Dortmund’s captain and loyal servant Marco Reus announced earlier this month he will leave the club after 12 years, truly signifying the end of an era for a man who has come to embody everything Dortmund. Reus has never won the Champions League, and a sendoff with arguably the biggest club trophy on the planet would be a heroic ending to a player who never won Germany’s Bundesliga, and missed out on Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning campaign due to injury.
The history books would write themselves with a Reus Dortmund win on June 1st. Real Madrid, on the other hand, is no stranger to this competition, winning a record 14 times. Los Blancos are looking to continue their European domination with their 15th title, further cementing the team’s legacy as the most successful European side in history.
Narratives and the game aside, the UEFA Champions League throughout Europe, and especially in the UK, is a time to gather with your best friends and family to enjoy top-level football. But before you grab a pint and sit down to watch the match, we’re giving you insight into the best outfits you can put together for the game, or in anticipation of the UEFA European Championship later this summer.
Nike Sneakers Made for the Pitch
A great football-inspired outfit starts with sneakers, and Nike’s impact on the sport spans beyond the pitch and into street culture. If you fall under the Ronaldo camp for the greatest of all time conversation, consider starting with the Nike Air Max 97 Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal Patchwork. While the 5-time Champions League winner isn’t playing in Europe anymore, his legacy in this competition specifically will always be worth praise.
If you want a sneaker that isn’t as loud, consider the iconic Air Max 97 Triple White Wolf Grey, an essential sneaker that can be paired with virtually anything you decide to wear for the game. For a more statement sneaker, consider the Nike Air Max Plus Yellow Pink Gradient, a gorgeous sneaker that features yellow on the toe box that fades to an all-red gradient at the heel tab. If you’re cheering for Dortmund this weekend, the sneaker is a great yet subtle option for you. While the red doesn’t follow the club’s colour scheme, the yellow screams BVB.
All three of these sneakers will look great with a pair of light-wash straight-leg denim, a retro jersey of your choosing, and a neutral crossbody bag to complete the look. We suggest starting with the kicks and moving your way up. The sneakers would also look great with white tube socks and denim shorts for a complete summer look. If you match the jersey with the sneakers, you’ll look right for the occasion.
For the Fans of the Three Stripes
adidas is no slouch in the football world and their catalog of casual football sneakers is arguably unmatched thanks to legacy silhouettes that have made a comeback over the past few years.
We couldn’t start this list without giving the adidas Samba its flowers. One of the most iconic sneaker silhouettes of all time, the Samba’s revival in street culture, in part thanks to the growing popularity of Blokecore and popular collaborations, has given new life to this timeless shoe. Samba’s are a must when catching the match, and lucky for you, there is a Samba to match any outfit.
To start, we’re highlighting the coveted collaboration between adidas and Wales Bonner with the Samba Pony Tonal. The sneaker features a neutral colour palette of brown and off-white hues, accented by beautiful white pony hair throughout the silhouette. If muted tones are more your cup of tea, this sneaker will find a natural home in your rotation. Even if don’t have a jersey to wear for the game, pair the Samba Pony Tonal with a pair of black trousers and a brown or off-white polo for an elevated look.
The big clubs can’t get all the love. The adidas Blackburn Collegiate Green pays homage to English heritage by sporting the colours of English club Blackburn Rovers. Despite not having much success in the Champions League throughout the tournament’s history, showing up to the pub in these will show football runs in your veins. Sport these with a retro jersey, and everyone will know you’re the guy/gal who loves the beautiful game for the game’s sake.
adidas has been instrumental in the revival of 90s fashion and football-inspired casual fits. While you’ll surely see Sambas and other silhouettes out in the wild this weekend for the game, the extensive library of colourways and collaborations means you’ll stand out no matter what. Sambas look great with baggier denim, black trousers, or denim shorts. Complete the look by dressing it up with a button-down short-sleeved Hawaiian shirt, or dress for the occasion with your favorite football shirt.
If you’re looking for the best Champions League-inspired sneakers for the match, or want to embrace the growing Blokecore trend, you can shop the best offerings on StockX here.
Football Jerseys to Flex for the Big Game
Retro Football jerseys have never been more in style, and brands like Nike and adidas have re-released classic designs from the 80s and 90s, bringing new life to a younger generation of football fans. Newer jersey collaborations have also brought a touch of fashion-forward design to football jerseys, making them increasingly popular on the high street.
To start, we’re highlighting football excellence with the Y-3 adidas Real Madrid 23/24 Special Edition Trikot Jersey in dark purple. The jersey features an all-purple design with two opaque roses on the right shoulder and left rib. An additional rose is located on the lower back to complete the design. If you’re a fan of Los Blancos, this jersey is a must for the game. Sport the jersey with the Air Max 97 Triple White and you have a fit perfect for the Champions League final.
In line with the retro jersey revival, we’re showcasing the adidas Mexico 1985 Away Jersey. This throwback features the classic V-neck cut of other classic jerseys on a cloud-white background, outlined in trim with Mexico’s red and green colours. The classic adidas logo is found on the right side of the chest while Mexico’s bold national team logo.
Retro national team jerseys will always have a place in the culture, and Mexico’s national team has always had some of the most iconic offerings in the world. It doesn’t matter if the Champions League is about club football heritage, the national teams will always get some love!
If you’re trying to look the part without supporting a specific team, the Aime Leon Dore Team Leon Soccer Jersey is a perfect option for you. Inspired by retro jerseys in Latin America, the team at ALD did an excellent job respecting the design and heritage of clubs on the other side of the planet. The jersey features a unique crest on the chest, “Banco De Leon” sponsorship logo near the stomach, and even includes custom patches on the arms, back, and collarbone where sponsorships usually live on that side of the world.
You don’t need a team to look the part, and ALD’s full catalog of football jerseys available on StockX will have you ready for the game and the EUROS this summer.
Jerseys are the best way to flex during the big game, and with recent collaborations alongside re-releases, there are plenty of flavors to choose from. Just make sure the outfit matches the top, and you’re ready for a pint, some food, great company, and hopefully, a Champions League Final in Wembley to remember. If you didn’t find a jersey that matches your taste, don’t worry. StockX has a growing catalog of both retro and collaboration jerseys available here.
Borussia Dortmund or Real Madrid – who do you have taking it all?
