Icons on the pitch and icons on the runway, modern day footballers are not afraid to express themselves when it comes to fashion.
It’s no longer just actors and artists who grace the catwalk at various fashion events, our favourite ballers are embracing the opportunities to break into the world of style, donning luxury brands while they show an opposing side of their on-pitch persona.
From the likes of Pele and David Beckham, to current stars Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford, footballers are increasingly becoming more influential on the fashion stage.
Here’s the 13 most influential footballers, ranked by 90min.
It’s been a whirlwind few years for Chelsea star Cole Palmer. After switching Man City for Chelsea, the attacking midfielder has become a genuine star in the Premier League, winning PFA Young Player of the Year for his efforts in 2023/24.
His growth has been monumental off the pitch too, making his way into the fashion world by starring in Burberry’s latest outerwear campaign.
He’s proven his versatility already, donning a classic black suit at the Professional Footballers Association Awards before swapping to a classic British parka coat for Burberry.
The coldest man in the game demands the hottest fashion.
Manchester United’s Mason Mount never misses when it comes to his outfit choices – impressing in stylish blends at the Monaco Grand Prix and Wimbledon, to name just a few events he’s profiled at.
His style is beautifully unique, mixing high-end luxury brands with simple affordable collections to blend the best of everything fashion has to offer.
He’s starred in multiple collection launches, strolled out at various premieres and never misses an opportunity to put his modelling skills to the test.
It’s 10/10 from us, Mase!
Mohamed Salah is the king of football both on and off the pitch. He is always, always dressed to the nines, earning his spot among some of the best dressed in the game.
His creativity has allowed him to feature in some exciting fashion campaigns, gracing the cover of GQ in trendy, iconic outfits.
If he steps onto the streets of Liverpool, he’s adored. When he steps onto the runway, he’s admired.
If you scoured the crowd at Paris Fashion Week, you may have seen a certain Red Devil sat in the front row of Louis Vuitton’s show – a spot he has rightfully earned.
There is simply nothing Marcus Rashford can’t do. He’s the perfect ambassador for every collection, bringing style, maturity and a whole lot of class to the stage.
His debut fashion campaign came in 2020, when he partnered with Burberry as their winter ambassador. Since then, he has continued to stand out in the fashion world, breaking barriers and challenging ideals.
Sneaky shoutout for Jude Bellingham here also, we see your game!
Trent Alexander-Arnold, let’s all take a minute to respect this man’s drip.
The Liverpool legend has taken the fashion industry by storm in recent years, whether that’s shining at Milan Fashion Week or dressing down to front Guess’ new jeans campaign.
Prada, Dolce and Gabbana and Burberry – if a brand want to showcase their newest launch, they often look towards this England star.
He’s never been afraid to share his thoughts either, telling Hypebeast: “From my generation down, the vibes are now more relaxed, less old-fashioned – and as long as they perform on the pitch, the lads can do what they want when it comes to expressing themselves.”
If you’re looking for a modern day star who’s paving the way in football fashion – you need to look no further than Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal are killing it in the fashion world anyway, but Saka stands out as one of the most creative members of the squad. He’s always one of the first athletes to be seen at various fashion weeks and has modelled some of the most iconic collections – including Burberry’s SS24 campaign.
It’s no shock that he continues to feature on the front of magazines and headline apparel adverts.
Imagine going through this man’s wardrobe!
Tottenham Hotspur man Son Heung-min is synonymous with football fashion, showing his class both on and off the pitch.
Another loved baller, Son has starred in campaigns for Burberry, Calvin Klein and TUMI. His looks are timeless, put-together and sleek – making him one of the most fashion-forward players in the game.
His fashion always catches heads, even if he’s just dressing up for the airport – we see you Son!
If Cristiano Ronaldo’s name is attached to a brand, the product will sell worldwide, no matter what it is.
His name is literally a brand, and so his involvement with fashion makes total sense. High-end suits, casual streetwear and athletic fits – Ronaldo turns heads with his versatility and well-thought pieces.
His status as a true icon has seen him shape consumer behaviour and partner with numerous companies. Everyone wants to be Ronaldo.
Brave, eccentric and bold – Dominic Calvert Lewin represents a forward-thinking style icon.
Calvert-Lewin has literally opened the door for thousands of ballers to express themselves, batting off judgement and refusing to be silenced with his outlandish designs and colourful combinations.
He deserves immense praise for his work in the fashion world. He constantly tears down stigmas to big up his fellow ballers, forcing people to rethink their narratives around football fashion.
Goodbye toxic masculinity!
When former Arsenal and Barcelona star Hector Bellerin walks into a room, everyone turns their head. That’s not just because of his talent on the pitch, but also his stunning outfit choices.
He’s arguably one of football’s most stylish men, but his influence goes beyond just the attire he picks in the morning. The defender launched his very own sustainable clothing brand back in June – carving a new space in the football world that challenges designs.
The footballer-turned-designer recognised his influence on the football fashion world and decided to take matters into his own hands – a true influencer.
Barcelona star Jules Kounde needs absolutely no introduction. If you know this man’s game, you’ll know his influence on the fashion industry.
Arriving to Barca’s camps in full glam, striding out at events in boundary-pushing outfits and featuring in sophisticated campaigns – Kounde is not afraid to be risqué, and benefits hugely from his bravery.
Nothing is beyond the realms of possibility for the French defender, and soon he could even climb the ranks of this list with his continuous attention to the fashion world.
He dances the line between footballer and model, refusing to be contained while doing so.
We could literally leave this part of our article blank, Beckham’s influence on the fashion world is not a new story, yet he continues to reach new heights and impress with his forward-thinking attitude.
He was always a maverick on the pitch – testing hairstyles and fashion that was way ahead of his time. Now, his ability to influence consumerism makes him a highly valuable asset to so many brands.
If David and Victoria Beckham rock up at a fashion event, all the cameras will pan to the famous couple. The Beckham name will never not be mentioned in the same conversation as football fashion.
There was only ever going to be one man at the top of this list. A legend off the field and on it, Pele was arguably the father of football fashion – crafting stunning outfits that oozed both style and class.
His career was glistening, but his influence off the pitch is hard to put into words. His style was unique – eccentric in the same way his style of play always was.
Forget luxury brands and questionable patterns – Pele knew what worked and made it look beautiful – spawning a generation of players who dared to waltz into the fashion world.
Forever a legend.
