Sports and fashion don’t seem like they’re directly related, but for many athletes, they are. High-profile sports stars from Tom Brady to Cam Newton and Serena Williams love showcasing their style on and off the field. Many of these athletes score huge endorsement deals, through which they’re able to flash their fashion. Others grace the red carpets of fashion shows and award ceremonies. Did your favourite player make the cut? There’s only one way to find out!
1. Maria Sharapova
Tennis legend Maria Sharapova is one of the best players of her generation, but she brings more to the court than talent. The Russian athlete has been showing off her impressive style for years, turning heads with beautiful looks and amazing outfits. In fact, Sharapova isn’t just a pro tennis player — she is also a professional model.
Sharapova has been featured in several modelling assignments, which include a feature in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She’s appeared in advertisements for companies as prominent as Nike, Prince, and Canon. One of TIME’s 30 Legends of Women’s Tennis, Sharapova is definitely a diverse talent.
2. Lindsey Vonn
One of just two female skiers to win four World Cup overall championships, Lindsey Vonn is a multitalented athlete. In addition to her dominance on the slopes, Vonn is known around sports as one of the most fashionable (and gorgeous) athletes in extreme sports.
Vonn was the first American woman to ever win a gold medal in downhill skiing, which she won at the 2010 Winter Olympics. She’s also one of just six women to win World Cup races in all five disciplines of alpine skiing: downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom, and super combined. Injuries forced her to retire in 2019, but not before she managed to win her second Olympic bronze medal in Pyeongchang.
3. Aly Raisman
American sports fans who watched the 2012 and 2016 Olympics might recognize Aly Raisman as the captain of the U.S. women’s “Fierce Five” gymnastics team, which won back-to-back Olympic competitions. Raisman was the most decorated American gymnast at the 2012 games, winning gold medals in the team and floor competitions, as well as a bronze on the balance beam.
Raisman also had a decorated 2016 Olympics, winning a gold medal in the team event and silver in the all-around and floor competitions. In addition to her Olympic success, Raisman has also had a successful modelling career. She appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2017 and 2018.
4. Odell Beckham Jr.
One of the most recognizable and talented wide receivers in the NFL, Odell Beckham Jr. is known for his ability to make near-impossible sideline catches. But the wideout is also known for his fashion off the field. “OBJ” can easily be picked out of a crowd thanks to his bleached hair and flashy style.
The wide receiver’s prolific talent on the field and reputation off the gridiron led to a $25 million endorsement contract with Nike, which he signed in 2017. The five-year deal is the largest endorsement deal any NFL player has ever signed. Beckham also has endorsement deals with many other companies, including Head & Shoulders and Foot Locker.
5. Serena Williams
Easily the best female tennis player in the history of the sport, Serena Williams is one of the most famous athletes on the planet. But despite her dominance on the court, the insanely talented athlete has taken time out of her busy schedule to focus on fashion. In fact, she was appointed to the board of directors of the online fashion marketplace Poshmark in 2019.
Fashion has actually been a major storyline throughout Williams’ career. Early in her career, Williams was criticized for some of her on-court fashion choices. As her career has progressed, however, more people have come around to appreciate Williams’ style. In 2015, she became the first black female athlete to have a picture by herself on the cover of Vogue.
6. Alex Morgan
Fans of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team know Alex Morgan well. Not only is the forward a talented player on the field, but she’s caught millions of fans’ attention with her beauty and style. The attention Morgan received has led to several modelling contracts, including a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover in 2019.
The attention Morgan received has led to several modelling contracts, including a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover in 2019. Her dominance on the field and popularity with fans has helped advance U.S. women’s soccer in ways many fans of the sport had been waiting for.
7. Genie Bouchard
Canadian tennis player Genie Bouchard is well known in her sport for being one of the most fashion-forward athletes. In 2014, Bouchard became the first Canadian-born player representing Canada to reach the singles final of a Grand Slam tournament. Though she didn’t win the tournament, she won the hearts of many fans and reached a career-high ranking of No. 5.
During the 2017 Super Bowl, Bouchard tweeted out her prediction that the Falcons would beat the Patriots. A fan responded, asking if she would go on a date with him if the Patriots won, and she agreed. She lost the bet but kept her promise, flying him out to a basketball game. A romantic comedy based on the date is currently in the works at 20th Century Fox, and Bouchard is the executive producer.
8. Blair O’Neal
One of the most gorgeous women in professional golf, Blair O’Neal is a multitalented player. Not only can she dominate the competition on the course, but she is also a professional model. Her professional golfing career began after she won Big Break Dominican Republic, a reality TV show competition which helps amateur golfers go pro.
O’Neal’s success on and off the course has led to endorsements with companies such as Puma and Cobra. She also began to work as a host for the Golf Channel, talking about the sport she knows and loves best. Though she has yet to win a major tournament, O’Neal has managed to catch the attention of many fans.
9. Russell Westbrook
After winning the NBA’s MVP award in 2017, Russell Westbrook became a household name among sports fans. As the point guard continued to dominate his competition on the court, however, fans began to take notice of his flashy (and often wacky) fashion sense. Westbrook is known for making a statement with the outfits he wears to postgame press conferences each night.
Westbrook’s bold fashion sense has led him to numerous opportunities, including major endorsement deals with the Jordan Brand, Kings & Jaxs, PepsiCo, and more. In 2015, the star point guard was named marketing creative director of the denim brand True Religion.
10. Michelle Wie
She may look young, but Michelle Wie has come a long way since she first began her career as a golfer. In fact, Wie set the record for becoming the youngest player to qualify for a USGA Amateur Championship. She was just 10 years old at the time. Though that record has since been broken, Wie has enjoyed a highly successful professional golf career.
Wie turned professional when she was just 15 years old, and immediately enjoyed a huge wave of publicity and endorsements. Golf.com has called her “the most stylish woman in golf,” and she has seen success at the professional level, winning the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open.
11. Venus Williams
Serena’s older sister Venus Williams is an accomplished tennis player in her own right, and like her sister, Venus is known for her bold fashion choices on and off the court. A four-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time singles Grand Slam winner, Williams is one of the best players in her sport. But now, she also works in the world of fashion.
In 2007, Williams launched her own fashion brand, called EleVen. The tennis star has watched her brand blossom into a huge success, all while managing to continue competing at the professional level. She holds an associate degree in fashion design and a bachelor’s degree in business administration, which probably explains why she’s become such a success in the fashion world!
12. Skylar Diggins-Smith
Former McDonald’s All-American Skylar Diggins-Smith is one of the biggest stars in the WNBA. The third overall selection of the 2013 WNBA Draft, Diggins-Smith has developed into one of the league’s top point guards. But in addition to her talent on the court, Diggins-Smith is known for being one of the most fashionable players in women’s basketball.
In 2013, Diggins-Smith became the first athlete to ever sign with ROC NATION Sports, a talent agency that has signed big names like Ndamukong Suh, Todd Gurley, and Kyrie Irving. That same year, she signed a major endorsement deal with Nike. She has also worked with other big-time brands, such as Body Armor.
13. Cam Newton
There aren’t many quarterbacks in the NFL who are as popular as Cam Newton. The fun-loving quarterback guided the Carolina Panthers to a 15-1 record in 2015 before the team eventually fell to the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl. But Newton isn’t just known for his abilities on the field. He’s also known for his outrageous fashion style.
Newton can almost always be seen wearing flashy hats, vibrant sunglasses, and unique outfits that look one of a kind. Fans have long debated whether Newton’s style is fashion-forward or too wacky, but the quarterback doesn’t seem to mind. Newton wears what he wants to wear, no matter what his fans or haters might have to say about it
14. Danica Patrick
Known for her dominance in racing, Danica Patrick is an iconic figure in her sport. Not only is she the only woman to ever win in an IndyCar Series race, but she’s also widely known for the work she has done with GoDaddy and other major brands. Her “Enhancement” ad was the most-watched Super Bowl commercial of 2009.
As if her racing career wasn’t enough, Patrick has evolved into one of the biggest names in the world of endorsements. She has worked with dozens of brands, from Nationwide Insurance to Coca-Cola and Lyft. Despite her busy schedule, Patrick can frequently be seen on the red carpet sporting some fashion-forward attire.
15. Misty Copeland
Ballet fans might recognize this name, as Misty Copeland is one of the most fashionable ballet dancers in the country. Copeland dances for American Ballet Theatre (ABT), which is one of the three leading classical ballet companies in the United States. In 2015, she became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer at ABT.
Copeland was named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2015, and she appeared on the cover of the magazine. Her amazing rise to stardom has been detailed extensively, through a documentary and two autobiographical books. Copeland’s beauty and popularity have landed her several endorsements deals with some of the leading brands.
16. Chloe Kim
Superstar snowboarder Chloe Kim has taken the extreme sports world by storm over the past few years. At the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, she became the youngest woman to win an Olympic snowboarding gold medal, at just 17 years of age. Kim is a four-time X Games gold medalist, and she is the first to win the halfpipe title at all three major events.
Kim’s Olympic victory, executed in stylish fashion, led to a Sports Illustrated cover, a Shero Barbie doll in her likeness, and several endorsement deals. Kellogg’s Corn Flakes put her on a special edition box, and she set a new record for the fastest-selling cereal box in Kellogg’s history.
17. Cristiano Ronaldo
Perhaps the most popular athlete in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo is a picturesque example of talent and style. Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or award a record five times (tied with Lionel Messi). The soccer legend is not only one of the most prolific players in his sport, but he has become one of the biggest worldwide names in men’s fashion.
Ronaldo has done a lot of modelling, some of which has been to promote his own CR7 fashion line. The Portuguese soccer player has a great trifecta going for him: good looks, great style, and incredible athletic talent. It doesn’t get much better than that.
18. Laila Ali
The eighth of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali’s nine children, Laila Ali went on to follow in her father’s footsteps and become an otherworldly boxer on her own merit. In fact, Ali retired from boxing with an undefeated record. In addition to her dominance as a boxer, Ali developed a reputation for being one of the most fashionable female boxers in the sport.
Ali’s success and style led to numerous opportunities in television. The professional boxer made more than a dozen TV cameos throughout her career, often playing herself. She also appeared in a handful of commercials, some of which featured her father.
19. Tori Bowie
Three-time Olympic medalist Tori Bowie has a sense of fashion that would make many people jealous. Bowie primarily competes in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash, but she also does some modelling work on the side. She is an Adidas athlete, modelling the brand’s signature collections on and off the track.
Bowie’s massive success as an athlete and model landed her an invitation to New York Fashion Week in 2018. She also received an invitation to Paris Fashion Week in 2019 to showcase her modelling skills and fashion-forward style. Bowie was the featured model for Pharrell Williams’ July 2019 Adidas campaign.
20. Conor McGregor
The notorious Conor McGregor is one of the athletes best known for his fashion sense. The famous UFC fighter and boxer flash expensive suits before and after every big fight, showcasing his impressive fashion sense. He’s accumulated an impressive record as well, winning more than 20 fights and roughly $100 million in prize money.
McGregor’s rise to superstardom has landed him tons of endorsement deals, and with those deals have come opportunities to do some modelling. The Irishman has also launched a fashion brand partnership with David August, named August McGregor, which aims to provide modern men’s suits for Millenials.
21. Anna Rawson
Professional golfer and model Anna Rawson is one of the most stylish golfers in the game. Born in Australia, Rawson got her first shot at a modelling opportunity when she was just 16 years old. After she was a finalist in the Australian DOLLY magazine cover contest, Rawson was able to model on the catwalk, in print advertisements, in magazines, and on TV.
Rawson was the South Australian and Victoria Junior Champion in 1999, and she won the Jack Newton International Junior Classic. That same year, she was a member of the Australian national squad. Rawson’s successes on the course and catwalk make her a perfect name for the list.
22. Swin Cash
A two-time national champion with the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team, Swin Cash has had success at every level of basketball — both on and off the court. She played 15 seasons in the WNBA and won three championships. Cash’s talent and style led her to a studio analyst role covering the New York Knicks after she retired.
Cash now serves as the vice president of basketball operations and team development for the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans. Throughout her career, Cash has brought a unique sense of style wherever she has been. In 2016, she was named a member of Sports Illustrated’s Fashionable 50.
23. Tom Brady
What needs to be said about New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady that hasn’t been said already? Known for being the greatest quarterback in the history of the NFL, the husband to Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen, and one of the most attractive quarterbacks in the league, Brady seems to have it all.
It only makes sense that Brady has style. After all, he’s married to a supermodel and walks the red carpet seemingly every other day. Whether it’s fashion events, fancy dinners, charity events, or award shows, Brady always seems to be strutting his stuff in a flashy suit. Who can blame him?
24. Cappie Pondexter
Voted by fans as one of the top 15 players in WNBA history, Cappie Pondexter brings a lot to the table — both in talent and style. The two-time WNBA champion and seven-time All-Star, who describes her style as “tomboy chic,” has made fashion a major part of her life — perhaps just as much as basketball.
Pondexter teamed up with celebrity stylist Lisa Smith Craig to launch 4Season Style Management, a firm that provides fashion styling, image consulting, and personal shopping for celebrities and everyday professionals. Fashion and basketball have both played a major role in Pondexter’s life. In many ways, the two are intertwined.
25. Sydney Leroux
Forward Sydney Leroux has been a familiar face on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team over the years, matching her on-field style with an equally impressive sense of fashion off the field. Leroux was part of the Americans’ winning teams at the 2012 Olympics in London and 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada.
Leroux and her husband, professional soccer player Dom Dwyer, were at the centre of attention in 2015 as the couple prepared for an expensive wedding. Leroux’s stunning wedding dress came at the hefty price of $10,000. Up-and-coming designer Inbal Dror created the custom gown. As a thank-you to Dwyer, Leroux designed a $20,000 wedding ring for her husband.
26. Monica Puig
Olympic tennis champion Monica Puig is known as one of the most stylish athletes to hail from Central America. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Puig became the first Puerto Rican to win an Olympic gold medal representing her country. She was a massive underdog in the competition, and her stellar performance won the hearts of many around the world.
Puig had been making endorsements for brands long before she became an Olympic champion. The tennis player’s beauty and style landed her deals with brands like Chrysler, Dodge, and sports apparel company Ellesse before she ever won a medal. The Olympic victory opened even more doors for Puig, who did a big deal with AT&T to commemorate her performance.
27. Shaun White
“The Flying Tomato” has grown up to become one of America’s favourite athletes in extreme sports. But while he was an awkward, goofy-looking teen when he won his first gold medal, White has transformed into a fashion icon. White has been doing endorsement deals since he was just seven years old, but the three-time gold medalist has grown up since then.
Today, White owns his own fashion line and plays electric guitar in a rock band. The snowboarding icon used to wear skinny jeans and hoodies when the world fell in love with him, but now that he has grown up, he can be seen donning suits on the red carpet.
28. Nicole Regnier
Colombian soccer player Nicole Regnier is one of the most stylish athletes in South America. The 2016 Olympian has become a sensation on social media, with hundreds of thousands of loyal fans. Regnier’s talent on the field and unique sense of style have earned her several unique opportunities.
Regnier is an ambassador for UNICEF and a variety of Colombian brands. Her charming personality and fashion choices bring thousands of fans to her social media pages, where she will occasionally give out advice on fashion, nutrition and lifestyle choices. The Colombian sensation is an inspiration to many, and her style hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans.
29. Nastia Liukin
Five-time Olympic medalist Nastia Liukin is one of the more stylish gymnasts to hit the podium in recent years. The Russian-American athlete was the 2008 Olympic all-around champion, and her nine World Championship medals rank third-highest of any American gymnast in history. In addition to her gymnastics success, Liukin has become a major name in fashion.
In 2013, Liukin joined Gabby Douglas to walk the runway at the Heart Truth Red Dress fashion show. Liukin has done several endorsement deals with major brands, and her social media pages are filled with brand deals she’s done with up-and-coming brands. It seems her style is being appreciated by a lot of people!
30. Roger Federer
One of the most recognizable athletes in the world, Roger Federer is known for his dominance on the court and fashion off it. The Swiss tennis player has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, and with the wins has come a level of attention most people on earth won’t ever be able to imagine.
Everyone from Bernard Arnault to Bill Gates has praised the tennis player’s unique, elegant fashion sense. On the court, Federer popularized the Dri-FIT headband. When he isn’t on the court, the tennis legend can be seen showcasing his style in commercials for brands like Rolex, Gillette, and Wilson.