Football and fashion – the two bedfellows of the modern game – have been brought together in a new exhibition, Strike a Pose, at the National Football Museum in Manchester.
The free exhibition, opening on February 1, will celebrate the good, the bad and the unforgettable of fashion on the terraces over the years and illustrate how footballers have embraced fashion and collaborated with brands.
From George Best’s boutiques, to Liverpool FC’s white FA Cup Final suits and Jose Mourinho’s iconic grey coat, football and fashion have been intrinsically linked for decades.
Elsewhere, the photography of Terry O’Neill captures some of the beautiful game’s legends. A highlight includes a portrait of a young, thoughtful Paul Gascoigne.
There’s also a glimpse into the world of football and fashion advertising as Mario Balotelli teams up with Nike for a TV commercial.
Kevin Moore, National Football Museum director said: "Ever since the footballers’ wage cap was lifted in 1961, fashion has gripped the football world. From the lavish style of the super-rich footballer to the average fan braving a cold winter afternoon on the terraces, fashion has had its say.
"We’re excited that this exhibition will appeal to those who maybe aren’t football fans, but can admire the impact football has had on the world of fashion and vice versa."
The museum boasts three floors of objects, stories and ‘hands on’ interactives.
Museum collection highlights include a shirt from the world’s first international match played in 1872, the 1966 World Cup Final ball and the shirt worn by Maradona during the infamous 1986 ‘Hand of God’ quarterfinal match between England and Argentina.
