OFF THE PITCH: ABOUT FASHION AND FOOTBALL WITH JORDI MBOULA

Straight from the pitch to the heart of his design studio, professional footballer Jordi Mboula takes us on a journey through his football career — sharing insights and fun facts from his early days in the game - while also offering a glimpse into his passions beyond sports.

In the world of football, athletes are celebrated for their technical skills, determination, and attitude on-field. For players like Jordi Mboula, the game extends also beyond the pitch: having played for iconic clubs while living in the fashion capital cities, Mboula has not only refined his footballing talents but also cultivated a distinctive style and a dedication to fashion that complement his career.

Talent: Jordi Mboula / Direction and Production: Allier studio / Photographer: Erea Ferreiro / Stylist: Jazz Frith

Fashion is more than just clothing - it's a form of self-expression and creativity that helps Mboula balance the high pressures of professional sport. Dive into his story and read how the player brings together his two greatest passions, football and fashion.

Can you share an interesting story or fun fact about your early days in football?

The truth is, my story with football started in a pretty funny way. I didn’t start playing out of passion: it was more out of jealousy, haha. Let me explain: my older brother Arnau signed up for football, and of course, I wanted to do the same. I couldn’t stand the idea of him having something I didn’t, so I told my parents I wanted to play too. That’s how I ended up in the local team from my town, L’Ametlla del Vallès, simply because I wanted to follow my brother.

At first, I didn’t even know if football was for me, but over time it became something much bigger for me. Sometimes I think that if my brother hadn’t signed up, my life might have gone in a completely different direction. But in the end, it was that small spark of jealousy that ignited my passion for football.

Talent: Jordi Mboula / Direction and Production: Allier studio / Photographer: Erea Ferreiro / Stylist: Jazz Frith

You've had the chance to play for world-renowned clubs like Barcelona and Monaco. How have those experiences influenced your development, both as a player and as a person?

Playing for clubs like Barcelona and Monaco has had a huge impact on both my career and personal growth. At Barcelona, I learned the essence of the game. The values they instill go beyond football: they teach you humility, discipline, and respect for the sport. I was surrounded by top talent, which pushed me to improve every day. That environment taught me how to handle pressure from a young age. Monaco offered a different kind of challenge: moving to another country, adapting to a new culture, and playing in a physically demanding league like Ligue 1 with new environments and expectations. Monaco gave me the chance to develop my game in more dynamic, high-paced settings, and it also helped me grow as a person, living away from home, dealing with setbacks, and staying focused on my goals.

Both clubs shaped me in different ways, and I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve had. They’ve given me the tools not only to succeed on the field but to stay grounded and keep improving as a person.

Talent: Jordi Mboula / Direction and Production: Allier studio / Photographer: Erea Ferreiro / Stylist: Jazz Frith

Transitioning between leagues like La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A comes with its own set of challenges. What were some of the key challenges and how did overcoming them help you evolve as a player?

Each league has its own style and pace, so playing in La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A has been a process of constant adaptation. Overcoming these challenges has allowed me to evolve as a player: I've learned to be more versatile and to adapt to different styles of play. Each league has taught me something and helped me grow not only as a footballer but also as a person, facing new challenges at every stage.

Footballers are often fashion icons on and off the pitch, you have a very distinctive style. How important is fashion to you? Are there any designers, brands, or trends that particularly inspire you?

For me, fashion is a way to express myself off the pitch. In football, we’re constantly in the spotlight, and I think personal style reflects part of our personality. I like to feel comfortable, but I also enjoy playing around with different trends and looks that make me feel confident. I wouldn’t say I follow a specific designer or brand, but I’m drawn to styles that combine casual with elegant. I like clothing that’s functional but has a touch of distinction. In the end, fashion for me is about being authentic. It’s not just about following trends, but finding what makes you feel good and what fits with who you are, both as a player and as a person.

Talent: Jordi Mboula / Direction and Production: Allier studio / Photographer: Erea Ferreiro / Stylist: Jazz Frith

You’ve played in countries with distinct fashion cultures, from Italy to France and Spain. How has living in these places influenced your style?

Living in different countries like Spain, France, and Italy has opened my eyes to very distinct fashion styles, and each place has left its mark on how I dress. I grew up with the influence of wanting to be well-dressed without sacrificing comfort. I learned to appreciate the small details that can make a simple look feel sophisticated. For me, it’s all about the cuts and the quality of the clothes. In Italy, people care a lot about how they look, even in everyday life. Being there taught me to value elegance and to be more mindful of my style, to think more about color combinations and how to wear more formal pieces without losing my essence.

Each country has influenced me in a different way, and now I feel like my style is a blend of everything I’ve learned in these places. I like to experiment and adapt my way of dressing depending on the environment I’m in, but always staying true to who I am.

Talent: Jordi Mboula / Direction and Production: Allier studio / Photographer: Erea Ferreiro / Stylist: Jazz Frith

Football is an intense career with a lot of traveling and pressure. How do you unwind and keep your creative energy off the field?

Football, as you mentioned, is a career full of pressure, travel, and constant competition, so finding ways to unwind is key for me. For many, relaxing might mean resting or completely disconnecting from football, but in my case, fashion and design are my way of meditating. Thinking about combinations, searching for new trends, or even imagining how I could create something new helps me relax my mind.

When I start experimenting with my style or mentally designing a look, it’s like I’m transported to another world, away from the pressure of the games. It’s a space where I can be fully creative, without limits or expectations. It’s something very personal that allows me to channel the energy that sometimes builds up from the intense rhythm of the season. For me, fashion isn’t just about how you look: it’s a way to express who you are and how you feel in that moment. And, in a way, that creativity helps me return to the field with a fresher, more relaxed mindset. It’s my way of relieving stress, focusing on something different, and keeping a balance between life on and off the pitch.

Talent: Jordi Mboula / Direction and Production: Allier studio / Photographer: Erea Ferreiro / Stylist: Jazz Frith

Many athletes have crossed over into the fashion world, launching personal collections or collaborating with brands. Is this something you’re interested in pursuing in the future?

It’s definitely something I’m very interested in for the future. Fashion has always been an important part of my life, not just as a way to express myself, but as a platform to be creative. I’d like to create something different, something that truly communicates who I am and what I want to convey beyond football. I’d like to develop a personal brand that reflects my ideas and creations in a very limited and exclusive way.

I don’t want something massive, but rather something more intimate, that connects with people who appreciate detail and individuality, representing what I’m passionate about both on and off the field. For me, fashion is an extension of who I am, and it would be amazing to elevate my profile through a project that’s authentic, that speaks to my personality and creative vision. I’m sure the time will come for me to take that step, and I’m excited to think about how I can combine my two passions, football and design, to create something unique.

Talent: Jordi Mboula / Direction and Production: Allier studio / Photographer: Erea Ferreiro / Stylist: Jazz Frith