From Arsenal’s Héctor Bellerín going down the Louis Vuitton catwalk to David Beckham modeling for Emporio Armani, here is proof of football’s increasing influence in fashion.
As the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar commences, it’s only fitting to celebrate a new generation of style icons: fashionable footballers. This roster of star-studded athletes comprises globally-recognized names like David Beckham, Héctor Bellerin, Marcus Rashford, Memphis Depay, Neymar da Silva Santos Junior, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Luxury brands like Dior, Moncler, and Giorgio Armani have infiltrated the football scene by designing kits for Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Napoli. In 2020, US football captain Megan Rapinoe even partnered with Loewe in a campaign. This team up marked the first luxury collaboration with a female footballer to date. Recently, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were in a viral Louis Vuitton campaign shot by Annie Leibovitz. The two footballers are renowned for winning every Ballon d’Or award between 2008 and 2017. Together, this tournament marks their final international competition. Below, see the football stars who have also become fashion icons.
David Beckham
Everyone knows David Beckham as one of Britain’s greatest football stars and his penchant for fashion (considering his love for suiting, fitted jeans, statement coats, and luxurious duffels). In 2017, Tudor announced the Inter Miami CF president and co-owner as its global brand ambassador through its “Born To Dare” campaign.
Marcus Rashford
In 2020, Burberry partnered with Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford in an initiative to provide for global youth charities. Featuring the athlete in a Burberry cape, the partnership outlined his efforts to challenge food poverty for vulnerable communities.
Héctor Bellerín
In the spring of 2019, Arsenal right-back Héctor Bellerín took to the catwalk for Louis Vuitton in a vibrant pair of shorts and a snakeskin hoodie at Paris Fashion Week.
Kylian Mbappé
In 2021, Paris Saint-Germain’s striker Kylian Mbappé joined Maison Dior as a new ambassador.
Son Heung-Min
This year, Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-Min was tapped to become Burberry’s brand ambassador.
Jack Grealish
In June, Manchester City’s Jack Grealish signed a groundbreaking seven-figure deal with Italian luxury fashion house Gucci.
