Features
Marcus Thuram talks drip, Drizzy Drake and tunnel fits
“If you look good, you play good. You feel better and you’re more confident,” Marcus Thuram reveals from his home in Düsseldorf.
It’s a humid day in the city and the Borussia Mönchengladbach forward is dressed for the occasion. Whilst we wait eagerly at his front door, Thuram appears from a side entrance rocking a Dreamville x Charlotte Hornets NBA jersey and shorts with Christmas-themed socks covered with the Grinch’s scheming grin.
“Can I get you guys anything? Food, drink?” he asks before fetching us a glass of pineapple juice from the fridge. The 24-year-old hasn’t been home from training long but wastes no time in making us feel comfortable – something he lives by through the clothes he wears. “I see a lot of players wearing things I know they’re not comfortable in, some tight jeans like the Amiri’s for example. I don’t know how they wear those, too tight,” he says before breaking into laughter.
Marcus Thuram styles himself in a Kanye West 2020 vision hoodie, Kapital denim and Jordan sneakers. Photographed by Shane Bain.
Thuram is the eldest of former France midfielder Lillian Thuram’s two children and believes the illustrious career of his father – who still remains France’s all-time most capped player – aided his pathway to an interest in fashion.
“Growing up with a Dad that played soccer at a high level, I was always into fashion and to be careful with how you dress and how you present yourself. From an early age, I got used to dressing properly and looking a certain type of way.”
Whilst Marcus currently plays his trade in Germany, his younger brother Khéphren, who also holds his own in the fashion regard, remains in France with OGC Nice. The 21-year-old has just been nominated for Ligue 1 Young Player of the Season and Marcus will be attending the ceremony with his brother. “I’m going this Sunday but I still don’t know what to wear because everyone will be in suits.”
Despite his French nationality, Thuram – like his brother – was born in Italy whilst his father Lillian was playing for Parma and it would be Italy that ignited his passion for fashion. “I think my first memory of beginning to like fashion was when we had to go to a Gala in Italy when I was nine years old,” he recalls.
Marcus Thuram styles himself in a Louis Vuitton sweatshirt, custom Chrome Hearts jeans and Nike Air Force 1 sneakers. Photographed by Shane Bain.
“Someone came to the house in the afternoon – the Gala was at night – and that person had a lot of clothes with them. We had to try them on to see the best fit and I remember really, really liking that day. It felt like a fashion show and that’s my first memory of fashion.”
As for anyone in the drip game, a good sneaker collection is essential, something Thuram has in abundance. From Jordan 1s to Jordan 4s to dunks and Air Force 1s, the Frenchman’s sneaker room could be mistaken for a Nike museum at first glance. Despite this, he cuts a humble figure, telling me the majority of his shoes were given to him by the brand as opposed to spending big on his collection.
“I can’t remember my first pair of sneakers,” Thuram admits. “My Dad was sponsored by Nike though, so I think as soon as I was born, I had Nike on and especially Jordans.”
I ask him if he could only keep one pair, which would he pick: “These,” he says whilst holding his pair of Jordan 1 Chicagos. He fires the question back at me to which I respond by choosing the Nike x Cactus Plant Flea Market Swarovski crystal dunks. “Really?!” he asks me in shock. “I haven’t worn them yet.”
Marcus Thuram styles himself in a Chrome Hearts cap, Raf Simons t-shirt, Louis Vuitton pants and Jordan 4 sneakers. Photographed by Shane Bain.
Amidst daily training sessions, weekend fixtures and the pressure of football itself, it’s normal for players not to be the biggest watchers of the sport that takes up the majority of their life. Thuram admits he too falls under that bracket. “I like the big games, the Champions League matches. I like basketball but the problem is the games are too late.”
We both agree that watching the action on House Of Highlights‘ Instagram the following morning is the way to do it. “Ja Morant is going crazy right now. He just doesn’t care.” Thuram says on the Memphis Grizzlies hooper who has been vocal on social media lately.
The topic brings us on to the comparison of culture between football and the NBA. “Lately, soccer players have become more and more drippy but compared to NBA players, we’re far away. Well, some of them are far away.”
“Tunnel fits? I think it’s something that will happen one day. Some teams like the France national team take pictures of us when we arrive and I saw that the Netherlands do that too. I think it’s coming, little by little, step by step, but I think it would be great if this [NBA] culture would come to soccer like it is in basketball.”
Marcus Thuram styles himself in a Louis Vuitton jacket, Gallery Department jeans and Jordan 4 sneakers. Photographed by Shane Bain.
Thuram’s love of fashion is matched by his love of music. As we shoot different fits around his house, a YouTube playlist of tracks plays on his TV. “I love music as much as I love fashion and as much as I love soccer,” he says. “It’s a part of me. My favourite track right now? Lil Baby dropped recently, the song is In A Minute, I like that one.”
“If I could only listen to one artist for the rest of my life? There’s several, Lil Baby, Gunna, Drake… no, I have to go with Drake. Drake has a lot of different types of melodies so I’d have to go with Drizzy Drake.”
Thuram has always been known as one of the best-dressed in the football sphere and he isn’t afraid to shout out other ballers coming clean with it too. “There’s a lot of soccer players with drip lately, a lot came through. I don’t want to get in trouble with them but wait, let me think…”
“Not in order, my top five would be Leroy Sané, Karim Benzema, Jules Koundé, Michy Batshuayi and Michael Olise. I like him [Olise]. No one really knows how he dresses because he doesn’t post that much, but I like Olise from Crystal Palace. Oh and my little bro Timothy Weah. I can’t forget him!”
“Away from football? I really, really like Offset’s style, I like Odell Beckham Jr.’s style and the basketball player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who plays for OKC. I really like how he dresses. Those three guys are the examples I follow.”
Marcus Thuram styles himself in a Louis Vuitton sweatshirt and custom Chrome Hearts jeans. Photographed by Shane Bain.
Thuram’s style differs from most footballers. Big on pieces that aren’t accessible to everyone in a bid to stand out from the crowd, he’s keen to create his own lane when it comes to fashion. Whilst most players may opt for the likes of Amiri and Dior as their go-to destination for new drip, Thuram prefers two Los Angeles-based brands.
“Right now, I got two favourite brands. The first one is Gallery Department and the second one is Chrome Hearts. I like those two brands because I don’t see them often on people, especially in Europe. I love Chrome Hearts because their jeans are very exclusive and I know that if I get a pair, I won’t see someone else in them.”
Again, I deliver the hard question of if he could only rock one brand for the rest of his life, which would he choose? “Only one brand? That’s hard,” he laughs once more.
“I think it would be Gallery Department. They have jeans, they have lit sweatshirts and good t-shirts and sweatpants. They have shoes – which I don’t really like – but I could wear those so yeah, Gallery Department.”
Marcus Thuram styles himself in a Louis Vuitton jacket, Gallery Department jeans and Jordan 4 sneakers. Photographed by Shane Bain.
Whilst Thuram’s fits are held in high regard by the football x fashion community, I was keen to learn how he viewed his own style. “If I had to describe my style in three words? Ooof.”
“Comfortable, because I can’t wear something that’s not comfortable. Exclusive. Like I said for the Chrome Hearts, some pieces I really dig, dig and dig to get them and I know they’re not everywhere. I just wear, you know, I don’t think for one-hundred hours about what I’m wearing or what I’m not wearing so it’s without effort, so the last word would be effortless.”
“Comfortable, exclusive and effortless.”
The imminent arrival of summer in addition to the season drawing to a close presents the opportunity for players to kick back and relax after the hectic schedule of the football calendar. For me and fellow football fans, that teases the prospect of drip videos. First started by Karim Benzema, many players now document their holidays in the off-season through lifestyle videos with the latest tracks to share to their fans across social media and Thuram is giving nothing away as to whether we’ll be seeing one from him soon. “This summer?” he smiles.
“I don’t know, you’ll have to speak to the boss, you’ll have to speak to Lamabe [his videographer], not to me. I don’t know if I’m doing something, it’s a little secret.”
Imagery Shot By: Shane Bain
Styled By: Marcus Thuram himself
Location: Düsseldorf, Germany
‘Surely with hardship comes ease’ – Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6)
They often say you are a product of your environment. But Oday Dabbagh is living proof that you can embrace the experience of different cultures while being a powerful representative of your nation. We sat down with the 26-year-old Palestinian striker to delve deeper into his journey so far, the importance of authentic representation, self-expression through different mediums, faith, and much more.
Oday Dabbagh rose to global acclaim during his recent loan spell at Aberdeen, making the move to Scotland in the January transfer window earlier this year. The move proved fruitful for the striker as he ended the season a champion, lifting the Scottish Cup. His form has since earned him a summer move to Egyptian powerhouse, Zamalek SC, swapping the Scottish Highlands for the Cairo sun.
(Jack Rowley)
Born and raised in the Old City in Jerusalem, Dabbagh reflects on his childhood with great fondness. “It was a beautiful childhood. Since I was young, I used to play football in the alleys of the old town, and my relationship with my family was wonderful. I will say, they cared more about studying than football, but we found a compromise in the end.” [laughs]
A keen footballer from the very beginning, Dabbagh was one of many Palestinian children playing football with their friends at any opportune moment. Given the nation’s passion for the game, I was curious to learn more about why football plays such a big role in Palestinian culture.
“I think globally, this sport is so important because it really brings people together – fans, teams, players, countries. For us, it gives our people an incredible sense of pride. But beyond that, sport is powerful because it’s a gateway to build bridges.”
For Oday Dabbagh, football was that bridge, allowing him to play the sport he loves professionally. Despite typical Arab familial expectations on pursuing education, which I’m sure many of us can relate to, Oday’s breakthrough into the professional game came while he was just a teenager.
(Hussein Mardini – 3XV Sports)
“It was a wonderful feeling. I was very motivated to show my abilities, and that experience was the start of everything for me. That launched me into the Palestine U-18 Youth National Team Championship. To be honest, I didn’t expect to reach that stage at the time. I think I’ve always focused on working hard in the moment rather than anticipating what could be or what could come next. That mindset probably reduced the pressure on me.”
Making his professional debut in the Palestinian domestic league for Hilal Al-Quds at 16, he then guided the club to three consecutive West Bank Premier League titles. And became the league’s top goalscorer in 2019, bagging 16 goals.
Staunchly determined to succeed, Oday’s domestic exploits meant the youngster was garnering attention across both Europe and the Middle East, with the then-20-year-old opting to make the move to Kuwait. In the face of European interest, one would assume that it would be the most desirable option, but once again Dabbagh displays the level-headedness that has held him in good stead thus far in his career.
“I chose Kuwait because it was my first professional experience, and I wanted to adapt in an Arab country first. It turned out to be a really good decision that prepared me for Europe later.”
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Despite the elation of securing his first professional contract abroad, Oday admits to having mixed feelings about leaving home. “My feelings were mixed… joy, sadness, and fear. But once you get on the plane, those feelings disappear because you know you’re going toward your goal and you have to achieve it. Of course, I missed my family and friends, and that was difficult. But I learned a lot, and it only strengthened my dedication to my dream.”
Since making the move to Kuwait, Oday has played in six different countries, and he can’t speak highly enough of the experiences he’s had, particularly the impact it has had on developing his style.
“I’m really happy I played in so many countries. I learned new cultures, met new people, and picked up different styles of football. It made me adaptable. With style, each place has its own identity, but you also get this mix of cultures from other players – music, fashion, food, language… That has shaped me a lot, on and off the pitch.”
(@IMAGO)
Thriving at club level, Oday’s most prolific achievements have come on the international stage. Representing Palestine, the striker has gone from strength to strength with the “Lions of Canaan,” becoming the nation’s all-time top scorer with 16 goals in 45 appearances. Not only is he putting the nation on his back on the pitch, but Oday is a proud ambassador of his Palestinian identity, as he doubles down on how important the role is to him.
“I believe that this did not come out of nowhere; it came as a result of continuous work and commitment. I am truly proud to be a representative of my country, and I certainly thank every person who supported me or helped me to reach this level. It is a great thing to be an ambassador for your country.”
But football isn’t the only medium through which the 26-year-old chooses to express himself. A self-proclaimed fashion head, Oday’s style is equally versatile and experimental. Perhaps that may come as no surprise, given the melting-pot of experiences he’s had playing in six different countries.
(Hussein Mardini – 3XV Sports)
Most importantly, Oday firmly believes in the power of fashion as a vehicle of self-expression and identity, “It’s very powerful. It gives us the space to be ourselves and to show the moments and experiences we’ve picked up along the way.”
Not only does he represent his identity through football and fashion, but his very name pays homage to the culture he holds most dear. Names possess significant meaning in Palestinian culture, and so with that in mind, I asked Oday what his name means, to which he said: “Adi is an old Arabic name that means ‘running’ or a ‘fast enemy.’ Quite ironic, when one considers his attributes on the field, with speed and tenacity key hallmarks of his game.
‘Surely with hardship comes ease’ – Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6)
A powerful verse from the Quran that serves as a reminder that every difficulty is accompanied with relief, and even in difficult situations, there are blessings and ease.
With hardship an inevitability in football, it is crucial to bounce back from tough situations, and I was keen to explore how Oday motivates himself during periods of difficulty in the game.
“I tell myself that I am here to achieve a goal, and I cannot give up. And that is how I overcome difficulties. I talk to myself and motivate myself every time. Then I have my family, faith, and a deeper dream to make a difference. I do want to inspire young players. And when I remind myself of all of these things, I never stop pushing forward.”
(Palestine National Team)
At just 26, Oday Dabbagh’s story is far from over; from making his mark domestically, to securing his first professional contract and leaving home at just 20, to now being the face of the franchise for his national team.
As he settles into the lively city of Cairo, surrounded by history, the forward has not once forgotten his roots. Motivated by his hardships, a determination to make his family proud, and fulfil his goals, Oday is fast “running” to the top as one of the most influential figures in the game, transcending the boundaries of football, fashion, and identity, not to mention the “fast enemy” being a constant thorn in the side of opposition defences.
After reflecting for the vast majority of this conversation, it seemed poignant to conclude by looking ahead, asking Oday what he would like his legacy to be.
“That I gave it my all on and off the pitch, and that I took that, and used it to make an impact for the next generation. And that next generation did the same.”
Forever selfless, Oday Dabbagh is an inspiration and a role model, determined to use his growing profile to embrace his identity and advocate against injustice. Dabbagh’s career thus far has been remarkable, but his story has just begun.
As he celebrates his 28th birthday, Marcus Rashford will no doubt be aiming to push on after his strong start to the season, racking up 11 goals and assists in just 11 starts. But while Rashy invariably looks forward, we decided to look back, paying homage to the work he’s done and the impact he’s had, especially off the pitch.
The Mancunian burst onto the scene back in 2016, introducing himself to the Old Trafford faithful with a brace in the Europa League against Midtjylland. That same week, Rashy bagged yet another brace, this time in the Premier League against Arsenal. Destined for greatness, the path hasn’t always been smooth, but one thing is for certain: Marcus Rashford is the voice of the streets.
More than a footballer, Rashford never forgets his roots. Not only did he force a government U-turn during the COVID pandemic over free school meals, but he has also built libraries in primary schools across the UK and consistently supported his former primary school in Wythenshawe. Not to mention linking up with Carl Anka to write inspirational books for children.
From books to the booth, it’s no secret Rashy rocks with Lil Baby – just look at the EFL Cup celebrations in 2023 with Jadon Sancho. MBE has also linked up with DBE, as well as fellow Mancuinian Meekz. After a tough few years, Rashford has been ‘DUE4AWIN’ for a while, and he’s running it back in style this season.
Coming a long way from matching fits with Jesse Lingard, Rashford knows how to put it on. But after making a stand for what’s right, and giving back to those less fortunate, a situation Rashford can personally relate to, the pendulum of favour shifted. Despite his positive contributions, his charitable work has often been weaponised against him, in response to normal fluctuations in form. As layering chains, and supporting the next generation of underprivileged children, became seemingly incompatible.
The backlash he faced after his trip to watch the New York Knicks last November, epitomises the intense scrutiny players face when simply expressing themselves, as most of the discourse challenged his professionalism and used his outfit as justification of said criticism.
First and foremost, Rashford looked fly as hell in his LV hoodie and chains, not to mention the dope gold grillz. But most importantly, why is it being used against him when he is entitled to rock whatever drip he wants to? The whole narrative in mainstream media around black footballers and black athletes in general when it comes to self-expression needs to be questioned.
There is a fine line between criticism and personal attacks, and it often feels as though the discourse is targeted at Marcus the person rather than Rashford the footballer.
Granted his form during the trip wasn’t the best but he would be the first to admit that. Ultimately, you can criticise his efficacy on the pitch, but a line must be drawn.
In a time of increased mental health awareness within football, the media must be held responsible for their persistent efforts to challenge his integrity as a human being. Rashford has made some mistakes, and he will likely continue to make them, but what individual in their twenties hasn’t? Whenever the media discusses Marcus Rashford, they mention his wages, cars, and clothes. Yet, there is complete silence when it comes to his positive work.
From 39, to 19, to 10, Rashford is on his way back to being number 1. Whether he’s backstage at DBE concerts or linking up with Prince William, Rashford has always been more than a footballer. A cultural icon for his playing style, philanthropy, and positive impact, it’s time we appreciated what he has achieved at a young age.
In the words of Marcus Rashford: “If you back me, good. If you doubt me, even better.”
Happy Birthday, Rashy.