Fashion has always been the domain of music stars, actors, and entertainment figures, with sports figures limited to tracksuits and jerseys. That is no longer the situation, however, in contemporary Africa. Sport figures are not only players on the pitch today; they are also culture producers, fashion stylists, and designers. From wardrobe declarations of heritage to catwalk struts, fashion is being employed in numerous ways as a means of self-expression. This article highlights five African athletes who bring just as much consideration, creativity, and intent to their fashion as they do to their sport.
1. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray)
Victor Osimhen is unstoppable on the pitch, but off it, his fashion is also unapologetic. Known for blending streetwear with high-end designer pieces, he has no qualms when it comes to colour, texture, or statement trainers. His looks are noticeable not just because he is a celebrity, but because he possesses a confident personality, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to do things differently. To his younger fans, Osimhen’s style is inspirational, delivering the message that success and personal style can coexist.
2. Alex Iwobi (Nigeria/Fulham)
Alex Iwobi, the Fulham and Nigeria national, is one of Africa’s most fashion-forward sportsmen. Having grown up in London but with roots in Lagos, Iwobi draws inspiration from streetwear, high-end designer brands, and the local culture. He wears popular luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga, but also seeks out underrated brands to add a unique touch to his attire.
Iwobi does not just dress for matches or nights out socialising; he also dresses formally off the pitch. He has even modelled in collections like Puma’s “Naija Spirit,” and he is happy to try new things. In one interview with GQ, he described his “dog fit” (his look when walking his huskies) and how he might wear simple clothes one day and more fashion-forward, coordinated outfits when attending fashion shows.
He also attributes inspiration to having grown up in the Arsenal academy, where he saw teammates like Chuba Akpom display great flair, and being inspired by his uncle, the football legend Jay-Jay Okocha.
3. Wilfred Ndidi (Nigeria/Beşiktaş)
Wilfred Ndidi’s fashion leans toward minimalism and sophistication. Rather than flamboyance, he opts for clean lines, muted tones, and understated elegance. His style mirrors his calm and composed presence in midfield, projecting confidence without excess. Ndidi shows that style can be powerful even when it whispers rather than shouts.
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4. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain)
Achraf Hakimi is a chameleon at fusing divergent influences on his style. From luxury streetwear to neat business fashion, he shifts effortlessly from one look to the next. With his Moroccan and European heritage, he fuses cultural markers, luxury brands, and streetwear basics to create clothing that is practical and cutting-edge. His style is figuratively international, as are the stages he gets to play on.
5. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon/Olympique de Marseille)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is legendary not only for his flashy finishing skills but also for his brazen approach. With flashy accessories, distinctive hairstyles, custom footwear, and legendary moments (such as his goal celebrations and theatrical dressing), Aubameyang has established a character that is as much about showmanship and image as it is about scoring goals. His aesthetic is characterised by colour, drama, and personality.
Across Africa, athletes are redefining the concept of a sporting icon. On or off the pitch, fashion is an integral part of their narrative. From the bold experimentation and heritage-infused decisions of Iwobi, to the colourful streetwear statements of Osimhen, to the cosmopolitan blend of Hakimi, the minimalist chic of Ndidi, and Aubameyang’s drama queen approach to fashion, each of them employs fashion as a means of expression.
In a world where celebrity extends far beyond the field or court, these celebrities remind us that style matters: not as spectacle, but as art, identity, and authority. Their biographies suggest that personal style can add to who they are, resonate with millions, and reshape the classic picture of what an athlete is supposed to look like.
