Features
Eddie Nketiah Talks London Fashion Week, Creativity & Family
Last Thursday, with London Fashion Week well underway, I arrived at a hotel in London Bridge, typically early and wholly unsure of what to expect. The brief I’d been given detailed a BTS video and interview with Eddie Nketiah as he prepared to attend PROTOTYPES’s debut London Fashion Week show.
Shortly after I arrived at the hotel, Nketiah touched down, the Crystal Palace striker arriving in most footballers’ preferred mode of transport – the Mercedes V-Class. But this wasn’t just any rental, far from it, with a curated leather interior in mint green and black, the headrests were engraved with the initials E.N., with the interior design completed with the classic stars on the roof – twinkling from the flash of the three cameras following him to the car.
As the forward greeted us and invited us upstairs, we were met with a warm and genuine reception – to such an extent that Nketiah even offered us food from Nandos, a kind offer we politely declined, opting to focus on the job at hand. And in between checking in on us and making sure we had everything we needed, the 26-year-old was chopping it up with the mandem, a reminder that these players, so often revered and idolised, are just regular guys like us.
As he sat down to go through some last-minute TLC and preparation, including some eye patches and a mini-manicure, the forward shared the plan for the evening. “I guess it’s a ‘get ready with me day’ innit [laughs]. We’ve luckily been invited by PROTOTYPES to sit in the front row and watch the show, so we’re really looking forward to that. Right now, we’re just vibing and getting ready.”
When I asked if he’s a regular attendee at these events, Nketiah shared that this was his first show in his home city. “First London show, to be honest, so really exciting. It’s the kind of space I want to be in, so it’s nice to go there and get the experience.”
However, last year was when he got his first taste of the elusive fashion weeks. “I went to Paris Fashion Week last year. That was probably my first time attending. We did a few shows there with some of the boys.” Clearly excited by the resurfacing memory, I quizzed him on his favourite show from last year’s event. “Sacai invited us, that was a really nice one. They have some really good collabs, so that was probably my favourite, to be honest.”
From the second we began discussing fashion, it was clear that not only did Eddie enjoy discussing it, but he was also locked into the fashion game. With Under Armour his undisputed number one brand, I prodded him to divulge his second favourite, with distinguished Italian fashion house “Prada” the first name to come to mind. And so when asked which fashion house he would walk for, if given the chance, he was quick to respond, “I’d probably choose Prada, to be honest. I wear it quite a bit, and they’ve got some nice pieces.”
Leaving him to get dressed, the 26-year-old emerges in one of the flyest fits I’ve seen in the game. Sporting a PROTOTYPES waffle long-sleeve t-shirt under a PROTOTYPES over-shirt, coupled up with Guess jeans, Louis Vuitton trainers and glasses courtesy of Gentle Monster, the outfit was completed with “a little patty on the wrist” – with the blue strap on the Patek Philippe watch the ultimate deciding factor between a few of the options available to the striker.
While Nketiah applied the finishing touches to his outfit, I couldn’t help but notice the large leather bag sitting on the edge of the bed, and as I searched my memory, I quickly realised it was the FA Cup Final bag. Quick to assume it was a Hermès Birkin, I was in fact proven completely wrong. “You know, it’s actually not a Birkin, bro. It’s actually LV. Yeah, it’s LV, but people haven’t really seen it before.”
Naturally, my follow-up focused on what prompted him to rock it at the FA Cup Final.”I thought it was nice, but it just seemed fitting with the suit. Obviously, you want to go to a game looking nice, feeling nice, and thankfully, we’ve got the W in the end – That’s the good luck charm still.” [laughs] But was one statement LV accessory not enough, Eddie? Letting him know the double LV was a bit greedy, he was quick to agree, “Yeah, it’s a bit greedy, but life is short, bro. You’ve got to enjoy it, man.” And oh, did he enjoy himself, as Palace beat City to clinch a historic trophy.
Throughout the evening, it was evident that Nketiah’s sharp eye for the finer details stemmed from his innate creativity, but what does creativity actually mean to the Premier League striker?
“Expressing yourself, whether that be on or off the pitch. Football is the most important way for me, obviously, to express myself and be creative. But my clothes just express how I feel at the moment. You might be on a chill vibe, you’ve dressed chill, you might be feeling nice, dressed nice. So, it’s good, and that’s what’s nice, the freedom to be able to dress and put that on.”
Nketiah, England’s U21 record goal scorer, also credited his family, especially their Ghanaian roots, for shaping his outlook on self-expression. “It’s massive. I love my family to death; we’re so close. My mum has always liked swag as well, so it’s just been in my family. We’ve always tried to dress well. Obviously, we probably didn’t have the budget we have now, but my parents have always told me to express myself on the pitch, off the pitch, regardless of whether that’s football or just how you are. Just be true to who you are, and I try to keep those morals and spread that kind of feeling to other people I speak to as well.”
Speaking with a level of calm and assurance beyond his years, it becomes increasingly clear throughout the evening why Nketiah has made it to the top, particularly his family and friends, who have all contributed to an environment of support and authenticity around the striker.
And as we rounded off the evening, following a flurry of praise for rapper Gunna, I suggested the prospect of a potential Nketiah x Gunna collab in the future, to which Eddie was entirely open to. “Whenever he’s ready, bro. He needs to speak to Under Armour to link it up, but Gunna’s the coolest. I listen to him a lot, so shout out Gunna.”
Nonetheless, as Nketiah prepared to depart, LV in hand, undoubtedly vibing to Prototype by Gunna in his PROTOTYPE fit, his foray into the world of high fashion is merely a realisation of his innate creativity and determination to express himself.
For his first-ever London Fashion Week show, and what will certainly not be his last, Eddie Nketiah didn’t just show up, he showed out.
You can watch the full conversation here.
‘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.”
View this post on Instagram
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.