As the 2026 World Cup continues to heat up, the action is not only happening on the pitch. Footballers are using their off-duty wardrobes and tunnel arrivals to show a different side of their personalities. In recent years, luxury houses and lifestyle brands have also taken notice, increasingly tapping athletes as campaign stars and ambassadors. From polished tailoring to Gen-Z edge, here are five World Cup footballers with serious fashion credentials

Jude Bellingham (England)

Photo: Instagram @judebellingham

Kicking off the list is Jude Bellingham, the 23-year-old Real Madrid and England midfielder whose fashion profile now matches his footballing star power. As a Louis Vuitton Friend of the House, Bellingham appeared alongside Callum Turner in the Maison’s Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 Pre-Collection campaign, blending refined tailoring, British countryside elegance and modern utility. Beyond luxury campaigns, his regular adidas sportswear looks and sharp red-carpet appearances show a style identity built on polish, confidence and crossover appeal.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Photo: Instagram @lamineyamal

Bringing a clear Gen-Z edge to the list is Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona and Spain star may still be early in his career, but his fashion presence is already hard to ignore, from his Chanel tweed jacket and statement bag at Spain’s World Cup camp to his taste for Chrome Hearts, Rick Owens and Readymade. He has also been named American Eagle’s global brand ambassador, further strengthening his lifestyle appeal and showing how easily he moves between luxury, streetwear and youth-driven fashion culture.

Jules Koundé (France)

Photo: Instagram @jkeey4

As one of the world’s fashion capitals, France was always going to have a strong presence in any World Cup style conversation, and Jules Koundé proves why. The Barcelona and France defender remains one of football’s most convincing fashion figures, turning tunnel arrivals into closely watched style moments. His wardrobe often plays with shape, accessories and unexpected menswear codes, from skirts and Cuban heels to rare bags and statement layering. With a 2024 Jacquemus campaign and a 2026 Messika summer campaign, Koundé’s influence clearly reaches beyond the pitch.

Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)

Photo: Instagram @virgilvandijk

Offering a more understated kind of fashion authority is Virgil van Dijk. Compared with the Gen-Z names on the list, the Liverpool and Netherlands captain stands out through restraint, structure and quiet confidence. His style leans into quiet luxury, from clean tailoring and structured coats to neutral tones and refined textures. A regular presence on magazine covers, Van Dijk proves that serious fashion credentials do not always need to be loud; sometimes, they are most effective when kept sleek, subtle and minimal.

Nick Woltemade (Germany)

Photo: Instagram @nickwoltemade

Wrapping up the list is Nick Woltemade, the German forward whose off-pitch style has quickly earned attention. He may not yet have the global fashion profile of Bellingham or Yamal, but his personal look feels refreshingly distinct. Standing at 198cm, Woltemade uses his frame to carry oversized trousers, boxy layers and vintage streetwear with ease. Blending contemporary labels like Acne Studios and Our Legacy with worn-in workwear from Carhartt and Dickies, his appeal feels relaxed, personal and refreshingly unpolished.

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