It’s a rare warm day in February when we pull up to Bromley’s Hayes Lane to meet with a player who defines what it means to be expressive both on and off the pitch.
The club’s towering defender Omar Sowunmi steps out of his car, greets us with a kind smile and leads us through the ground before carefully laying out a selection of designer pieces for our shoot.
Burberry shoes, a Rolex watch and a KENZO blazer are just some of the standout items placed around the dressing room – a space that’s usually reserved for the club’s iconic white and gold kit.
It’s clear that this centre-back has an eye for style, but having walked for some of the biggest fashion houses in the world, it’s his talent on the runway that we’re interested in.
“When I was young, around 18, I entered a little pop-up modelling show in Colchester,” Sowunmi explains. “My mum got both me and my brother to do it. I ended up winning the show but nothing really came of it, other than a certificate.”
With the modelling dreams seemingly a distant memory, Sowunmi continued turning up on the pitch. However, in 2021 he found himself back in front of the cameras.
“I was approached by a scout in London and ended up signing for an agency called Nevs.”
Skip ahead to 2025 and the 29-year-old has been to fashion shows in London and Paris – even walking for Burberry in 2022.
Omar Sowunmi wears: Blazer by KENZO, Shirt by Ted Baker, Trousers by Le Merj Trousers, Shoes by KENZO, Bag by Nanushka, Watch by Rolex, Jewellery by Serge De Nimes and Chained&Able
“Walking for Burberry was insane,” he admits. “It was a bucket list moment. The whole process, from fittings to the show itself was incredible. It was surreal to be surrounded by such a talented group of people.”
With more and more athletes dancing the line between sport and fashion, there’s an increasing amount of players stepping out onto the runway and connecting with fans on a deeper level off the pitch. Sowunmi is very much a part of that shift.
“I think it was once frowned upon for athletes to show their style or express themselves outside of their sport. But now it’s more accepted. Everyone can have their own style.”
Héctor Bellerín, Joe Willock and Trevoh Chalobah are three players who’s style he admires. While, a little closer to home, Bromley’s Harry McKirdy earns a special mention.
“What I’ve seen from him , so far, has been very good.”
On the pitch, Bromley have continued to impress and defy expectations. Aiming to earn a spot in the play-offs to achieve promotion to League One, it’s clear that a winning mentality is instilled in every player in Andy Woodman’s squad.
“It’s amazing to be a Bromley player right now,” Sowunmi says. “There’s such a buzz around the club. We want promotion. I’m sure every other club wants promotion too, but we feel like for us it’s really possible.”
The versatile defender has netted five goals in all competitions this term – impressing in all areas of the pitch. It’s a fantastic story for a baller who hadn’t stepped onto a pitch until he was 14.
“I started quite late. I started playing for my school football team and my PE teacher invited Ipswich Town scouts to come and watch a school game. From there I attended trials and signed a scholarship with the club.
“Everyone was watching football but growing up I just wasn’t interested. I supported Liverpool because my cousins and my uncle did. I went to a game where Charlton Athletic played Liverpool and that was what made me fall in love with the sport.”
Prior to his football revelation, Sowunmi excelled in track, field and even rugby. His offer of trials with the England rugby team was not enough to deter him from football and his scholarship at Ipswich.
Omar Sowunmi wears: Jacket by Av Vattev, Trousers by Simone Rocha, Shoes by Burberry, Jewellery by Serge De Nimes, Chained&Able, and MJJones
Returning to Bromley in the summer of 2024 after spending time at Sutton United – Sowunmi is committed to his future at the club. When he’s not putting in the effort on the pitch, he’s strengthening his body in the gym.
But, when the opportunity of a down day arrives, Sowunmi knows just how to spend it.
“ I’m a big eater,” he begins. “I’d have a good breakfast, poached eggs and avocado maybe, then I’d head to the gym for a light workout. I’d definitely go to the spa, then I’d chill out and maybe put a good series on.
“I love Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad. I also love sci-fi movies and war films. I’m a big Marvel fan too, Iron Man is my favourite.”
If he wasn’t a footballer, or a model, Sowunmi admits that he’d love to be a Formula One driver. A Ferrari partnership of Lewis Hamilton and Omar Sowunmi? We’re sold.
Before we end our shoot and neatly pack up the clothing, we ask Sowunmi to leave us with some advice – both style and non-style related.
“Whatever you’re doing, always give 110%. Keep going and work hard. In terms of fashion, my tip would be to dress up your loungewear – a nice big pair of joggers can look great with some boots and maybe a cropped jacket.
“Find a silhouette that you like and that suits you, anything from there will work.”
