The FIFA World Cup isn't just a battle on the pitch; it's also become an unexpected runway for luxury fashion. As top footballers arrive at airports, tarmacs, and team hotels, they're ditching traditional tracksuits for high-end designer bags, transforming their entrances into a global menswear showcase.
From Tracksuits to High Fashion
The days of a simple tracksuit and a small wash bag are fading. In their place, players are sporting enormous Hermès Haut à Courroies bags, vibrant Chanel creations, colorful Louis Vuitton holdalls, and other rare luxury accessories worth thousands of pounds. Every arrival is now a potential fashion moment, captured by cameras and scrutinized by fans worldwide.
Star Players and Their Statement Bags
- Erling Haaland: The Norwegian striker made headlines with an ultra-rare Hermès “Endless Road” HAC 50, featuring intricate leather marquetry. Haaland is known for his collection, often seen with various Hermès pieces.
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Opted for classic elegance with a Gucci calfskin leather duffle, adorned with the house’s iconic Web stripe.
- Marcus Thuram: Arrived with an oversized jade-green Chanel x Pharrell flap bag from a 2019 capsule collection, notable for its diamond quilting and graffiti-inspired details.
- Neymar Jr.: Carried a striking canary-yellow Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière, accessorized with a dinosaur charm.
- David Alaba: Showcased a rare Hermès Multi-Pocket HAC 50, valued at approximately £37,000.
- Kylian Mbappé: Chose a more compact Dior A5 Triangle Pouch.
- Lamine Yamal: Elevated his airport look with a £6,690 Chanel Shopping Bag, perfectly matched with a textured jacket.
The Hermès HAC: Football's Unofficial Travel Uniform
Perhaps the most significant shift is the prevalence of Hermès bags, particularly the Haut à Courroies (HAC) model. Players like Ollie Watkins (sandy-beige HAC 50), Virgil van Dijk (putty-grey version), Lionel Messi (cargo-style HAC 40), Rayan Cherki (oversized Hermès Maxi Kelly 42), and Ousmane Dembélé (black Togo leather HAC 50) have all been spotted with variations of this iconic bag. The Hermès HAC, originally designed in the late 19th century for equestrian equipment, has become football's unofficial luxury travel uniform.
A Broader Shift in Men's Fashion
This trend has sparked discussions online, with some questioning traditional notions of masculinity while others celebrate players' freedom of self-expression through fashion. Regardless, the increasing visibility of luxury handbags in elite men's sports signals a broader evolution in men's fashion. Brands like Bottega Veneta, Dior, and Burberry have also appeared, showcasing a diverse range of styles from loud statements to 'quiet luxury'.
While the goals and rivalries remain central, the FIFA World Cup now offers a compelling sideshow: a global catwalk where players' arrivals are as much a spectacle as the matches themselves. It's no longer just about the best squad; it's also about who brought the best bag.