Professional football players are some of the most revered and influential figures in UK culture. Many have influence beyond the football pitch, with some making waves in the fashion industry. Over the years, there have been a handful of players who have played a key role in establishing and cementing different cultural trends and changing the way that people think about fashion.
The Rise of Football Fashion Icons
The impact that footballers have on culture and fashion is not a new development. For a long time, people have replicated the look of the most popular players by getting the same haircut or dressing in the same way. Two of the most notable examples include David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, who both dominated on and off the field with their own fashion brands influencing the way millions of boys and men thought about fashion and giving them ideas beyond wearing their favourite player’s shirt.
Collaborations & Endorsements
Fashion brands are intelligent and know just how much influence a football star can have, especially on young men. Therefore, it is not surprising that so many luxury fashion brands form partnerships with influential football stars and use them as part of their advertising campaigns. A few notable examples of this include England and Manchester United star Marcus Rashford partnering with Burberry and the hugely popular and influential Man City star Jack Grealish becoming the official ambassador for Gucci.
Redefining Athleisure: Footballers as Style Ambassadors
Of course, professional footballers are most often seen in athleisurewear. Therefore, many luxury brands have redefined athleisurewear by blending sportswear with high fashion to create elegant and stylish looks while retaining comfort. This helps bridge the gap between sport and fashion, making it easier for all to embrace fashion.
Off-Duty Style: Capturing Footballers’ Casual Chic
These days, footballers are also frequently seen off-duty at fashion and industry events. Here, you will see them able to express their style with streetwear style or formalwear. These images are then seen in magazines, newspapers, and on social media, which can inspire football fans and get them interested in the world of fashion.
High-profile footballers have always had a significant impact on culture and fashion, but this is more prevalent in recent times. Nowadays, many stars are as influential off the pitch as they are on, with many forming lucrative deals with some of the biggest names in the world of fashion. These footballers can inspire men to think about fashion in a different way and change the way that people present themselves.