We asked five local creatives to style adidas football national jerseys to create an inspirational street style photo series to backdrop our adidas Originals flagship showcase in Berlin.
“Where performance meets aesthetic” is the phrase that really pops on the adidas x SoccerBible Euro 2024 semi-final watch party invite because it pinpoints exactly why football jerseys are resonating so hard in the mainstream this summer. Beyond the Euro 2024 zeitgeist and “Blokecore” TikTok trend, these garments are second to none in terms of versatility and self-expression. We know they’ll perform on the pitch (and in the gym) because superstar players wear them – technical elements like moisture-managing AEROREADY make a difference – but they’ll also perform and garner compliments on the street because adidas’ current jersey designs, in particular, are just so good. From minimalist to maximalist, punk to cottage-core, the limit does not exist when inserting football jerseys into your look and current fashion trends to assert your taste and/or your fandom.
Let the five international creatives based in Berlin that we wanted to spotlight in this collaboration reassure and inspire you. We asked them to style their national team’s jersey based on their own style aesthetic and, as they prove in an original street style shoot, there is no wrong way of doing this. The resulting images were on display in the German capital’s adidas Originals flagship store when guests arrived for the adidas x SoccerBible’s Euro 2024 semi-final watch party. Before the Netherlands vs England game kicked off, no one was sure who would win and the majority were politely neutral given Germany had been knocked out in the previous round. The nibbles were elite– from bulgur bowls and vegan bento boxes to pizza bites and vegetable crisps by ISS KIND, ISS !– and we settled down to watch the game sipping Aperol Spritz and Paloma cocktails. Ninety minutes plus extra time later, Ollie Watkins fired England into the final and the store erupted. Everyone left satisfied, with a few adidias Originals pieces on their wish list most likely. Fun fact: huge black beetles plague Berlin when it rains but thankfully they don’t bite.
Below, Clara, Calum, Shirin, Nicolò, and Youri run through their street style shoot looks, impressions of Euro 2024, and more.
“It’s more than just sportswear for me.”
Clara Radtke, Product Experience Whiz
Spain Home
Tell us about yourself.
“I love photography and arts and by night, I’m catching concerts and shaking it on the dance floor. My heritage is a cool mix of Spanish and German, and that definitely spills over into my style and personality.”
How did you style your jersey?
“I love the fiery red so I decided to use it as the base for a little sunset Spanish magic. My orange loafers have a playful pop of colour to round up the sunset colours. The long, beachy chain reminds me of my Spanish summers, especially those spent in Cadiz.”
Define Creative Soccer Culture.
“It’s where football meets self-expression. Think footballers with hair that pops in every colour (see Robert Andrich's new pink hair) and celebrations that are half-goal, half-performance. Football culture becomes the place/stage where passion and pride for one’s team unite with respect between rival fans. It’s a unique space where the most intimate emotions are unleashed without masks, revealing one’s most authentic essence self. People scream, laugh, cry together and it’s beautiful.”
Who’s going to win Euro 2024 now?
“With Spain’s legendary attacking style and that undeniable swagger, there’s only one team bringing home the trophy: La Roja! Spain’s on fire.”
“It’s hard to escape football when you’re born in Glasgow!”
Calum Andrews, Project Manager
Scotland Away
What has impressed you the most about having the Euros in Germany?
“Positive fan involvement! People helping people out! Sharing stories to buying beers, smiles all round… the way the world should be!”
Why wear this jersey?
“So people know I’m Scottish before opening my mouth. Comfortable and technical but ready to move with the ROA trousers and adidas Sambas on my feet.”
Who’s going to win Euro 2024 now?
“Anyone but England.”
Define Creative Soccer Culture.
“It’s bigger than just football. Any creative who shares a positive message and encourages movement.”
“I just styled it like I normally would.”
Shirin Esione, Photographer
Germany Away
How did you style your jersey?
“I love big pants and added another layer to make it more interesting.”
Tell us about yourself.
“I’m a German-Nigerian photographer born and raised in Berlin.”
“I played for many years in semi-professional clubs.”
Nicolò D’Alessandro, Strategic Fashion Consultant
Italy Away
Define Creative Soccer Culture.
“In the last couple of years, football, and its players, have grown their presence in the creative sphere. The realisation that their influence could be used beyond the traditional codes and boundaries of the sport allows them to experiment and express themselves in unprecedented ways.
“For personal style, Héctor Bellerín is the first person that comes to mind. He’s been very consistent in portraying his style on and off the field and I believe he’s figured out what works for him perfectly.”
Why wear this jersey?
“There is always something special about wearing the colours of your country. As an Italian from Napoli, football is deeply rooted in popular culture. I’m not a strong nationalist but wearing the Italian jersey almost makes me feel connected to other Italians worldwide.
“When it came to styling, I just tried to incorporate it into an outfit I would wear out and about. I didn’t want it to look like I just got out of the stadium but as if it was another component of a cohesive fit.”
What has impressed you the most about having the Euros in Germany?
“As always, German efficiency has proven to be very useful in these types of situations. The presence of the Euros in the country happened seamlessly without interfering with everyday life.”
“Belgium, specifically Liège’s working-class culture, means a lot to me.”
Youri Chapelle, Graphic Designer
Belgium Home
Which football creatives should we have on our radar?
“Émile-Samory Fofana’s photography is the first glaring example that comes to my mind. There are definitely artists whose practice revolves or intersects with football one way or another.”
Tell us about yourself.
“I’m from a small village near Liège in Belgium and football has always been a major part of people’s lives there. I had to play football, like most boys in my village, but I was absolutely horrendous at it.”
Why wear this jersey?
“To rep my country of origin and have a sense of connection with my roots. Working in my field, it’s a fact that you come across mostly middle-class and upper-class people, and sometimes I miss being with like-minded individuals. Standard de Liège’s supporters and the Marxist Antifa Ultra culture there make me proud of being from where I’m from.
What impressed you the most about having the Euros in Germany?
“Nothing has. I just know that there’s something unsettling about a bunch of German men waving their flag around and screaming, you know? It’s really cool to see the kids being hyped about their team winning though.”
Shoot creative credits
Photography Kane Holz
Styling by the talent
Production & Concept Anders Schans, Beinghunted.
Event photography Julia Schoierer
