The world’s most stylish athletes
Ten years ago, everyone looked to screen stars and musicians for inspiration. From AFL to F1, it’s now fashion-obsessed athletes influencing the way we dress.
Ten years ago, everyone looked to screen stars and musicians for inspiration. But a fresh breed of fashion-obsessed athletes is now also influencing the way we dress. From the NBA and AFL to F1 and even golf, three GQ Australia editors share their picks of the best-dressed sportsmen on the planet.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Every model dreams of walking in Paris Fashion Week, but Canadian basketballer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has already ticked that box. The Oklahoma City Thunder point guard made his runway debut for Thom Browne spring/summer 2023 – later joking that his new nickname was “Runway Shai” – and continues to turn the NBA tunnel into his own catwalk. He was also the face of a collab between Louis Vuitton and the NBA in 2020. “It started with my mum when I was a kid,” Gilgeous-Alexander told GQ Australia last year. “She would always make sure my brother and I had the newest pair of shoes and clothes. So, I credit [her] with my love for fashion.” – Gladys Lai
Bailey Smith
He may not be into designer fashion in the same way as others on this list but Geelong midfielder Bailey Smith has developed a distinct personal style that also extends to the pitch. To start, style isn’t just about clothing and the AFL player proves that with his now legendary blonde mullet which you notice whether he’s on the field or off. When it comes to his fashion choices though, Smith has become a relatable star for many young Aussies with his blend of technical sportswear and nostalgic vintage references. – Charlie Calver
Lewis Hamilton
Think of stylish sportspeople and Lewis Hamilton is probably the first name to come to mind. A feat, considering the calibre of his competition, but the Formula One driver and seven-time world champion is used to winning. Over the years, Hamilton has mastered the art of the paddock outfit, styling himself in Dior, Burberry and Jacquemus during race weekends. Outside of motorsport, he’s a regular at fashion events, spotted in the front rows at Milan, Paris and New York, as well as at this year’s Black Dandyism-themed Met Gala, which he also co-chaired and attended in a custom look from Wales Bonner. – GL
Jason Day
When Australian golfer Jason Day’s contract ended with Nike, he began a partnership with Malbon Golf. Which is when everything changed. Gone were the skinny pants, shorts and fitted polos that are a dime a dozen on the PGA Tour. The new Day was all about more relaxed silhouettes, leaning into roomy pants and billowy shirts evocative of a ’90s Tiger Woods. It’s an aesthetic turn that has caused a bit of a stir; at the 2024 Masters, Day was asked to remove his Malbon-branded vest due to the competition’s strict dress code. But you don’t make progress without breaking some rules. And when you look as good as Day, you’d best be breaking a few. – GL
Jackson Irvine
If there’s anyone suited to riding the vintage sportswear boom, it’s Socceroo Jackson Irvine. The midfielder, who also captains German side FC St Pauli, pulls out rare soccer jerseys almost weekly. Arguably his best effort was a ’90s Mark Viduka kit from Viduka’s era at Celtic and resurrected by Irvine for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His love of old-school sportswear makes him not just exceptionally well dressed but one of the most on-trend footballers. – Will Lennox
Russell Westbrook
You could argue that Russell Westbrook set the tone for the eye-catching and out-there styles that now dominate NBA tunnels. Since joining the league in 2008, he’s come to be considered one of the most stylish guys in the sport. He’s got his own label, is a repeat Met Gala attendee. But most importantly, he’s the blueprint for NBA players to confidently express themselves through fashion. – WL
Noah Lyles
He made headlines during the 2024 Paris Olympics, although as many were about his style as his athletic achievements. With the help of his close friend and stylist Kwasi Kessie, US sprinter Noah Lyles put together a wardrobe that mixed luxury and streetwear. On track, he clinched the gold for the men’s 100 metres in a diamond chain and pearl accents in his braids; later, he attended a press conference with the word “Icon” painted on his nails. On the red carpet, expect Lyles to rock up in something classic with a twist: a tweed Amiri suit or experimental Bode knit. – GL
Tyshawn Jones
Tyshawn Jones, teen skateboarding prodigy, ascended to the fashion world right as streetwear began to merge with luxury fashion. His style remains true to his roots: baggy jeans, printed hoodies and worn-in designer sneakers (tends to happen when you actually skate in them). His is an understanding that clothes are there to be worn. And wear them he does. – WL
Jules Koundé
Jules Koundé
The young French footballer has made an art form of the pre-arrival outfit and is arguably the reigning champ of soccer style. Koundé’s grasp of emerging designers and established labels sees him shun the logomania on which many of his fellow stars lean, instead showing a considered approach to high fashion. When the French national team arrives at its training base for national duty, Koundé is always a standout. Last year, he was anointed into the fashion world officially, chosen by Simon Porte Jacquemus to be the brand’s new muse. – WL
Jude Bellingham
As the young centrepiece of both Real Madrid and England’s national team, Jude Bellingham is as steady with his play as he is with his style. He’s a man who has mastered the basics but with a personal spin and it shows when he gets the chance to stunt – like he did at last year’s Laureus World Sports Awards. Bellingham’s black-tie-event suit took the classic double-breasted jacket, broadened the shape of the pants and shoes, and topped it all off with a ribbon tie and brooch chain with pearls to give us a look that was worthy of best on ground. – CC
Jannik Sinner
Italian tennis player and world No.1 (at the time of writing) Jannik Sinner made headlines when he emerged from the tunnel at Wimbledon 2023 with a leather-trimmed, Gucci GG monogram canvas duffle bag over his shoulder – a breach of The Championships’ rigid all-white dress code. Since then, Sinner’s landed himself a shiny Gucci ambassadorship and been spotted with plenty more of the house’s accessories on and off the court. When he makes an appearance at fashion week, you can expect to see him in something simple, but sleek: a double-breasted suit with sneakers, a polo, or a cropped jacket. – GL
Devin Booker
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may be the NBA’s most obviously stylish player, but for those who aren’t quite as adventurous, Devin Booker is the blueprint to follow. With a wardrobe full of classic Americana and simple silhouettes, Booker is the north star of elevated, unflashy menswear. He keeps it classic with denim jackets, hard-wearing jeans, cult boots and a classic Cadillac out of which to step. – CC
Patty Mills
The Aussie has come a long way since his days winning NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs. Not only has Patty Mills cemented himself as an Australian legend, but he’s since made the case that he’s one of our most stylish athletes, too. When the NBA tunnel began to transform into the most famous runway in sports, Mills stepped up with designer fits, ambitious silhouettes and a natural style that never feels overdone. – CC
Caleb Williams
When he played American football at college, Caleb Williams was dubbed the face of a new era of college athletes. That is, those stars who can leverage their name and identity for money in their own pockets – something previously banned at the college level. Williams is unashamed to express himself both on the pitch and off. He’s comfortable with painting his nails and wearing diamond chains on game day and sliding into designer labels in his own time. He was one of a cadre of athletes in attendance for Pharrell Williams’s debut show for Louis Vuitton menswear, and his strong sense of self and penchant for flair should tether him to the fashion world during what will hopefully be a long and successful career. – WL
Stefon Diggs
The NBA’s embrace of fashion was quick, but the NFL is taking its sweet time. One man who isn’t is Stefon Diggs. He’s walked the 2025 Met Gala red carpet, is a front-row fixture at fashion week, has been on a GQ Hype cover, and his shopping strategy has been profiled in Vogue. With his stone-faced pose and avant-garde fits, the wide receiver has embraced the art of fashion and it is embracing him right back. – CC
This story is from the Sport Issue of GQ Australia.
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