The Rise of 'Blokecore'
What began as a TikTok trend has exploded into a full-blown fashion movement. Dubbed 'blokecore,' the aesthetic is built around wearing soccer jerseys as everyday apparel, often paired with baggy jeans and retro sneakers. The term was coined in late 2021,
but the style itself has deep roots in British fan culture. Now, it's gone global. Celebrities like Bella Hadid and Rihanna have been instrumental in pushing the trend from niche to mainstream, proving that a soccer shirt can be just as chic as a runway piece. The 2026 Soccer Cup, held on North American soil, has only poured gasoline on the fire, with A-listers turning up to matches in carefully curated sportswear looks.
The Kardashian Effect: Vintage Goes Viral
If one person can take a niche trend and make it global, it's Kim Kardashian. She sent the internet into a frenzy when she was spotted in a rare 1997-98 AS Roma home jersey. The appearance caused searches for the Italian club to skyrocket. It wasn't a one-off; she had previously been seen in a vintage Paris Saint-Germain top, signaling a deliberate dive into the world of retro kits. By wearing these jerseys not to a game, but as part of a Los Angeles streetwear look, Kardashian redefined them as pure fashion items, completely detached from their original sporting context. It was a masterclass in influence, proving that the right jersey on the right person can become a global talking point.
Rihanna: The High-Fashion Footballista
No one blends high fashion and streetwear quite like Rihanna, and she's long been a champion of the soccer jersey. She has an uncanny ability to make a simple sportswear item look like it was designed exclusively for her. She has worn a Juventus kit customized with 'Riri' on the back, and paired a green and white striped jersey with diamond necklaces while casually eating chicken nuggets and caviar. More recently, she styled an oversized football jersey with a floor-length cape for a dramatic, high-fashion statement. By mixing jerseys with designer pieces—from sheer skirts to vintage Jean Paul Gaultier—Rihanna treats the soccer shirt not as a piece of fan merchandise, but as a versatile and edgy fashion staple in her high-end wardrobe.
The Home-Turf Statement: Team USA Gets the A-List Treatment
With the 2026 tournament hosted across North America, Hollywood stars have been keen to show their national pride. Brad Pitt was spotted in the stands wearing a Team USA jersey while sitting with his 'Fight Club' co-star Edward Norton. It’s a simple, powerful look that says ‘I’m a fan’ without sacrificing effortless cool. Other celebrities like Paris Hilton have opted for more personalized takes, with Hilton wearing a US jersey studded with rhinestones. These moments do more than just show support; they integrate the team's brand into the fabric of American pop culture, turning the national kit into a must-have summer item.
The Connoisseur's Choice: Drake and the Obscure Kit
Then there are the celebrities who use jerseys to signal a deeper knowledge of the game—or at least, a stylist who does. Rapper Drake is known for this, having been photographed in the shirts of numerous clubs, including a baby pink Juventus away kit and a lesser-known Brazilian Corinthians shirt. This approach is less about jumping on a trend and more about curating a collection, showing an appreciation for the aesthetics and history of the sport. It's a subtle flex, signaling that the wearer is not just a casual observer but a true connoisseur of the global game, capable of turning an unexpected jersey into a statement of taste.
