Image via Complex Original
Fashion and soccer go hand in hand. After all, the terraces of English football clubs were pivotal in the adoption of sportswear as everyday items. Yet, for as much pull as the fans have in the style sweepstakes, there are a few men in the history of soccer who were as stylish (if not more) off the field as they were on. Soccer style has seen a resurgence with the return of brands like Umbro to the American style scene, so we thought it appropriate that we'd count down the 10 players, who in our opinion, stood out both on and off the pitch. Click on to read the 10 Most Stylish Players in the History of Football (soccer).
10. David Ginola
The first of three Frenchman on our list, David Ginola's status as fashion icon is all about the hair. A former L'Oréal spokesman, Ginola boasted enviable flowing locks while dazzling in the English Premier League. Off field, he became a sex symbol (damn French accent) and a stalwart of classic continental style.
Years Active: 1985-1988 (Toulon), 1988-1990 (Racing Club de Paris), 1990-1992 (Brest), 1992-1995 (Paris Saint-Germain), 1995-1997 (Newcastle United), 199-2000 (Tottenham Hotspur), 2000-2002 (Aston Villa), 2002 (Everton).
9. Ian Wright
With his gold tooth smile, Ian Wright lit up opposing sides during a legendary career at Arsenal, where he hit the back of the net 185 times in 288 appearances. Off the pitch, Wright's swagger balances a solid mix of street classics and tailored outfits. He represents South London well.
Years Active: 1985-1991 (Crystal Palace), 1991-1998 (Arsenal), 1998-1999 (West Ham), 1999-2000 (Celtic), 2000 (Burnley).
7. Thierry Henry
Despite following Ian Wright in the Arsenal attack, Thierry Henry is a man of very different off field style. If Ian drew inspiration from the road, Thierry pulls from classic French looks. Favoring clean sportswear, Henry is always neatly fitted. Today, he even sports a fashionable beard, ensuring that even if disgruntled in the MLS, he's looking cooler than his cohorts.
Years Active: 1994-1999 (Monaco), 1999 (Juventus), 1999-2007 (Arsenal), 2007-2010 (Barcelona), 2010-present (New York Red Bull).
8. Jose Mourinho
Though a failure as a player, "the special one" has excelled in managerial roles in each of the most important leagues in Europe. Though the guys on the pitch get more nods for their sartorial glories (and mistakes), one can't deny Mourinho's exquisite taste. Perfectly tailored suits match the precision of his teams. If you are to follow one man in football for fashion advice, you'd be good with Mourinho as guide.
Years Active (player): 1980-1987 (four clubs).
Years Active (manager): 2000 (Benefica), 2001-2002 (Uniao de Leiria), 2002-2004 (Porto), 2007-2010 (Chelsea), 2008-2010 (Inter Milan), 2010-present (Real Madrid).
6. Eric Cantona
Few players turn their kit into a personal fashion statement the way Manchester United's Eric Cantona did. Flipping the collar on his Umbro shirts, "King Eric" was the epitome of confidence on the pitch. This cool translates well to his clean look off field, where he's known for neatly tailored suits, sans tie.
Years Active: 1983-1988 (Auxerre), 1988-1991 (Marseille), 1991 (Nimes), 1992 (Leeds United), 1992-1997 (Manchester United).
5. Franz Beckenbauer
Franz Beckenbauer has been cool for a long time. His career needs little introduction, as he's essentially the third best player of all-time, so let's get familiar with his off-field looks. As a player, Beckenbauer helped to popularize sportswear as casual attire, specifically the track top. When he moved to New York to join Pele's cast of international stars on the New York Cosmos, Beckenbauer also helped solidify the fashionable stature of footballers world wide.
Years Active (player): 1964-1977 (Bayern Munich), 1977-1980 (New York Cosmos), 1980-1982 (Hamburger SV), 1983 (New York Cosmos).
Years Active (manager): 1984-1990 (West Germany), 1990-1991 (Marseille), 1994 and 1996 (Bayern Munich).
4. Sir Alf Ramsey
A champion in the English League as a member of Tottenham Hotspur (in 1951), Sir Alf Ramsey is best remembered for leading England to the 1966 World Cup as manager. Wearing a blue zip-up jacket, now celebrated as Umbro's "Ramsey" jacket, Sir Alf is matched only by Pele and Beckenbauer for turning sportswear items into style icons.
Years Active (player): 1943-1949 (Southampton), 1949-1955 (Tottenham)
Years Active (manger): 1955-1963 (Ipswich Town), 1963-1974 (England), 1977-1978 (Birmingham City), 1979-1980 (Panathinaikos).
3. Pele
No player has made the football kit look as cool as Pele has. The word's best ever footballer, Pele turned his own kit into a piece of off-pitch fashion well before jerseys were cool. Just check him out in a New York Cosmos longsleeve while meeting with Andy Warhol. Today, the Umbro Cosmos collection pays homage to the duality Pele gave the football shirt, drawing from both the club's storied past and the brand's own Icon series.
Years Active: 1956-1974 (Santos), 1975-1977 (New York Cosmos).
2. George Best
One of the first true celebrity footballers, George Best was a wizard on the wing and a laugh at the bar. His champagne lifestyle sadly got the best of him, but it also propelled him into sartorial stardom. In 2007, GQ named him one of the 50 most stylish men of the past 50 years.
Years Active: 1963-1974 (Manchester United), 1974-1984 (various clubs including two three in the North American American Soccer League).
1. David Beckham
Wearing the number 7 at Manchester United almost forces a player into becoming a style icon. Following the footsteps of Best and Cantona (and paving the way for Cristiano Ronaldo), David Beckham is arguably the most stylish football of all-time. He steps into trends with ease and is responsible for every English boy attempting to rock a faux-hawk. Beckham's also got several lines to his name… further evidence of his sartorial influence.
Years Active: 1993-2003 (Manchester United), 2003-2007 (Real Madrid), 2007-present (LA Galaxy).
