TOP SPORTS STARS
Equals Top Advertising Campaign Models
It’s not only models that star in and benefit from fashion campaigns. Celebrity athletes have been fronting campaigns for years, with their reach expanding to audiences that a fashion model might not. Let’s look at some of our favorite sports models and the campaigns that have made them household names.
CRISTIANO RONALDO
One doesn’t talk about sports models without mentioning the gifted and gorgeous Cristiano Ronaldo, who picked up where fellow athlete/model David Beckham left off. Ronaldo began making a name for himself in fashion as the face of World Cup marketing for brands like Nike, Samsung and Emirates, and he eventually released a line of underwear in 2013 called CR7. With a chiseled body and good looks like his, seeing Ronaldo rocking his underwear designs were just what we needed (mainly after his team delivered a disappointing World Cup tournament performance). Check out his Spring/Summer 2015 campaign for CR7. You’re welcome.
LIONEL MESSI
He’s often considered the best soccer player globally and regarded as one of the best players of all time. Like Ronaldo, Argentine and Barça soccer player Lionel (Leo) Messi also took his talents from the field to the world of fashion. He launched The Messi Store last year, which gives fans a chance to wear clothes inspired by the star athlete. Messi has also turned to designer Thom Browne as one of his official stylists and he’s also been the go-to guy for multiple Dolce & Gabbana campaigns.
SIMONE BILES
Superstar gymnast Simone Biles took the world by storm at the 2016 Summer Olympics. To this day, she continues to shatter gymnastics records. Biles is also making a name for herself in the fashion world, with her bold red carpet choices. Earlier this year, she teamed up with beauty brand SK-II to launch the #NOCOMPETITION campaign, which aims to raise awareness about unnecessary comparisons and judgments in the world of beauty and inspire women to embrace what beauty means to them and no one else. Biles also starred in Nike’s 2016 “Unlimited Pursuit” campaign, which celebrated women’s power, beauty and pursuit of athletic perfection.
RAFAEL NADAL
Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal scored big when Tommy Hilfiger first came knocking in 2014. He modeled the brand’s newest underwear and after he got pulses racing (remember that video clip? Girrrrrrl…), he was offered a two-year contract. It looks like things didn’t stop there, as he reunited with Tommy Hilfiger in 2017 to front a campaign for the brand’s new THFLEX collection, which features tailored looks manufactured for optimal movement.
SERENA WILLIAMS
Serena Williams has been a sports and fashion icon for years. From her tennis dominance to her red carpet appearances, she continues to wow us both on and off the court. She was named Stuart Weitzman’s latest spokesperson just this past May and stars in its latest ad campaign as a literal pillar of strength. She’s also busy with her fashion label, S By Serena, inspired by early-90s street style. It scored big with critics when it debuted at New York Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2019 season. Its primary goal is to celebrate women who continue to break boundaries and traditions.
STEPHEN CURRY
The Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry brings his A-game to both basketball and fashion. He’s often photographed on the street looking impeccable, and he always manages just the right mix of street and sleek. He recently joined fellow athletes Kelley O’Hara and Anthony Joshua to promote Under Armour’s new line of performance apparel for its 2019 “Margin of Victory” campaign. The three-time NBA champion has also fronted campaigns for Express and loyalty rewards company Rakuten.
