Biography and Early Career
Christopher Michael Dixon, known online as ChrisMD and affectionately called Chippo or Grimes by friends, is a British football YouTube creator born on July 21, 1996. He launched his YouTube channel in 2012 at just 16 years old, making him one of the earlier pioneers in the football content creation space.
Chris's journey began with simple football skills videos filmed in his backyard and local parks. His natural talent as a footballer combined with genuine enthusiasm for the sport made his content stand out during YouTube's football content boom. Unlike many creators who focused solely on FIFA gameplay, Chris brought real-world football skills to the platform.
I started making videos because I loved football and wanted to share that passion. I never imagined it would turn into a career with millions of subscribers.
The nickname "Chippo" originated from his friends and has become his alter ego in collaborative content, particularly within the Sidemen ecosystem. "Grimes" is another moniker used by close friends, adding to his multi-faceted online persona.
Content Creation and Style
ChrisMD's content has evolved significantly since 2012, but core themes remain consistent:
Signature Content Formats
Crossbar Challenge Series
Perhaps his most iconic content series, the crossbar challenge videos showcase Chris attempting to hit the crossbar from various distances and angles. These videos have garnered tens of millions of views and inspired countless recreations from fans and other creators worldwide.
Skills and Tutorials
Educational content teaching football techniques, from basic skills to advanced tricks. Chris's genuine ability as a footballer lends credibility to these tutorials, making them valuable resources for aspiring players.
Challenge Videos
- Free Kick Challenges - Testing accuracy and power from set pieces
- Penalty Shootouts - Collaborative competitions with other creators
- Skill Challenges - Testing various football abilities under constraints
- Pro Player Challenges - Attempting to replicate professional feats
Collaborative Content
Chris regularly features other YouTubers, professional footballers, and celebrities in his videos. His collaborative approach has helped grow both his channel and the broader football content community on YouTube.
Production Quality
Unlike his early videos shot on basic cameras, Chris now produces cinema-quality content with:
- Professional camera equipment and drone footage
- High-quality editing with graphics and slow-motion replays
- Cinematic storytelling techniques
- Professional sound design and music
Sidemen Involvement
ChrisMD's connection to the Sidemen has been one of the most significant aspects of his recent career growth. His regular appearances in Sidemen content have introduced him to millions of new potential subscribers and cemented his place in UK YouTube culture.
Charity Football Matches
Chris is a key player in the Sidemen Charity Match, an annual football event that raises millions of pounds for charity. His genuine football ability makes him one of the most valuable players on the pitch, and his on-field performances have created countless viral moments and memorable goals.
Notable charity match contributions include:
- Multiple goals in various charity matches
- Key assists and playmaking moments
- Organizing training sessions for other participants
- Pre-match content and promotional videos
- Post-match vlogs and behind-the-scenes content
Regular Video Appearances
Beyond football-specific content, Chris appears in:
- Sidemen Sundays - Challenge videos and competitions
- MoreSidemen - Casual hangout and gaming content
- Football-themed Sidemen videos - Penalties, challenges, and tournaments
- Side+ Exclusives - Premium content for subscribers
Personal Relationships
Chris has developed genuine friendships with multiple Sidemen members, particularly:
- Harry (W2S) - Close friendship and frequent collaborations
- JJ (KSI) - Boxing training partner and football rival
- Ethan (Behzinga) - Workout and challenge partner
- Tobi (TBJZL) - Gaming and football content collaborator
Football Career and Ability
What separates ChrisMD from many content creators is his legitimate football ability. While he never pursued a professional career, Chris possesses skills that rival semi-professional players:
Technical Skills
- Free Kicks - Exceptional accuracy and power from set pieces
- Ball Control - Professional-level first touch and dribbling
- Shooting - Powerful and accurate finishing ability
- Passing - Vision and technical ability in distribution
Competitive Experience
Chris has played against and alongside:
- Professional footballers in charity matches
- Ex-Premier League players in YouTube events
- Semi-professional teams in friendly matches
- International YouTube football tournaments
His ability lends authenticity to his content—viewers know that when Chris demonstrates a skill or completes a challenge, it's the result of genuine talent rather than luck or editing tricks.
Impact and Legacy
With over 5 million subscribers and hundreds of millions of total views, ChrisMD has become one of the most influential figures in football content creation. His impact extends beyond mere numbers:
Industry Influence
Chris helped establish several content formats that have become standard in football YouTube:
- The crossbar challenge format (widely copied globally)
- Skill challenge progression videos
- Collaborative football content with non-football creators
- High-production football entertainment
Bridging Communities
ChrisMD serves as a bridge between multiple YouTube communities:
- Football YouTube - Core football content creators
- Sidemen Universe - Entertainment and lifestyle creators
- Fitness Community - Health and athletic performance content
- UK Creator Scene - Broader British YouTube ecosystem
Charitable Contributions
Through Sidemen Charity Matches and his own initiatives, Chris has helped raise millions of pounds for various causes. His genuine football ability makes him an invaluable asset to these events, attracting viewers who might not otherwise watch YouTube content.
Business Ventures
Beyond YouTube revenue, Chris has diversified his income through:
- Merchandise and apparel sales
- Brand partnerships with sports companies
- Event appearances and football clinics
- Sponsored content with major brands
- Platform-exclusive content deals
His combination of genuine talent, engaging personality, and business acumen has created a sustainable career that transcends typical YouTube creator limitations.