a continuation of his family’s goalkeeping legacy.
“My passion for goalkeeping runs deep, it’s been in my family forever. I wanted to find a way to continue that legacy, and starting a brand felt like the right path.
“The products are key, they’re the most important tool of our trade. With over 20 years in the game, I wanted to use my experience to create something new and make the best possible gloves.”
When it comes to designing gloves, Begović emphasizes the importance of every detail:
“You want to try and get the best possible latex. Different levels of latex reflect the price. The overall quality has to be really good, back hands, stitching, no unnecessary ripping.
“All these little details are important. The glove colour matters because everyone has different preferences. And the cut, we provide different cuts to cater to every goalkeeper’s needs and wants.
“Of course, the production of gloves has improved a lot. Compared to 30 or 40 years ago, they’re better, with more technology, better materials, and greater understanding. All these factors play a role, along with new designs.”
Premium gloves from brands like Nike and Adidas can cost over £150, but Begović says making AB1 accessible without sacrificing quality has always been a key goal.
“We know even junior keepers want to wear the same top-quality gloves as us professionals, and parents have to be able to support that by finding something affordable without sacrificing performance.
“We don’t sacrifice on quality, a lot of the price you see with big brands is just the name on the glove. Honestly, our gloves, even at about half the price, match the top-range Nike or Adidas gloves. Some brands just charge more for profit, but we put the customer first, making sure they get the best product at the best price.”
This key value also inspired Begović to launch the Glove Bank initiative. By collecting and redistributing used gloves, the project helps provide quality goalkeeper equipment to young players in underprivileged areas.
Begović reveals that it was actually his wife, Nicolle, who helped spark the idea.
“I wish I could take credit, but it was my wife’s idea. She wondered what happens to gloves you don’t use anymore. I said I’d usually give them to younger players or they’d go to waste. So we began to think there must be a better way to reuse them, that’s how the Glove Bank started.
“People send in used but still good gloves, and we partner with groups to get them to kids who need them most, all around the world. It’s been amazing to see how happy the goalkeepers are. All credit to her for the idea.
“We’ve probably sent hundreds, maybe even thousands by now. Our latest project is with the Nathan Mavila Foundation in Congo. We’ve also supported goalkeepers in Sierra Leone and some projects right here in the UK.”
In addition to the Glove Bank, AB1 has expanded into academies and camps worldwide.
“It goes back to that passion for goalkeeping and sharing it with everyone, trying to inspire the next generation. Goalkeeping doesn’t get as much participation as other positions, so we want to change that, get kids playing, enjoying the role, and everything that comes with it,” Begović says.
Since its inception in 2019, AB1 has grown rapidly and gained recognition among professional goalkeepers, with notable players like Tom Heaton, Vanja Milinković-Savić, and Sabrina D’Angelo proudly donning their gloves on the field.
With AB1 continuing to grow, Begović offers some advice for those looking to break into the business world.
“You have to believe in the product and that you’re making a difference in the market. Be careful and smart about who you surround yourself with, people you work with need to have good knowledge and trust.
“You’ll learn and fail, but don’t be afraid of failing. I’ve learned more in these six years than in anything else. Mistakes happen, but you try to learn from them and not make them again.”
For more tales about goalkeepers, click here.