STYLE GOALS How fashion has gone footy mad as retro jerseys become latest style trend thanks to Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa and Rita Ora

STYLE GOALS: How fashion has gone footy mad as retro jerseys become latest style trend thanks to Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa and Rita Ora

Football shirts are no longer confined to stadium terraces – they’ve become a genuine fashion statement. Over the last few years, retro jerseys have made their way from matchday culture into everyday streetwear, and now even onto red carpets and music videos. What was once a symbol of fan loyalty has been reimagined as a chic, nostalgic piece that blends sportswear with high fashion. The surge of interest has been supercharged by celebrities and influencers, who are turning football tops into a must-have wardrobe item.

The trend is powered by the cultural revival of the 1990s and 2000s. Oversized silhouettes, bold sponsor logos, and vintage colorways are back in vogue, aligning perfectly with the Y2K aesthetic that dominates today’s fashion cycles. Old-school designs from the likes of Juventus, AC Milan, Barcelona, and England have reappeared in glossy magazine spreads, often paired with leather trousers, denim skirts, or even luxury handbags. Retro kits hit the sweet spot between sporty nonchalance and fashion-forward confidence, making them accessible to both hardcore football fans and those just chasing the latest look.

What really propelled the movement into the mainstream was the endorsement from global style icons. Kim Kardashian has been spotted in vintage Roma and PSG jerseys, styling them with high-end accessories and proving that football shirts can be as glamorous as any designer piece. Dua Lipa, always a trendsetter, incorporated football tops into her stage outfits, blending pop stardom with terrace culture. Rita Ora has also been photographed rocking retro kits, showing how seamlessly they fit into music, nightlife, and streetwear aesthetics. When celebrities adopt a subcultural style, it often signals its arrival into the fashion mainstream – and that’s exactly what’s happening here.

Brands and clubs have also played their part by tapping into the nostalgic appeal of retro gear. Adidas, Nike, and Puma have all released reimagined versions of classic kits, often in limited runs that sell out instantly. Boutique labels are collaborating with clubs to deliver capsule collections that bridge sport and luxury. Even thrift stores and vintage resellers have seen a surge in demand for authentic old-school shirts, with prices skyrocketing for rarer editions. The fact that football jerseys can now command the same desirability as limited-edition sneakers says everything about their new cultural status.

This isn’t the first time football and fashion have collided, but the current wave feels different. In the past, terrace style was closely tied to casual subcultures, often centered on exclusivity and underground identity. Today’s trend is more global, inclusive, and fluid, driven by social media and celebrity exposure. A shirt that was once worn only to show allegiance to a team is now just as likely to be worn for brunch, a festival, or a night out. It’s fashion democratized, blending sport, pop culture, and nostalgia into a single versatile garment.

Ultimately, the rise of retro jerseys reflects how deeply football has become woven into global culture. The sport is no longer just about the game; it’s about music, lifestyle, and identity. With A-listers like Kim, Dua, and Rita setting the pace, expect to see even more vintage-inspired designs hitting the high street – and more fans wearing their favorite teams not just to matches, but as a bold fashion statement. Football shirts have officially gone from pitch to catwalk, proving that style goals and sporting goals are now closer than ever.