Cover Sometimes it’s not even just about the game anymore. It’s the tunnel walks, stadium arrivals, airport fits and off-duty moments that end up circulating online. (Photo: Getty Images)

How footballers went from pre-match uniforms to full-blown fashion statements on and off the pitch

Footballer fashion is bigger than just matchday fits now. It’s part of pop culture, tracked and shared beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch. From David Beckham and Mario Balotelli setting the blueprint, footballer style has grown into a culture of its own. It’s no longer just about the game, but the personalities, the fashion, and the moments that happen long before kick-off.

Your favourite strikers aren’t just defined by the goals they score anymore, but by how they present themselves, the way they walk into a stadium, the way they carry themselves off the pitch, the tunnel walks, stadium arrivals, airport fits—everything plays a part. 

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Mario Balotelli

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15:  Mario Balotelli of Manchester City warms up in a 'L love Manchester' T-shirt prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Swansea City at Etihad Stadium on August 15, 2011 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Above Mario Balotelli (Photo: Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15:  Mario Balotelli of Manchester City warms up in a 'L love Manchester' T-shirt prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Swansea City at Etihad Stadium on August 15, 2011 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Let's start with Mario Balotelli. If you don’t know who Super Mario is, he's the former Manchester City striker who famously wore the “Why Always Me?” undershirt during City’s 6-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2011. He has always had a style that sits somewhere between high fashion and early-2000s sportswear. Think luxury labels like Dolce & Gabbana mixed with relaxed, street-heavy pieces that match his personality.

Over the years, he’s been seen in everything from drop-crotch trousers and asymmetrical zip-ups to sharp tracksuits paired with leather jackets and statement sneakers. Accessories are basically part of the look too, oversized chains, caps, beanies and designer bags.

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MILAN, ITALY - MARCH 05:  Mario Balotelli is seen on March 5, 2013 in Milan, Italy.  (Photo by Jacopo Raule/Getty Images)
Above Mario Balotelli (Photo: Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY - MARCH 05:  Mario Balotelli is seen on March 5, 2013 in Milan, Italy.  (Photo by Jacopo Raule/Getty Images)

Nick Woltemade

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Above Nick Woltemade (Photo: Instagram/ @nickwoltamade)

A quick scroll through Nick Woltemade’s Instagram and the mood is consistent: low-key, relaxed and very much built around ease. The oversized jackets show up often, usually thrown over simple fits, with beanies or caps adding that off-duty look.  

His style exists in the sweet spot between sport and streetwear. He definitely gravitates towards muted colours, roomy silhouettes, and a preference for comfort that still reads intentional. 

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Above Nick Woltemade (Photo: Instagram/ @nickwoltamade)

Jules Koundé

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Above Jules Koundé (Photo: Instagram/ @jkeey4)

If you go through Jules Koundé’s socials, it’s not just football updates you’ll see; it’s the fit checks too. He dresses with a strong sense of individuality, leaning into an experimental self-expression that has made him one of football’s most consistently well-dressed players, especially at stadium arrivals.

He also has a thing for curating his own looks, mixing pieces in a way that feels eclectic. And not to mention the heeled boots, which just adds to that bold, fashion-forward energy he brings every time he steps out. 

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VERSAILLES, FRANCE - JUNE 29: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY - For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) Jules Koundé attends the Jacquemus Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 29, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Above Jules Koundé (Photo: Getty Images)
VERSAILLES, FRANCE - JUNE 29: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY - For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) Jules Koundé attends the Jacquemus Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 29, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Rafael Leão

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Above Rafael Leão (Photo: Instagram/@iamrafaeleao93)

At AC Milan, Rafael Leão is not only known for his dribbling and speed, but also for his strong sense of style. His style leans into contrast; mixing patterns, playing with texture and switching between relaxed tailoring and statement streetwear pieces.

He is not afraid of volume or detail either, often seen in oversized, furry jackets and finishing looks with bold, heavy chains that add weight to even the simplest fits. It is this mix of experimentation and confidence that makes his style feel distinct. 

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Above Rafael Leão (Photo: Instagram/@iamrafaeleao93)

David Beckham

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NEW YORK - MAY 27:  England football captain David Beckham arrives at his Downtown hotel May 27, 2002 in New York City.  (Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images)
Above David Beckham (Photo: Getty Images)
NEW YORK - MAY 27:  England football captain David Beckham arrives at his Downtown hotel May 27, 2002 in New York City.  (Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images)

This list wouldn’t make sense without David Beckham. He was one of the first footballers who made people actually look at what players were wearing, long before “football fashion” was even a conversation; the ultimate blueprint of flashy Y2K.

He gravitates towards sharp tailoring, crisp shirts, well-fitted suits, and simple everyday staples like fitted tees, straight-leg trousers and leather jackets. He was adventurous with his style as well. And of course, Victoria Beckham is part of that story too, together shaping a fashion legacy that still influences how footballers dress today.

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1st July 2007 Concert for Diana, Wembley Stadium, London. The concert held on what would have been the late Princess Diana's 46th birthday was organised by her sons Prince William and Prince Harry to celebrate her life..David Beckham on Stage. (Photo by Justin Goff Photos/Getty Images)
Above David Beckham (Photo: Getty Images)
1st July 2007 Concert for Diana, Wembley Stadium, London. The concert held on what would have been the late Princess Diana's 46th birthday was organised by her sons Prince William and Prince Harry to celebrate her life..David Beckham on Stage. (Photo by Justin Goff Photos/Getty Images)

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Aliya Qarina
Junior Style Writer, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia

Aliya Qarina is the Junior Style Writer at Tatler Malaysia with an interest in fashion and beauty. Her writing often focuses on contemporary style, beauty culture and emerging trends.