Eduardo Camavinga is making waves after becoming the first football player to walk the runway for Balenciaga. This milestone highlights the growing connection between sports and fashion, showcasing how these worlds are increasingly intertwined.

Camavinga, a promising talent for Real Madrid, drew significant attention at Paris Fashion Week, not just as a footballer but as a model. At just 19, he impressed audiences alongside celebrities like Dua Lipa, Nicole Kidman, and Kim Kardashian. His stylish black blazer and wide trousers were a hit, and his excitement was evident in the Instagram posts he shared from the event.

This moment reflects a significant shift from past attitudes where fashion was often seen as irrelevant in the male-dominated realm of football. Historically, players faced criticism for their fashion choices—like Brian Clough’s refusal to sign Gary McAllister over his cowboy boots, or Ruud van Nistelrooy being told by Roy Keane to remove his red hair tie. The industry has evolved, with footballers like David Beckham having to navigate and sometimes struggle with fashion expectations.

Today, the line between sports and fashion is blurring. It’s now common to see footballers showcasing diverse styles, with notable figures like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tom Davies making headlines at New York Fashion Week. Players are increasingly collaborating with high-end brands, with Marcus Rashford teaming up with Burberry, Megan Rainoe representing Loewe, and Memphis Depay working with Valentino. Recently, Jack Grealish has also entered the fashion scene with Gucci, further demonstrating the deepening relationship between football and fashion.