Thomas Müller is one of the biggest names in international football. To mark the launch of the adidas Rekive collection for the UEFA European Championship 2024, SLEEK spoke with the professional athlete. The adidas Rekive collection, inspired by Nineties aesthetics, draws on the national colours, and evokes a nostalgic love for sports. Müller, sporting a laid-back look, agreed to talk with SLEEK about his earliest memories of football, his passion for team sports, his preparations for the UEFA European Championship 2024, and his biggest fashion inspiration.
SLEEK: Thomas, the Euros 2024 are approaching. How are you preparing, both physically and mentally, to compete at the highest level?
Thomas Müller: I try to fine-tune every small detail as much as possible in order to remain in top physical shape even at the end of the season. Optimal training, healthy nutrition, plenty of sleep… In terms of mental preparation, I already know what to expect after having competed in numerous major tournaments since 2010. This European Championship is special because it is being held in Germany. I am particularly looking forward to experiencing the fans’ emotions up close.
S: You have celebrated many international successes. What are your goals, both for yourself and for the team, in the upcoming tournament?
TM: The primary goal is to bring out the best in us and to entertain the fans in the stadium. If that leads to winning the title, we would not mind at all. [laughs]
S: The new adidas Rekive collection captures the colours and style of the German national team in the Nineties. What memories or thoughts come to mind when you see these clothes?
TM: I was just a few months old when we won the World Cup in 1990. But, of course, I have seen footage from the World Cup final against Argentina and Brehme’s penalty many times. I think it is a cool idea to revive these style elements now; they make this collection really striking.
S: How important is fashion to you, both personally and in the context of football?
TM: On the pitch, only results count. Fashion is just a small sidekick there. Off the pitch, I try to dress well and have found a style in recent years that I feel comfortable with.
S: Which item from the new adidas collection do you like the most, and why? How would you integrate it into an everyday look?
TM: My favourite item is the tracksuit jacket. I would love to wear it in the FC Bayern locker room after a successful European Championship to tease my teammates from France, Austria, or England a bit.
S: Are there any figures from the world of fashion who inspire you or whose style you particularly appreciate?
TM: My father, Gerhard, has always been a fashion icon for me and influenced my style very early on [laughs]. He has always been a sort of Beckham of the Bavarian Upland.
S: As an experienced player, you are often under great pressure, both nationally and internationally. What advice would you give to young athletes who need to learn how to cope with the pressure in professional sports?
TM: My advice is to always approach football with joy and full commitment. Those who are fortunate enough to make their hobby their profession should enjoy this privilege. The pressure is there, but as a professional athlete, you must find a way of dealing with it that works for you.
All looks adidas Rekive.
CREDITS
Fotografie: Marius Knieling
Styling: Brian Gallo
Videographer: Mette Nordvig
Haare und Make-up: Tanja Fritzler
Set Designer: Pascal Flamme
Konzeption & Kreative Umsetzung: Claude Gerber , Kaya Wolfinger
Fotografie-Assistent: Bruno Axhausen
Digitaler Assistent: Sarah Willmeroth
Styling-Assistentin: Emma Vogt