It’s never been too hard to spot a football fan, typically wearing jerseys or scarves woven with their team’s colors. However, over the past few years, this unofficial uniform has become more eclectic with the introduction of blokecore trends and vintage upcycled shirts fuelling the desire for experimental match day attire. As brands continue to put their spin on football fashion, Just Eat and Filling Pieces launch a new collaboration to celebrate the UEFA Champions League Final.
The exclusive range, which dropped earlier this month, centers around the staple tracksuit with one trouser set and another summer-ready shorts style. Drawing inspiration from the Netherlands’ minimal 1978 kit, which featured an orange base and a black logo, the fine-knit co-ords subscribe to an understated yet premium look with crisp lines and a single embroidered crest on the chest.
Beyond simply updating match day fits, the collaboration looks to celebrate the diverse nature of football fandom. Take a closer look at the crest and you will be able to spot a split motif of a stadium and a living room, which “represents two very different atmospheres of where the game can be enjoyed, but also where the tracksuit can be worn,” says Guillaume Philibert, co-founder of Filling Pieces.
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While jerseys have traditionally divided fans, the tracksuit acts as a symbol of unity. By keeping details minimal, wearers can sport the exclusive pieces no matter what team they support and still look their best. Philibert adds, “A piece of clothing should make you feel good about yourself. An outfit can amplify a moment or experience, so I hope this tracksuit makes match day better with how people feel in it.”
For the supporting campaign, Just Eat brought together Tottenham player Xavi Simons and legendary former midfielder Clarence Seedorf. Despite coming from two different football eras, the pair have blazed similar paths, growing up in the Netherlands, training at top youth clubs and going on to play for global teams in the biggest leagues. Standing side by side, they represent the past and future of the sport, championing the spirit of connection in football while donning the tracksuits.
On the set for the new campaign, Hypebeast catches up with the duo to discuss match day rituals, fashion in football and why fans are becoming closer than ever to athletes.
Hypebeast: This campaign brings together two generations of football talent. What does it mean to be a champion beyond medals and trophies?
Simons: Playing on a bigger stage is the most beautiful thing. It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the league and since I’ve made it, I’m trying to enjoy the experience. What Clarence has achieved, that’s the goal, that’s what makes you a champion.
Seedorf: It doesn’t matter whether it’s one minute in or 90, Xavi has the passion to go out and score goals. He is a real football lover and he transmits that love. I never stopped loving the game, even if it was training. The Champions League, specifically, gets the best out of players because it’s the biggest stage in Europe and everybody is always ambitious. It’s about finding the right teammates and the right club to support your passion and fulfill your dreams of lifting a cup.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the league and since I’ve made it, I’m trying to enjoy the experience.” – Xavi Simons
Your relationship with the sport goes back decades, Clarence, how would you describe football fandom today?
CS: When I played, we were motivated to go on the pitch and play for the fans, bringing them as much joy as we could. With all the tools that we have today, the connection is closer. The feeling of being able to reach out to the fans – and for fans to be able to connect with their idols – is real and that’s the beauty. We had an element of that but it was more about the imagination of those far away in the stadium. It’s great to see what Xavi’s generation has built.
Xavi, how do you feed off the energy from your fans?
XS: The energy that the fans bring is fantastic. At the end of the day, they are the ones who support us on a daily basis, and not only in the stadium but when we go to training or even walk down the street. You can feel that passion.
When it comes to match day, do you have any pre-game rituals that help you to get in the zone?
XS: I have quite a lot of rituals but one of them is to have a chat with my family. Before a game, I FaceTime them and we don’t talk about the game, more about how I’m feeling and how they are. My younger sister cannot wait to see me on TV.
CS: As a player, I had a focus rather than particular rituals and that was to make sure the tension was just right. Sometimes the tension was a bit too much because everybody stands waiting in the tunnel, so I tried to balance that by making jokes or listening to music to get distracted by what’s going to happen on the pitch. Other times, you’re about to play an easy game, having just come from a bigger game and now you need to motivate yourself to go and play the match. So that was a specific thing that I had to focus on.
What are your go-to takeout spots after a big game?
XS: What I enjoy most is my mum’s cooking. She will make Surinamese food and I cannot wait to go home and eat it. That’s my favorite thing. Otherwise, I like to eat Acai bowls after a game and keep it healthy.
CS: When I was playing for AC Milan, I had my own restaurant in Milan called Fingers, so I would go there usually. Other than that, I would stick to one restaurant because I wouldn’t like to change what I ate too much as it’s quite risky as an athlete. I also liked a familiar environment where you weren’t around too many people – just a private spot. Generally, eating at home wouldn’t happen a lot because matches would end very late so restaurants were the best option.
“I’ve always considered football players as artists because of the creative mind and the art expressed on the pitch.” – Clarence Seedorf
Another big component of match days are the fits. Xavi, how would you describe your style?
XS: My style is changing a little bit. As I get older, I find that I like to switch things up more. I enjoy playing with streetwear and introducing colours. Before a game, the whole team has to wear the same tracksuit but we can choose different shoes. If I play really well, I will stick to that sneaker until the next game.
How does this compare to how footballers use fashion today?
CS: I’ve always considered football players as artists because of the creative mind and the art expressed on the pitch. What has changed is that the fashion industry has become so much closer to football because of the visibility they can get from the players now. I don’t think we were into fashion so much but everybody had their own style. There were a few guys who were very stylish when I was growing up and you can see some of those trends coming back. But now, as there’s that visibility, fashion brands are making deals with clubs. It’s nice to see.
Fans can get their hands on the Just Eat tracksuit by Filling Pieces online now on One Football’s social channels.
