Worlds Collide: Sports & Fashion - A Look at the Best Outfits Worn by Athletes Over the Years
Image Courtesy: Kathleen Esguerra
Sports and fashion -- subjects that hardly used to intersect. If you played sports professionally, you had one thing on your mind: the game at hand. It wasn’t until the 90s that we saw characters like Dennis Rodman enter the spotlight, possessing a style that strayed away from the norm yet captivated the public. Rodman’s style stood as a symbol of expression and showed that fans are just as interested in athletes both on and off the court.
Image Courtesy: GQ Australia
Moreover, fashion allowed for an additional stream of income for athletes and organizations alike. Just like that, fashion took the sports world by storm. Athletes began using their walks into the stadiums as runways and the paparazzi as their photography team. Now, we will look at which athletes have done it best.
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Deion Sanders
Starting off this list will be no other than FSU alum, “Neon” Deion Sanders. Sanders was a huge personality and loved being the center of attention; his fashion sense exemplified that. One of his most notable quotes goes as follows, “If you look good, you feel good, if you feel good, you play good, if you play good, they pay well.” Looking good was pivotal to Deion’s mindset and is what got him game ready. Deion Sanders is up there with Dennis Rodman for opening the doors for fashion in sports, earning himself a place on this list.
Image Courtesy: Highsnobiety & Pinterest
Russell Westbrook
Next on this list is a modern-day athlete known for wearing some of the most unique outfits out there. Any basketball fan knows Russell Westbrook for being a freak athlete who’s torn up the league for years, securing himself an MVP award in 2017. But not every basketball fan knows just how well-dressed this star player is. A unique fashion sense goes a long way in getting on this list, and boy, does Westbrook have it. Westbrook has been bashed in the past for what he’s worn through the player’s tunnel, however, those bashing him fail to understand his modus operandi. Much like Deion, Westbrook feeds into the attention and he lives for it, making him a better player. He doesn’t care if you don’t like his fashion sense, he’s satisfied knowing you care enough to speak about it.
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Mario Balotelli
The first soccer player on this list, Mario Balotelli, is known for being eccentric both on and off the pitch. Much like the other athletes on this list, Balotelli isn’t afraid to make bold stylistic decisions and his ever-changing mohawk represents that. Balotelli set the standard for bold hairstyles in soccer, paving the way for the likes of Paul Pogba, Neymar, and many others. Depending on the day, he can look sleek or rigid, and that versatility is what got him on this list.
Image Courtesy: Vogue
Serena Williams
Alongside being one of the best tennis players the world has ever seen, Serena Williams is also just as stunning off the court. She is a powerful force on the courts, and that is exactly what her style resembles them. Her clothing line, S by Serena, strives to give women the ability to look strong and sexy simultaneously and does so successfully. Williams is a role model for women everywhere and is arguably the most deserving of a spot on this list.
Image Courtesy: YouTube
Cristiano Ronaldo
Last but not least on this list is one of the best soccer players the world has ever seen, Cristiano Ronaldo. Unlike a few others on this list, Cristiano’s fashion isn’t the flashiest. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Cristiano is usually spotted in business casual attire, looking as polished as one can be. Like every athlete on this list, his fashion matches his consistent, smooth, and professional playing style.
Honorable Mentions:
Dwayne Wade, Kyle Kuzma, Alex Morgan, and Lewis Hamilton
Image Courtesy: GQ, Esquire, Aleksandra Markovic, L’Officiel USA
Strike out,
Writer: Lucas Zaret
Editor: Jayna O
Graphic Designer: Kathleen Esguerra
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