Football

Cool, composed and nonchalant, 23-year-old Ben White takes to the challenges of top-flight football and fame as adeptly as a soul surfer takes to the sea. Befittingly, the Poole-born footballer is signed to coastal team Brighton and Hove Albion F.C. and counts paddleboarding as one of his favourite pastimes.

In an era where the professional game is often reduced to the soulless logic of statistics, Saïd Benrahma is a player that is best measured by the moments of sheer joy he provides to those that watch him. The Algerian winger acts as a reminder to fans as to why they fell in love with the game in the first place. That once upon a time, before football became dominated by talk of distance covered, press resistance and xG, we would all go into our back gardens and attempt to emulate our heroes. Trying and failing to flip-flap like Ronaldinho, to rainbow flick like Okocha or to Cruyff-turn like Kaka.

When Diego Reyes made the move from Club América to FC Porto in 2013 he became the latest in a line of Mexican stars to swap North America for Europe, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Hugo Sanchez, Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández, and Rafael Marquez.

The latest episode of No Stylist comes to you straight from the heart of Paris with PSG Feminine and Canada superstar Jordyn Huitema.

We take a walking tour of East London with the UK’s best kept secret - KwolleM and Joe James - to reveal the threads of friendship, music and football that link the two artists and define KwolleM’s new EP c2c.

Inside the exuberant and empowering rise of Ollie Watkins - the Premier League striking sensation who’s here to stay.

For the latest episode of No Stylist we returned to London, following on from Arsenal’s Joe Willock in Episode 02, to see what the other side of North London are serving up with Tottenham Hotspur and The Netherlands international Steven Bergwijn.

He has spent 10 years at the top of the Premier League. He’s grown in tandem with the emergence of the new wave of modern full-backs and he’s always at the forefront of the culture-defining conversations that bridge football with the wider world. Now, returning from injury following another stellar campaign for Crystal Palace last time out, his name is destined to be repeated.

Pierluigi Gollini’s football achievements certainly haven’t been at the expense of his creativity: in 2018 he released his first single, Rapper coi Guanti (Rapper with Gloves), under the name Gollorius. He’s a massive sneakerhead too, so this episode of No Stylist has every corner covered.

The Nigeria and Watford forward opens up the doors to his home for an exclusive and in-depth chat that shines a light on his incredible journey to the top via Benin, Granada and London.

We put the childhood friendship of Arsenal’s young double act Emile Smith Rowe and Zech Medley to the test to see how well they really know each other.

In No Stylist we put Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock on the spot to see if he has the style and vision to dig out the best drip with No Stylist.

To focus on the moments that have inspired his rise, we sat down with Tino Anjorin to track his life both on and off the pitch.

GAFFER puts two of the UKs brightest stars - Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa and platinum-selling artist Yxng Bane -Head to Head to find out what they’ve learned from each other and a little bit more about their life away from the spotlight.

No Stylist is a new and exclusive GAFFER video series that turns the tables on every shoot a footballer and a stylist has ever been involved in. That’s because No Stylist allows the players to dictate the shoot. In each episode a new name from the world of football will be let loose on the […]

We sit down with one of the most-talked about players on the planet to talk style, strengths, dreams and heroes.

We sat down with the man of the hour Alhan Gençay to talk all things Galatasaray; from the greatest club story ever told to what the club gives to him and his Dad.

The new Nike collection of European third kits is the ultimate hybrid of streetwear and sports. To celebrate a range of jerseys that honour the DNA of legendary forces in cities across the continent, we spoke to a cast of creative fans who take their love of the club to the max.

Arsenal full-back Cedric Soares discusses his personal style, dressing room jokes, the similarities between Cristiano Ronaldo and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang whilst also revealing which teammates he wants to challenge to a game of tennis.

GAFFER speaks to Olivia Rose to unravel her creative process and to discover a few of her favourite moments and memories from a day at St George’s Park.

GAFFER put two of the UK’s brightest stars and long-term friends - BAFTA-award winning actor Micheal Ward & Liverpool FC’s Rhian Brewster - Head to Head to delve a little deeper into their unique friendship and to find out more about their first memories, long-term dreams and sentimental stories.

Newcastle United and US soccer star DeAndre Yedlin and girlfriend Crystal Ann Rod take us on a tour of their home and an insight into their relationship for Valentine's Day 2020.

We joined Liverpool and Scotland star Andy Robertson over the first few holes of the golf course to find out what he’s learned from the game and why he wants to see Bobby Firmino on the tee.

Luis Nani gives us an insight into his upbringing, revisiting the streets of Lisbon, reciting the tales of the football pitch where he first discovered his passion for the game alongside his Manchester United memories and MLS dreams.

England's greatest female footballer, Eni Aluko, opens up about the stories beyond her first book ‘They Don’t Teach This’ and shares the moments which have shaped her life and career, including her journey to embracing her British-Nigerian heritage and her quest to improve English football.

To track their journey to the top, Nate and Trevoh Chalobah took GAFFER on a tour of Gipsy Hill to discuss their life through football - and everything that came before it.

To celebrate our breakout year, and to continue to bridge the gap between football, music, fashion and culture, GAFFER linked up with StockX to host our first end of year party.

The coming of age of one of England’s brightest prospects is perhaps closer than you’d think. The Championship’s most-talked about 20-year-old is ready to deliver on his destiny. This is how he plans to do it…

As we approach the end of another decade of incredible football achievement, we take a look at the vital role the game plays in shaping the world we live in today. Exclusively Curated by GAFFER, the two week exhibition is on display in the new StockX drop-off pop-up shop on 47 Poland Street, Soho, London, W1F 7ND, from the 6th December to December 15th.

To find out what a difference a decade makes, we sat down with Ashley Walters to track the ups, downs and unusual moments of a life and career which has been beautifully unpredictable. So, here it is. Ashley Walters on life, his one love - Arsenal - and why he thinks Raheem Sterling could make it on the small screen.

We peel away the layers of Wretch 32’s thirteen year career, which has just entered a new chapter with the release of his latest album Upon Reflection and the launch of his first book, Rapthology, to find out what really matters to one of the UK’s most unique and effervescent artists. So, this is Wretch 32 on starting out, selling CDs, Ian Wright, new ventures and why all the world needs is you just being you.

GAFFER produced the exclusive photoshoot for the new genre-defining collaboration which sees 424 become the official formal wear partner of Arsenal. We also caught up with 424 founder Guillermo Andrade and Hector Bellerin behind the scenes to find out more about this landmark collaboration.

After finally perfecting the latest garments of her graduate collection this past June, Sophie Hird was eager to find suitable candidates to wear and sport her ornate designs. When Sports Team rolled up for her undergraduate fashion show and eagerly expressed an interest to wear her clothes in upcoming performances, Hird was confident that the eclectic 6-piece would be just the right match for her vision.

We spoke to one of the most underrated and influential stars in the English game about how leadership unlocked his potential, what it means to be a footballer in Britain today and how he fought and won the battle to define himself.

When it comes to modern icons who sit at the crossroads of fashion, music, football and popular culture, none have made a bigger impact in the last 2 years than Maya Jama. The TV and radio presenter opens up about career breaks through football, finding success on her own terms and the power of pep talks in Issue 02: Heart and Soul.

When Andreas Pereira first stepped through the door at Manchester United’s training ground, a mesh of Brazilian flair and continental discipline ingrained on the streets of Belgium and Holland, the concept of home felt like something far removed from a wet English morning.

To say Ada Hegerberg is at the top of her game would be an understatement. A forward for Division 1 club Olympique Lyonnais, the striker has averaged more than a goal a game at every level of club competition. She’s the record holder for most goals in a UEFA champions league season, this year’s BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year - the 24 year-old is, justifiably, the most celebrated female footballer of the moment.

We introduced Cheslea’s latest signing and the next big US superstar athlete Christian Pulisic to his new hometown of London as he opens up on his life outside of the game and how he is preparing to take the Premier League by storm.

GAFFER linked up with all the award-winners and attendees at the eighth annual Best of Africa awards in London to find out why night’s like this are so significant, how their heritage inspires their future endeavours as well as what African footballer they believed has made the biggest impact in the Premier League.

Rhian might still be on the cusp of the first team but is already well aware of his rising status, his reach and his ability to impact upon millions around the globe.

Ben Kelly, the creative mind behind the iconic Manchester night club The Hacienda, shares his thoughts on design, Virgil Abloh and Man City's new PUMA kit in a revealing interview which unravels the thought processes and opinions of one of the UK's most significant designers.

At only twenty-five years old, Nikita Parris has followed in the footsteps of Lineker, Beckham and Toni Duggan as one of England’s finest ever players to play abroad.

On the dawn of another Rugby World Cup, England rugby star Maro Itoje explains what it really means to find the heart and desire to succeed and what it really means to represent your country on the world's biggest stage. He also talks a lot of Arsenal too...

Michail Antonio’s unorthodox route to the top has given him a wider perspective on issues off the pitch. We sat down with the West Ham man who shares his thoughts on racism, adversity and inspiring change beyond football’s bubble.

Being a leader requires a special set of characteristics. You need charisma, confidence and total self-belief under extreme pressure. What’s scary, is that James Maddison ticks every one of these boxes at only twenty-two years old.

Family man, fearless centre half and Manchester United stalwart Victor Lindelof opens up the doors to his home for an exclusive and in-depth interview which shines a light on his life away from the pitch. Victor reveals the secrets behind his success, his views on leadership in the modern game and just how close he was to choosing ice hockey over football.

We linked up with Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham at the launch of the new Nike Chelsea third jersey - which takes direct inspiration from 1990s football culture - to find out what the club means to them, what we should bring back from the 90s and their big dreams for the season ahead.

To celebrate the launch of Tottenham’s new Nike Third Shirt - which pays tribute to iconic players of the past by bringing back the famous light blue shade synonymous with the talent that helped carve the way for the Club’s future success - we linked up with a new generation of Spurs fans, including AJ Tracey and Craig Mitch, to find out what the club and the jersey means to them.

GAFFER Issue 02: Heart & Soul honours the way football cultivates community spirit, empowers the next generation and gives fans, teams and players something bigger and more beautiful to believe in. To celebrate the launch of the new issue, we’re introducing you to our five cover stars; a special collective of people who are driving the culture to new heights and changing the face of the game forever.

We go behind the scenes of Capo Lee & Jamal Edwards 'Style & Swag' Chelsea remix video which features, Callum Hudson Odoi, Ruben Loftus Cheek, Ngolo Kante and many more.

To celebrate the team’s proper homecoming, Scott Dukes captured the official on-pitch reunion on Saturday at the Rose Bowl for the US Women’s National Team’s first game since the World Cup final.

To celebrate the launch of the new PUMA ‘Anthem’ pack we linked up with four of England’s brightest talents to discuss a whole host of things; from football dreams, debuts and new boots to pre-match superstitions, dressing room DJs and their own creative escapes.

Football is the petrol to their creativity, and the heart to their community.  For many of the women who make up the team, the game has been a life-changer. London can be a lonely place, but Whippets FC have been the open home they’ve needed. It’s not just a game or a squad. It’s a family.

This is a club that was set up to challenge the supremacy of crime and to give a substantial and attainable alternative to gang culture. By becoming the beating heart of the community, Hackney Wick FC aims to mend the dislocation between the youth and community by giving them a positive example and a road to a brighter future.

Rising Ballers is the voice for youth football. Their mission is to make sure no talent goes unnoticed. By breaking away from the traditional process, they have become the platform for unsigned youth players. Creating an empowering stage for London’s young talent; the ones who usually sit well under the radar of scouts for professional teams.

Victoria Park Vixens' aim was always to become the friendliest team in grass-roots football, something they have exceeded. Now they are a community for each and every player; and the Vixens shirt has become one that is only ever worn with pride. They are a squad who are here to kick down the stereotypes; proving that women into fashion, can still be women into football.

From humble beginnings, Hackney Laces has grown into one of London’s most influential and all-encompassing open-plan football clubs. An inviting and evolving initiative that gives girls - of all ages and abilities - a place to feel welcome and a place to grow in tandem with the game on and off the pitch.

To celebrate the relationship between the female form of the game and the myriad of creative industries out there, we spoke to a collective of inspiring London-based women about their creative professions, how living in the capital has fuelled their creative endeavours and the long-lasting impact of this summer’s Women’s World Cup.

Now over to Turin for GAFFER’s last stop in the calcio femminile series. Juventus Women have won two Serie A titles in their debut and second years in the league.

C.F. Florentia, hailing from the Tuscan capital, is the highest ranking team that is exclusively dedicated to the women’s game.

Even in Baku’s tin-hollow Olympic Stadium, Emile Smith Rowe could feel them. The eyes of the crowd weighing heavy on his back, analysing, judging his steps like a TV talent show.

Ademola Lookman was a little-known winger playing on scuffed Sunday League pitches in Wandsworth in 2014. At 16, his career seemed to have already hit the fated ceiling, lulled at the plateau outside of one of the country’s prodigious academies.

Within the space of two weeks last year, everything changed for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. On February 25 he made his Crystal Palace first-team debut in front of 25,000-plus fans at Selhurst Park against Tottenham. On March 5, he faced Manchester United. On March 10, Chelsea.

Whether in Thessaloniki, Minsk or the Sóstó in western Hungary, Callum Hudson-Odoi can always pick one sound out from the crowd. A high-pitched multi-octave whistle which pierces through the crackling flares of the home fans before ricocheting around Europe’s concrete arenas.

Nya Kirby trudged nervously towards the penalty spot through Kolkata’s thick evening air, blacking out the shrieking crowd, his mind stuck in a mantra. “Stick with it,” he repeated.

It seems an obvious statement, but Rob Holding’s casual tone belies a young man both taking in the vast and eye wateringly swift step-up he’s made professionally and also a person at total ease with the process?

Maz Pacheco plays for England U21s and Reading FC, who she signed with in July after winning the FA WSL 2 League with Doncaster Belles

Taylor Hinds plays as a midfielder for Everton, and has represented England on both the U17s and U19s teams. Having kicked a ball about for as long as she can remember, Taylor credits her parents for seeing talent in her from a young age.

Having played football for 11 years – Blackburn Rovers for nine of them, and Everton for two – Kaya Pottinger has had a ball at her feet for as long as she can remember.

From playing with the boys teams at six years old to the Women's World Cup at a mere 19 years old, Manchester City goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck has a destiny in football’s spotlight.

Georges-Kévin N’Koudou is new generation all over. Young, diminutive, incredibly quick, skilful and inept on either wing, he’s ready to fulfil a potential that’s on the cusp of being unleashed on the Premier League in 2019.

Pape Souaré, of Crystal Palace and Senegal, is a confident dresser. He demonstrated his impeccable fashion taste in an exclusive photoshoot.