Jayema has enjoyed a World Cup unlike any other. The London hair stylist is the only one who has tended to footballers from England, Brazil, the United States and Canada while spending time with Lamine Yamal and his relatives, all without knowing who Lionel Messi was until lately.

Jayema attended her first men’s football match yet departed early from a lively clash between Mexico and England at the Azteca Stadium as the crowd felt overly boisterous. She has boosted the confidence of many players through their hair yet remains the busiest stylist and groomer in top-level sport.

Oh I feel exhausted Jayema remarks the morning after returning to Los Angeles from Mexico City. Those early starts late finishes and cancelled flights add up. She may soon head to Kansas City or Miami if Marcus Rashford or Noni Madueke request a touch-up before England face Norway in their quarter-final on Saturday. I stay weary but my dedication stands unmatched. I remain ready at all times.

Jayema grins under the California sun when asked about her brief pause after taking a ticket to last Sunday’s dramatic game. It proved enjoyable yet I left before the finish. The scene grew intense with someone yelling right in my ear and drinks flying about. The Mexican supporters were lively. I heard the England squad received a tough greeting on arrival. I found myself praying for their victory so they would feel supported.

Following the tiring contest Jayema felt puzzled. I still fail to grasp football and why it leads to tears she notes in her London accent with eyes widening at the strong feelings. Yet I must admit that even without deep interest I felt pride when England triumphed. I witnessed genuine happiness.

She did not leap when Jude Bellingham netted twice even after light banter with him earlier that week. No but victory brought joy. It marked my first men’s football outing. Jayema adds that she has attended women’s matches through her work with talented female players.

Footage of Jordan Henderson fracturing a wrist in celebration left her surprised. Warm and approachable Jayema had no clue Henderson belonged to the England group.

I had no idea who he was yet he carried my bags at the England house. He acted as a true gentleman and I remained unaware of his playing status. I approached him repeatedly for wifi help. I was the sole woman present but all behaved courteously.

I also did not realise Jude played. We discovered my birthday matched his and Eberechi Eze’s on 29 June. Learning of their millions of followers proved astonishing.

Jayema whose given name is May Jika hails from Plaistow in east London. Her brand merges letters from her brother’s mother’s and her own names. She has pursued business success since her teens. At 17 I opened one of the first Afro-Caribbean salons in Vicarage Field in Barking after conceiving the idea at 15. Focus has always guided me. While others enjoyed university I built my path. Current success stems from that effort. I have earned my place.

Her talent caught the eye of WNBA stars including A’ja Wilson who shared posts and invited her to the Paris Olympics two years ago. Jayema met LeBron James Steph Curry and Kevin Durant. All seemed amazed I did not recognise them. They appreciated being treated as ordinary. I styled their hair shared meals and laughter. They proved grounded just like the Super Bowl athletes I have assisted.

Though London-based Jayema travels often to America. Footballers such as Raphinha have sought her braiding skills during Brazil’s campaign. I believe we introduced a fresh style for him. He remains a kind individual.

Madueke and Rashford invited her to the England camp ahead of their opener versus Croatia. Noni brings humour and character. I admire both. Noni knows his preferences while Rashford being new to braids allowed me to select a look based on his face shape and presence to lift his confidence.

After finishing with them they headed to their match as I flew to LA. I offered prayers and rested. Upon landing my phone buzzed with news of Rashford’s goal. Happiness followed. He praised his hair and noted the attention it drew. At the time I underestimated the World Cup’s scale. I knew UK passion for football yet not its global reach including thanks for caring for the players. I joke give me another medal.

I told Rashford I rank among the least sports-minded yet sports found me. Over eighteen months I have styled across major events. Many athletes feel uncertain about style while prioritising performance. They trust my experience to enhance their presence.

Messi shone again yet Jayema laughs at claims he lacks the sharpest cut. The England squad introduced me to him. I had not seen his face until recently. A female player I work with reacted with shock when I said I would not spot him. She called him the one she would ask for a photo. I had heard of Ronaldo though.

Jayema moves among football elites without recognising many names yet formed a natural bond with Lamine Yamal’s family.

I styled his mother’s hair and afterwards people exclaimed about my new status. How do you know Lamine Yamal they asked. I replied you mean her young son. Only then did I grasp his fame. I had relaxed at their home with the grandmother eating chicken and rice as they prepared dishes for me. Posting a photo sparked frenzy among friends.

Has she styled his hair. No he keeps it natural. I tend only to his mother and during the World Cup saw the family together. His mother and I get along well. Three-year-old Keyne loves African dance and knows many songs which amazes me. His mother laughs at the question.

They stay humble. She shared their early struggles and how she chose his name after two men who aided them. Goosebumps followed their tale. Lovely people indeed.

Erling Haaland. I learned of him only yesterday Jayema exclaims noting his long blond hair and size.

Would styling his locks interest her. It could arise since his profile shows prior braids.

No chance arises this week as she declined Ghana’s request before their England match out of loyalty. Yet Haaland might contact her later given his UK club. It remains possible.

Looking toward a potential England final Jayema learns of the racist abuse aimed at Rashford Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho after the 2021 Euros final. She shakes her head then reacts with horror.

I fail to understand it. These individuals want the players to represent England yet how can they perform amid such abuse. I noticed racism when posting about the squad. Certain comments surprised me. Why target young men striving to succeed. Few grasp their sacrifices their ethic and positivity.

Jayema smiles at the suggestion that England’s diverse squad and styles counter racism and division. Exactly. Football should unite us. Through my work I aim to highlight these players as remarkable individuals.