A Soccer Star’s Birkin Collection is Turning Heads at the World Cup
A soccer star s Birkin collection – When Norwegian forward Erling Haaland steps onto the pitch, he’s a figure of immense physicality and global fascination. At six foot five inches tall, with a commanding presence and a reputation for scoring goals at an astonishing rate, Haaland has become a symbol of athletic excellence. Yet, in the last few weeks, his public image has been further shaped by something unexpected: a collection of Hermès bags that has sparked a flurry of online commentary. The viral moment came when stylist and TikToker Jack Savoie highlighted the striker’s sartorial choices, drawing attention to how his preference for luxury accessories challenges traditional perceptions of masculinity in sports.
The Rise of a Football Icon
Haaland’s journey to the World Cup is nothing short of remarkable. As the captain of Norway’s national team, he has led his country to its first FIFA World Cup in nearly 30 years, a feat that has already placed him in the spotlight. His on-field success, marked by a record-breaking goal tally, has cemented his status as one of the most formidable players in the modern era. However, it’s his off-field style—particularly his Hermès handbags—that has become the subject of broader cultural discussion. “Have you seen Erling Haaland’s custom Birkins?” Savoie remarked in a video that swiftly gained traction. “Baby, buckle up.”
The video, which has amassed over 10 million views, delves into the specifics of Haaland’s bag collection. While many might assume his repertoire is limited to Birkins, Savoie clarified in a phone interview that the striker’s collection includes a variety of Hermès styles, notably the Haut à Courroies (HAC). This model, which serves as the foundation for the iconic Birkin, is slightly taller and narrower, offering a distinct silhouette. Despite this, the aesthetic appeal of Haaland’s collection remains undeniable, with each piece adding to the narrative of his evolving identity beyond the soccer pitch.
A Fashion Statement in the Spotlight
Among the standout items in Haaland’s collection is a special edition “Endless Road” HAC, which he carried as he disembarked from a flight in North Carolina before the World Cup. The bag, in a bone-colored hue, features a patchwork design of blue and gray leather that evokes the imagery of a mountain highway. Another notable piece is a moss-colored canvas HAC, while a black-and-orange checkerboard variant adds a bold pop of color. Savoie also noted that Haaland was often seen with his girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen’s Birkin 25 neatly tucked inside his HAC 50, a detail that underscores the blend of personal style and shared fashion moments.
“He was doubled up on Birkins, it was so chic,” Savoie said, capturing the essence of Haaland’s sartorial flair. This level of detail in his accessory choices has not gone unnoticed, with fans and critics alike dissecting the significance of his selections. The juxtaposition of such traditionally feminine items with Haaland’s athletic persona has ignited debates about the boundaries of gender expression in sports. “I will never understand why a grown man wants to carry a handbag,” one Instagram user remarked, reflecting a common sentiment. Yet, others have embraced the trend, with comments like “So this is how I find out Haaland is a baddie???” highlighting a shift in public perception.
Broader Trends in Men’s Fashion
Haaland’s Hermès obsession is part of a larger trend among male athletes who are redefining their style. Lionel Messi, the Argentinian maestro, is known for his signature pocket-festooned cargo HAC 40, a practical yet stylish choice that accompanies him on the field. Virgil van Dijk, the Dutch defender and self-proclaimed fashion enthusiast, also boasts a putty gray leather HAC, while David Beckham has been spotted with a small collection of XL-sized bags. These examples illustrate how high-end fashion is no longer confined to traditional gender norms, with male athletes increasingly embracing accessories that have long been associated with femininity.
Even the French men’s national team, a favorite to win the tournament, has been spotted with Hermès and other luxury brands. The team’s arrival at the World Cup included HACs, alongside Chanel and Louis Vuitton bags. French forward Marcus Thuram carried a bright green suede maxi flap bag from a Chanel collaboration with Pharrell Williams, while Rayan Cherki opted for an oversized Hermès Kelly Maxi. These choices suggest that the influence of luxury fashion extends beyond individual stars, shaping the overall atmosphere of the tournament.
Tradition Meets Modernity
The irony of Haaland’s Hermès bags lies in their historical context. Originally designed in the late 19th century as a carryall for horse riding equipment, the HAC was a utilitarian item that later evolved into the iconic Birkin. It wasn’t until many decades later that Hermès began marketing handbags specifically to women, a move that has since become central to the brand’s identity. Savoie pointed out this historical shift, noting that the HAC’s original purpose was more about function than femininity. “I think there’s just an increasing appreciation for beautiful things, gender aside,” he said. “I don’t even know why these bags have genders.”
“The specific irony of something like an Hermès HAC being categorized as hyperfeminine is that it was created for a purpose that was anything but delicate,” Savoie explained. “It’s a bag that’s meant to be practical, durable, and functional.” This perspective challenges the notion that luxury items are inherently tied to gender, instead framing them as versatile tools of self-expression. Savoie also referenced the growing trend of male athletes wearing high-end jewelry, such as Van Cleef & Arpels, on the field. These accessories, often associated with feminine elegance, now coexist with the ruggedness of sports, creating a new hybrid identity.
Haaland’s Unshaken Confidence
Despite the controversy surrounding his bag choices, Haaland appears unfazed. His on-field performance has been nothing short of dominant, with goals in each of his first two World Cup matches—a rare achievement that has placed him among an elite group of players. “He scored a pair of goals in each of his first two appearances in this year’s World Cup, making him only the sixth player to ever do so,” Savoie noted. This combination of physical prowess and refined taste has only amplified his appeal, drawing attention from fans and critics alike.
“The mix of his physicality with stellar taste makes him even more interesting,” Savoie said. “Haters be damned, it just adds another layer to his lore.” This sentiment reflects a broader cultural shift, where athletes are no longer confined to rigid definitions of masculinity. Haaland’s Hermès collection, far from being a distraction, has become a symbol of his confidence and individuality. “If it makes me happy, I’m going to wear this in the way I want to wear it,” Savoie emphasized, underscoring the importance of personal choice in fashion.
As the World Cup progresses, Haaland’s influence on style continues to ripple through the global sports community. His choices have sparked conversations about the evolving role of accessories in athletic branding, proving that even the most traditional of items can be reimagined for a modern, inclusive era. Whether it’s the sleek lines of a HAC or the bold colors of a Birkin, Haaland’s collection is a testament to the idea that fashion and sport are no longer mutually exclusive—but rather, two worlds converging in a celebration of self-expression.
