There’s almost a sense of dissonance in seeing Michy Batshuayi land in Frankfurt: I had imagined him, now nearly 32, in a stage of his career where more than ever he loves to express his personality, in Paris or London—he tells us how London has defined his aesthetic more than any other. Just take a look at his Instagram profile: between cars, fashion, and meticulously curated outfits, I might have pictured Michy Batshuayi elsewhere. And yet, here we find him at Frankfurt’s Kleinmarkthalle, where he talks about the need to add a new stop to his personal European Grand Tour, which began back in 2010.
"I arrived in Frankfurt mainly to face one last big challenge in Europe. I’ve played in many countries, in different leagues, and I still had the desire to test myself in a new environment. Football in Germany has an intense passion, with incredibly engaged fans—it’s the right place for me."
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Standard Liège, Olympique Marseille, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Valencia, Crystal Palace, Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray. Few players can boast such a rich journey (consider what it means to wear the jerseys of the three most prestigious Turkish clubs in just four years). Batshuayi is, at heart, someone who loves to absorb the energy of the places he moves to: he seems to live off continuous references, driven by an insatiable curiosity.
He himself indirectly confirms this ability to soak up his surroundings like a sponge: "Spongebob is my favorite cartoon: watching it is important to me because it reminds me how to calibrate humor in certain situations. One part of me loves Spongebob; the other identifies with Batman, who helps me act decisively when needed."
When it comes to Frankfurt, this is his story—but London is a different tale: "It’s a city that really shaped me in terms of style. I love how people express themselves without limits, mixing sportswear, tailoring, and vintage pieces. Having the opportunity to live London through my experiences with Crystal Palace and Chelsea gave me the confidence to reshape my image and embrace the connection between football and fashion."
It’s no coincidence that Wales Bonner, of English origin, is one of the designers who inspires Michy Batshuayi the most at this point in his life: "I admire how Wales Bonner merges heritage with the world today. Her vision aligns with my story, my roots, and the path I’ve taken to get here". He continues, expressing a desire: "If I were ever to walk for a brand, I’d want it to be for Wales Bonner or Lacoste".
Cap NEW ERA, Jacket LEE COPER, Jacket ANDERSON BELL, Jeans ANTHONY CALYDON, Shoes SUPREME X DR MARTENS.
Cap NEW ERA, Jacket LEE COPER, Jacket ANDERSON BELL, Jeans ANTHONY CALYDON, Shoes SUPREME X DR MARTENS.
Cap NEW ERA.
Michy Batshuayi is among those pioneering players who have combined fashion and football even before 2020, when attending a runway show or wearing certain pieces and brands was considered "for men"—today we’d rather say "for boys", as criticism has significantly decreased compared to 6–7 years ago. Behind what might once have seemed an unusual hobby for a footballer, however, lie very precise motivations, often going beyond a simple—albeit refined—recently developed passion.
"I was always taught to pay attention to details and how you present yourself. On the field, fashion gave me a sense of creativity and confidence—the desire to take risks and stand out".
It wasn’t just fashion that influenced Michy’s way of playing; football, in turn, also shaped his personal style. "Off the field, football has helped define my style: the culture of jerseys, team identities, discipline—all of this shaped how I pair sportswear with more refined pieces".
Although Michy has made it clear how important this stage of his career in Frankfurt is for remaining a relevant athlete in Europe, his future plans seem well defined, and fashion will certainly have a place in Batshuayi’s life. "Since the beginning of 2025, I’ve started developing SKP, which isn’t just a brand but a real creative project. It’s a space where I can explore fashion, tell stories, and assert an identity that transcends football. With SKP, I want to leave something behind once my football career is over".
Moreover, the fact that Michy, as a footballer, had to overcome more than one obstacle in trying to freely express himself through style has profoundly strengthened him, making him a stronger person practically as well. "Being a footballer means living with a very strict discipline: rules, schedules, restrictions—it’s part of the job. Sometimes, yes, it can feel like it limits your freedom, especially when exploring new interests. But in the end, a footballer’s life teaches you rigor, patience, and organization. Often, the rules seemed limiting, but they pushed me to find other ways to exist off the field".
Scrolling through Michy Batshuayi’s Instagram profile, there’s more than a few fit pics or photoshoots set against cars: for example, one in which he was styled by Benjamin Comuce—the styling that brought us in contact with the striker—features a Lancia Delta Integrale, an Ushanka hat, and loafers with white socks and shorts. The inspiration seems to come straight from Tyler The Creator’s 2021 short video Side Street. "Cars are a real passion for me. I love their design, and for me, a car tells a story, just like an outfit. Returning to Tyler, The Creator, he’s a huge source of inspiration for me. He built his universe by combining music, fashion, and more with total freedom. I see myself in him: don’t set limits, create your own rules, always".
Full look SKP.
Full look SKP.
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Cap EXTENDED FAMILY, Jacket ALPHA INDUSTRIES, Shirt OPEN YY, Boots 424.
Cap EXTENDED FAMILY, Jacket ALPHA INDUSTRIES, Shirt OPEN YY, Boots 424.
