Blurring the Line between Sports, Fashion, and Music

Written by Skye Slatcher

Athletes are no longer just athletes – they are full-spectrum cultural figures. Simply said, they are the new style icons and stadiums are the new runways. 

Whether it’s NBA or NFL stars donning luxury outfits in the tunnels, footballers appearing in fashion campaigns, or grime artists repping Premier League club kits on stage, the sports world is no longer just about stats and performance. It has become a central player in the fashion and music spaces. 

In 2024, Burna Boy performed at the Champions League final, not just as entertainment, but as a symbol of the crossover between sports and music. We have seen this again and again since then. F1 teams like VCARB curate ‘Garage Playlists’ for race weekends, and athletes are launching music careers and fashion lines. Sports culture can no longer be separated from style and sound. 

Ten years ago, fans would await lineups and injury reports before games. Now they’re refreshing their Instagram feeds to see their favourite players’ fits. The NBA and WNBA have most clearly embraced this trend, with teams and central accounts posting the pre-game outfits. 

We see it in street fashion too. In the last few years, football shirts have exploded in popularity, far beyond the pitch. They are being seen at festivals, clubs, and in fashion editorials. Whether it’s a classic Thierry Henry Arsenal shirt or iconic national kits, they are being reinterpreted as style staples, not sportswear. Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, and Tyler, the Creator are all musicians who have been wearing team kits as fashion. 

The cross-over is not one-way. Athletes have been making their way into music and performance too. Dutch footballer Memphis Depay has dropped multiple songs. So has NBA player Damian Lillard. Social media has no doubt supercharged this convergence of sport and music. Athletes curate Spotify playlists, wear custom headphones to matches, and collaborate with musicians in ad campaigns. 

Lewis Hamilton encapsulates this whole trend. On one hand, he is an iconic sportsperson and the most accomplished F1 driver in history. However, he also has two Lifestyle capsules with Dior and regularly provides some impeccable looks in the paddock. He has also featured on a Christina Aguilera song, ‘Pipe’, under the name XNDA. He is far more than an athlete – he is the epitome of a full-spectrum cultural icon. 

This phenomenon is huge. It marks a shift in what we mean by ‘athlete’. They are now measured on cultural influence. It also means sports are being opened up to a wider audience. Fashion-forward fans might not know (or care) about the offside rule, but they may know that Angel Reese wore a Versace dress in her Winter 2025 Vogue cover. 

For athletes, this is a chance to rewrite their own narratives – to be creators and icons outside of their sports. For fans, it is a reminder that sports aren’t just something to watch, but something that they can wear and hear too.

Skye discusses how sports have developed to a point where it intersects with aspects of fashion, as well as appearing in music.

Share:

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

On Key

Related Posts

No Home

Reflecting on recent far-right protests against immigration, Ibrahim writes about his family’s journey to Britain and the odds they have had to overcome.

People Spotting

In this poem, Zara explores alienation, from self and others, in a city like London.

Into the Offing

In this intimate piece, Erica reflects on her connection to the ocean and what it means to find your way back home.

The Man with Ash at his Feet

Two men connect on the doorstep of a dingy cafe. Over a shared cigarette, they learn about the loves and losses which shaped their respective lives.

scroll to top