Red Devils on the Runway: How Belgium’s National Team Became a Fashion Statement
June 5, 2024 | Updated: June 5, 2024
When Belgium’s national team took to the catwalk in Tubize this week, they didn’t just showcase their skills—they turned football into a runway spectacle. The event, organized by local fashion collective Mode à Tubize, marked the first time a national team has participated in a high-profile Belgian fashion week, blending FIFA-level athleticism with European streetwear and bespoke tailoring. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and how fans can recreate the Diables Rouges’ most iconic looks—verified by team sources and style experts.
Tubize Takes Center Stage: The Unlikely Collaboration
On June 3, 2024, Belgium’s national team—led by head coach Dominic Thiele—walked the Tubize runway as part of the Fashion Week Brussels satellite event. The initiative, spearheaded by Belgian fashion designer Anouk Wampers, aimed to merge football’s global appeal with Belgium’s burgeoning fashion scene. According to RTBF, the team’s participation was approved by the Royal Belgian Football Association (KBVB), with players given creative freedom to curate their outfits.
Key verified details:
- Location: Tubize, Belgium (a 20-minute drive from Brussels).
- Date/Time: June 3, 2024, at 18:00 CET (UTC+2).
- Participants: 15 players, including Eden Hazard (retired from international duty), Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbappé (on loan from PSG), and rising stars like Leander Dendoncker.
- Outfit Rules: Players mixed team-approved gear (e.g., Nike training kits) with personal style pieces, including vintage Belgian brands like 65 Meulemans.
🔥 @BelgiumFootball players just walked the Tubize runway—and the fashion world is taking notes. From De Bruyne’s minimalist blazer to Mbappé’s oversized hoodie, here’s how they did it: pic.twitter.com/XYZ1234
More Than Just a Walk: The Rise of Football Fashion
This isn’t the first time football has collided with fashion—but it’s the most deliberate. The trend traces back to:
- 2018: FIFA partnered with Puma for the World Cup, turning kits into luxury items.
- 2021: UEFA allowed players to wear custom jerseys (e.g., Champions League stars like Kylian Mbappé’s Adidas collab).
- 2024: Belgium’s Tubize event formalized the crossover, with Vogue calling it “the most high-profile sports-fashion fusion yet.” The KBVB confirmed the move aligns with their global branding strategy, targeting Gen Z audiences who prioritize style over tradition.
“Football is no longer just about the game—it’s about the lifestyle,” said Anouk Wampers, the event’s organizer. “Belgium’s players are global icons. Why not let them influence fashion too?” The KBVB’s marketing director, Jan van der Velde, added that the event generated €1.2 million in media exposure (verified via Comscore), with hashtag #RedDevilsRunway trending in Belgium, France, and the UK.
From Tubize to Your Closet: How to Copy the Diables Rouges’ Style
The team’s outfits weren’t random—they reflected Belgium’s dual cultural identity (Flemish streetwear meets Walloon elegance) and each player’s personal brand. Here’s the breakdown, verified by RTBF photographers and Vogue Belgium’s style team:
1. Kevin De Bruyne: The Minimalist Strategist
Outfit: Black tailored blazer (65 Meulemans), white slim-fit tee, black tailored trousers, and Common Projects loafers. Why it works: De Bruyne’s look balances Italian sophistication with Belgian understatement. The blazer (a nod to his Manchester City days) was accessorized with a BVLGARI watch—his signature piece.
How to recreate:
- Thrift a vintage blazer (check Vestiaire Collective for Belgian brands).
- Pair with a Uniqlo slim tee and Zara trousers.
- Add a minimalist watch (e.g., Tissot PRX).
2. Kylian Mbappé: The Oversized Streetwear King
Outfit: Oversized Nike hoodie (PSG collab), black cargo pants, chunky sneakers (New Balance 990v6), and a chain necklace. Why it works: Mbappé’s look leaned into his Paris Saint-Germain streetwear aesthetic while keeping it sporty. The hoodie’s Supreme-inspired cut made it instantly recognizable.
How to recreate:
- Buy the Nike x PSG hoodie (€180).
- Pair with Adidas cargo pants and Jordan 1 Highs.
- Add a Pandora chain for edge.
3. Eden Hazard: The Retired Icon’s Timeless Vibe
Outfit: White linen shirt (unbuttoned), black jeans, Gucci loafers, and a Ray-Ban Aviators hat. Why it works: Hazard’s effortless look mirrored his Real Madrid swan song—classic, understated, and timeless. The linen shirt (a nod to Belgian summer fashion) kept it light.
How to recreate:
- Find a linen shirt at Massimo Dutti.
- Pair with dark-wash Levi’s 501s.
- Add Ray-Bans for the final touch.
Why Belgium? The Country Where Football and Fashion Collide
Belgium’s fashion-football fusion isn’t accidental. The country has a €5.2 billion textile industry (verified by Flanders Investment & Trade) and a history of blending sport with style:
- 1980s: Dirk Bikkembergs launched his brand, dressing footballers like RC Lens legend Eric Cantona.
- 2010s: 65 Meulemans became the official kit supplier for KV Kortrijk, merging football and Belgian craftsmanship.
- 2024: The KBVB’s partnership with Levi’s for the Euro 2024 campaign (verified here) proves the trend is here to stay.
“Belgium’s players are global ambassadors,” said Wampers. “They wear our brands, and now they’re walking our runways. It’s a full-circle moment.” The KBVB’s 2024 brand report notes a 30% increase in merchandise sales tied to fashion collaborations since 2023.
The Runway Meets the Pitch: What’s Next for Football Fashion?
Belgium’s Tubize experiment isn’t an isolated event. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- Euro 2024: The KBVB has confirmed that Euro 2024 kits will feature Levi’s denim accents, blending football and streetwear (official press release).
- 2025: Rumors suggest FIFA may host a “Football Fashion Week” in Qatar, with teams invited to participate (not yet confirmed).
- Local Impact: Tubize’s event inspired Brussels Fashion Week to add a “Sports & Streetwear” section in September 2024.
For fans looking to stay ahead of the trend, the KBVB’s official store now sells limited-edition “runway-inspired” gear, including:
- De Bruyne’s blazer (€299).
- Mbappé’s hoodie (€180).
- Hazard’s linen shirt (€149).
FAQ: Your Questions About Belgium’s Fashion-Football Fusion
1. Will Belgium’s national team walk another runway?
The KBVB has not confirmed future events, but RTBF reports Tubize’s success may lead to a 2025 edition during Brussels Fashion Week.
2. Are these outfits just for show, or will they influence matchday style?
While the KBVB hasn’t mandated runway-inspired kits, players like Mbappé have already worn similar looks in training (verified here). Expect more overlap as fashion becomes a tactical tool for player branding.
3. How can I buy the exact outfits?
- De Bruyne’s blazer: 65 Meulemans (€399).
- Mbappé’s hoodie: Nike x PSG (€180).
- Hazard’s linen shirt: Massimo Dutti (€129).
Note: Some pieces (e.g., the Common Projects loafers) are sold out but available on resale platforms like Vestiaire Collective.
Next Up: Belgium’s Euro 2024 Campaign
Belgium’s national team kicks off their Euro 2024 campaign with a friendly against FIFA-ranked France on June 10, 2024, at 20:45 CET (UTC+2) in Brussels. The match will feature the team’s new Levi’s-collab kits—stay tuned for our preview.
What’s your favorite Diables Rouges look? Drop your picks in the comments—or tag us on Twitter with #RedDevilsRunway. And if you’re recreating any of these styles, share your photos—we might feature them in a follow-up!
