10 footballers who have launched their own fashion labels

Lukas Podolski is one of the most successful German footballers of recent years. He is currently under contract with Polish first-division club Górnik Zabrze, for whom he has already scored several goals this season.

For some time now, he has been running his own fashion label Strassenkicker, which, in addition to its eCommerce platform, also has a physical store in the footballer's hometown of Cologne, Germany.

As a footballer, Akinfewa may not have as impressive a career as other stars on this list. He mainly played for low and mid-tier clubs such as Wycombe Wanderers, Gillingham, and Watford.

When it comes to fashion, however, Akinfewa shows he definitely has a flair for it. Nicknamed The BEast due to his colossal body, Akinfewa launched his own sports brand called Beast Mode On. The brand has grown so much that it is now a symbol for oversized sportsmen and boxers in the UK.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the most eccentric stars of European soccer, having played for top clubs such as Barcelona, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. In addition to his controversial actions on and off the pitch, the Swede pursues one of his great passions: he has founded his own fashion brand.

With his own brand named A-Z, Ibrahimovic designs and sells sportswear, such as socks and tracksuits. In terms of price, the label is positioned as a very affordable line that every sports fan can buy.

Currently playing for Fenerbahce, Mesut Ozil is one of the most creative midfielders in the 21st century. He reached his peak while playing for London club Arsenal, where he became its main goal provided.

During his tenure at Arsenal, the former German international made his debut in the world of fashion, launching a brand called M10 Streetwear. The brand captures the multiculturalism that Ozil, whose parents came from Turkey, has always experienced since childhood. 

Marco Reus is one of the greatest players and captains in Dortmund's history. Predominantly a second striker, Reus can also play as an attacking midfielder or winger.

In 2015, the Dortmund star fulfilled his dream of having his own brand and founded the fashion label purSuit together with two friends. In addition to his own online store, the products can now also be purchased at Outfittery.

One of the most talented players of his generation, Manchester United legend David Beckham was known for his incredible free-kick benders and crossing ability. 

Together with his wife Victoria - former Spice Girls member and a fashion icon, David Beckham has built a fashion empire worth millions. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple's brand still recorded profit in sales.

Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the best footballers of our time. The Portuguese is not only extremely successful on the pitch. Ronaldo has also been able to establish himself in the fashion world with his own label.

A few years ago the Portuguese legend decided to create his own clothing brand called CR7. Since then, sales of the label that bears his nickname have improved by leaps and bounds.

Memphis Depay is a Dutch striker who is playing for Spain giant Barcelona. He will represent his country at the 2022 World Cup in a bid to win the coveted trophy.

Apart from his interest in football and rap music (he released many rap songs), Depay is also an avid fan of fashion. Last October, the former United player released his own brand called MDC, which focuses on simple design and clear messages.

The 7-time winner of the Ballon d'Or, Lionel Messi is undoubtedly one the greatest footballers in history. After many years at Barcelona, the Argentinian legend is enjoying his second season at Paris Saint-Germain, where he, Neymar, and Mbappe become a prolific trio.

During his tenure at Barca in 2016, he launched his premium lifestyle brand called The Messi Store. However, Messi's hectic training and playing schedule meant he could not run it, and instead entrusted it to his sister Maria Sol and to Ginny Hilfiger, Tommy Hilfiger's sister who holds the role of creative director.

In his ten years at FC Bayern München, Jerome Boateng has won every title there is to be won at the club level. He has since turned his back on the Bundesliga and plays for Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyon.

Unlike his colleagues, Boateng has not focused on clothes. Instead, the Berlin native designs his own eyewear. In his first collection, which Boateng launched in 2020, there are six different unisex glasses - both sunglasses and regular glasses.