World Cup Fashion: From Player Handbags to Coach Style

During the current World Cup, a notable fashion trend has emerged among stars of the French national football team: the conspicuous display of luxury handbags. Players like Manchester City's Rayan Cherki have been photographed with high-end accessories such as the Hermès Maxi Kelly Bag, while Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé carries an Hermès 'Haut à Courroies' (HAC) bag. Inter Milan's Marcus Thuram has been seen with a Chanel bag from a Pharrell Williams collaboration, reportedly valued at €15,000 on fashion resale markets.

This trend reflects a broader phenomenon among affluent athletes who often seek to express their wealth through visible and sometimes eccentric luxury items. Beyond designer bags, this includes conspicuous consumption like diamond earrings, yachts, and luxury watches. In an era where fans consume constant social media content, these stars are expected to deliver not just on the field but also in their style choices, turning moments like boarding a plane or arriving at a hotel into significant fashion statements for the Instagram age.

While players showcase their extravagant accessories, the fashion choices of coaches also draw attention, particularly their ability to project confidence and competence. However, many coaches at this World Cup have unfortunately fallen short in this regard. The article singles out Japan's national team coach, Hajime Moriyasu, as a notable exception.

Moriyasu has consistently demonstrated a refined and elegant style. Images from previous tournaments show him in impeccably tailored suits that maintain their form even during moments of deep emotion, such as bowing to fans after a match. His signature look often includes dark suits, light or striped shirts, and dark ties. On the sidelines, he frequently opts for a tailored vest without a jacket, projecting an image of subtle sophistication and professionalism that stands in stark contrast to the more ostentatious displays seen elsewhere.