THE JOURNAL
From left: Mr Samuel Umtiti in Paris, 22 June 2023; photograph by Zabulon Laurent/Shutterstock. Mr Son Heung-min in Seoul, 3 July 2023; photograph by Mr Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images. Mr Marcus Thuram in Paris, 24 June 2023; photograph by Mr Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images. Mr David Alaba in Paris, 22 June 2023; photograph by Backgrid
For the past two decades, two men have dominated European football. But with Mr Lionel Messi taking his formidable talents and World Cup medal to Miami, and Mr Cristiano Ronaldo already plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, there’s now a chance for some new names to step up. To claim the silverware, league titles and top honours. Or at the very least secure that big-money transfer.
Dress for the job you want, they say. And short of pulling on another team’s kit – which wouldn’t go down well with the fans at your present club, supposing the deal doesn’t go through – turning on the style is perhaps the best way to get noticed. If not by prospective employers, then certainly the online masses, who are keen to anoint the next heir to Messi and Ronaldo’s throne, by way of follows and likes. In the age of the personal brand, image is everything. Which might explain why, this summer, we’ve seen so many players putting in an effort, sartorially speaking.
This comes off the back of the longest of campaigns, punctuated by a winter World Cup, and at a moment when footballers could finally be excused of being on the beach, both mentally and physically. Sure, some players could be seen enjoying a holiday, or “mini retirement” (© 2023 Mr Gary Neville). Anyone who has witnessed Mr Jack Grealish attempting to out-large Kevin and Perry in Ibiza, or striking Viking Mr Erling Haaland in suspiciously Manchester City-coloured Dolce & Gabbana suiting knows neither is going anywhere this summer. (Other than, say, the local nightclub.)
“In the age of the personal brand, image is everything”
Meanwhile, at his unveiling for new club Barcelona, their former teammate Mr Ilkay Gündoğan could be spotted in a tidy midnight-blue suit with corresponding crewneck. Clearly, he was there to make a good first impression.
This is worth noting as we cast an eye over some of the standout ensembles we’ve seen on footballers this summer. Far be it from us to fuel transfer-window speculation, but nothing says “want away” quite like a well-considered outfit and a front-row seat at Paris Fashion Week.
Take French centre-back Mr Samuel Umtiti, trying to drum up interest after the cancellation of his contract with Barcelona at… the AMI PARIS SS24 menswear show, it says here. Currently a free agent, he looks great in a pink-lavender suit by the brand and matching hair, perhaps putting Fiorentina, who famously play in purple, in pole position for his signature?
“Nothing says ‘want away’ quite like a well-considered outfit and a front-row seat at Paris Fashion Week”
His compatriot Mr Marcus Thuram, meanwhile, probably did little to quell speculation of a move to Paris Saint-Germain when he popped up in the French capital to catch the KidSuper show in June. However, the Air Jordans on his feet proved to be a red herring (the Nike sub-brand is behind PSG’s kits); the winger signed for Inter Milan a few days later.
Real Madrid defender and Arsenal target Mr David Alaba was also seen at the AMI PARIS show, inching closer to London. The Austrian captain is known for his versatility at the back, as well as at the front judging by his military-inspired get-up. Can we expect to see him over the coming season with an array of Premier League strikers in his pocket?
And in South Korea, Tottenham Hotspur forward Mr Son Heung-min was back in his homeland to promote a pop-up store for a line of luggage, before joining his team for their pre-season commitments in Australia. Does this represent a “come and get me” plea? All we can say is that he looks good on the move.
With offers potentially on the table, or the promise of a new deal with much improved terms, many footballers will be hoping to catch the eye ahead of the new season. And dressing better is a good way to do just that – there might be a lesson here for those of us in other fields of business. Happily for some managers, at least their players will be returning to training looking sharp.