Footballers Turn Their International Call-Ups Into A Style Showcase

If you’re a fan of the beautiful game (aka football, aka soccer for my American readers), you’ll know that domestic leagues are currently on hold as players jetted off for international duty on Monday. Whether it’s the Nations League or friendly matches, squads are assembling across the globe, and while we’re used to seeing these athletes flex their skills on the pitch, their off-duty fashion moments? That’s a rarer sight.

Footballers don’t frequent red carpets, so we don’t often get to critique their style choices, but every now and then, the sport and fashion worlds collide. Lately, it seems their respective federations have clocked onto this, and as a result, what we have is essentially a menswear fashion week disguised as a “reporting for duty” montage. No oversized hoodies or excessive logomania here—just interesting, well-put-together looks.

Virgil van Dijk (Domestic Team: Liverpool | International Team: Netherlands)

Virgil van Dijk continues his reign as the chicest baller in the Premier League, arriving in an autumnal-hued masterclass. His brown Loewe aviator bomber jacket adds an elevated touch to his beige and brown ensemble, proving that neutrals never have to be boring when layered just right. No notes—just effortless style. Loewe tortoiseshell shades and Timberland boots completed his look.

Jules Koundé (Domestic Team: Barcelona | International Team: France)

Football’s resident fashionisto, Jules Koundé, has never been one to play it safe. His style effortlessly blends streetwear and sharp tailoring, and this FACETASM Fall 2022 deconstructed trench coat proves it. The Japanese brand, known for its avant-garde and playful approach to fashion, was the perfect choice for someone like Koundé, who isn’t afraid to experiment. Styled with a smart shirt, trousers, tie, and a Yankees cap, this look screams “I’m one of one.”

Benjamin Pavard (Domestic Team: Inter Milan | International Team: France)

Like Virgil, Benjamin Pavard opted for classic staples: a white vest and black trousers. The real star of his outfit? That stunning beige Bottega Veneta leather jacket elevated by its brown intrecciato leather collar. If the jacket wasn’t already a standout piece, the XXL Bottega Veneta Andiamo Intrecciato Maxi leather bag solidified his sartorial status.

Tyrese Trey Asante (Domestic Team: Maccabi Tel Aviv | International Team: Netherlands)

Taking a similar approach to Benjamin, Tyrese Trey Asante also went for a Bottega Veneta leather jacket, but his look leaned more casual. Swapping tailored trousers for laid-back jeans gave his ensemble a more effortless vibe.

David Alaba (Domestic Team: Real Madrid | International Team: Austria)

Statement bags were trending on international duty, David Alaba turned up carrying the Hermes Birkin 50cm bag in a khaki green hue, which perfectly complemented his brown check mfpen Priority shirt and mauve jeans. The Birkin 50 is a rare sight outside of celebrity circles, so props to Alaba for casually flexing a piece most people could only dream of owning.

Ibrahima Konaté (Domestic Team: Liverpool | International Team: France)

I know I said no hoodies, but when there’s another sighting of the elusive 50cm Hermès Birkin, exceptions must be made. Seriously, what is it with ballers and Birkins? As for the outfit, I think Ibrahima Konaté was this close to nailing a clean double-denim moment, but the Isabel Marant Lanny jacket threw things off a bit. Maybe he wasn’t fully committed to the look, or perhaps it was a strategic layering decision. Either way, while the Birkin and the aura take center stage, I can’t help but wonder how sleek this would’ve looked with a more tailored outerwear choice.

Kylian Mbappé (Domestic Team: Real Madrid | International Team: France)

Kylian Mbappé is known for his stylish footwork rather than his personal style, but this look proved he can hang with the best of them. Opting for a Dior x KAWS varsity jacket, he kept things polished by avoiding the full tracksuit route and instead pairing it with smart trousers. The look was completed with Dior sneakers and a Hublot Square Bang Unico King Gold 42mm timepiece—a subtle flex, if you can call a gold Hublot “subtle.”

Jurrien Timber (Domestic Team: Arsenal | International Team: Netherlands)

I had to wrap this up with a player from my favourite team: Arsenal, and Jurrien Timber made it easy by serving a flawless double-denim moment. Fear of God’s clean-cut take on denim never fails with this oversized Trucker jacket and tapered jeans, especially when paired with a crisp white t-shirt and fresh kicks. This is how you do effortless cool without trying too hard.

The international break may disrupt the club season, but at least it delivers when it comes to style.

Who stands out for you?

Credit: OnsOranje / FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images / Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images

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