When Bukayo Saka joined forces with Tottenham’s Son Heung-min for Burberry’s SS24 campaign, it highlighted the intriguing yet vibrant intersection between football and fashion. Athletes are increasingly prominent in fashion campaigns—recall Messi and Ronaldo’s chess match for Louis Vuitton in 2022, or Jack Grealish’s ongoing collaborations with Gucci—making this partnership a significant win for Burberry..jpg)
Following a strong Premier League performance over the weekend, Saka attended Burberry’s Fall 2024 show along with football stars Martin Ødegaard, Dele Alli, Ben Chilwell, and Gareth Bale, among others.
GQ caught up with Saka on his way to the show to discuss his experience working with Burberry’s Daniel Lee, his favorite pieces from the latest collection, and the growing presence of footballers in fashion..jpg)
GQ: Burberry’s show is a major highlight of London Fashion Week. How excited are you for tonight, and what are you expecting?
Bukayo Saka: I’m really excited. Burberry always delivers a fantastic show, and I had a great time at the last one. I’m expecting a lot from Daniel [Lee]—his creativity and designs are always impressive, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he’s come up with.
GQ: It must be nice to enjoy such events after a solid performance by Arsenal last weekend.
Saka: Absolutely. Things are going well at Arsenal; we’re working hard and on the right track. Even with important games ahead, I wanted to support Daniel and the Burberry team today. Plus, it’s local, so it’s great to be here.
GQ: How has working with Daniel Lee and Burberry been for you?
Saka: I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been a fun partnership, and I love experimenting with my style. I also appreciate the London connection we share. Daniel’s impact on the brand has been fantastic—I find myself buying more from their stores now.
GQ: What’s your favorite piece from the latest collection?
Saka: Definitely the trench coat. I love how Daniel has reimagined the classic Burberry blue and introduced it in red as well. The expanded range, including the scarves, is also impressive.
GQ: You featured in Burberry’s previous campaign with Son Heung-min. Was it all professional, or were there any friendly jabs?
Saka: We kept it professional. Both of us are mature enough not to let football rivalries affect our work with Burberry. I liked his style in the SS24 show, and it was great to see Ebz [Eberechi Eze] there as well.
GQ: What do you think of the trend of footballers showing interest in fashion?
Saka: There’s always been interest from players, and it’s great to see everyone expressing themselves now. We express ourselves on the pitch, and it’s nice to see that extend off the pitch. I’m happy to see players enjoying these events.
GQ: How do you respond to critics who say footballers should focus solely on football?
Saka: Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but as a player, you have to do what makes you happy. You can’t live for others’ opinions. If going to a fashion show makes you happy, then do it.
GQ: Which other Arsenal players do you think could front a Burberry campaign?
Saka: There are quite a few stylish players. Reiss Nelson and Julien Timber come to mind. Martin and I are here tonight, but there are many others at Arsenal with great style.
GQ: What are you most looking forward to at tonight’s show?
Saka: I’m excited to see the various styles and people I don’t see every day, like musicians and other creatives. But mostly, I’m looking forward to the overall experience of the show and all the elements that make it special.
