Shay Given is widely regarded as one of the best Irish goalkeepers to come out of the country over recent years. Growing up in a small town just outside of County Donegal with just over one and half thousand people, to being on our screens nearly every Saturday or Sunday night, Shay has had a very decorated career.
Having 450 appearances featuring for the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle United and Aston Villa, as well as the second-most caps for Ireland, Shay has always found himself in the limelight.
Although he does not regard himself as a ‘style icon’, he has seen himself in the forefront of clothing campaigns and even cat walks.
Opening his packed bags these days, he sees three different outfits for three different shoots with rules for each broadcaster. Casting his mind back to his an easier time, all he had to worry about was his boots and his precious gloves.
Shay shares some special moments from his past and his thoughts on the current state of football and fashion.
The essentials
“The most important thing was the game.”
“I was too scared someone might sabotage my gloves – they were too precious.”
When looking into his bag during his career it was kept pretty simple. His original “fashion statement” was one of functionality and importance for his job. Gloves.
At times he was even paranoid that opposition teams would have a sneaky tactic hidden in their boot, making sure they would not dry up in between training sessions or stay too wet before an important matchday seemed to be part of Shay’s successful pre-game rituals.
Something that may have jeopardised future FA Cup runs as well as European nights.
These kinds of responsibilities have faded away over the years, with his transition towards football kits to smart suits. Appearances in Match of the Day, Premier Sports and other channels have left his bag a lot fuller than his usual trips to St James’ Park.
“It felt like a natural progression.”
Inspirations such as Scottie Parker throughout his footballing and managerial career, saw Shay emulating the sharp and dapper tailoring.
“He really thinks about what he wears, he’s really smartly turned-out.”
Shay’s green carpet
However, in his past Shay was still seen suited and booted when the gloves were off, even finding himself down the catwalk.
The event was to raise money for the charity MacMillan, which he felt connected to after losing his mother to cancer at the age of 4.
“It was really close to my heart.”
The event ‘Fashion Kicks’, brought together players across English football and put them on the red carpet for his own fashion show event.
“We just wanted to do something a bit different from your normal charity events.”
This practice came from his previous background in modelling. Shay found himself modelling early in his career for the iconic Penny’s (known to some as Primark), with his even more iconic line:
“The style is catching.”
Dressing room stories
When reminiscing to his days back on the field and in the changing rooms, Shay looked back to some iconic moments.
One being Charles N’Zogbia’s mind-boggling outfit choice. His flowery suit found himself in some strongly opinionated views across the changing room and social media.
“He got a lot of stick from the lads in the changing rooms.”
This was not N’Zogbia’s first rodeo when testing out new outfits. Grim Reaper-esque robes and wild two-pieces were still apparent in his locker, clearly signalling that he liked making a statement.
Another was looking back to Liverpool’s tragic loss in the 1996 FA Cup Final, as a viewer, against Manchester United. An unfortunate defeat made even tougher after turning up prior with a unique choice of attire.
The squad of 25 showed up in cream double breasted suits, stripey red and white ties with a baby blue shirt to accompany the look. Something very unique not only for an FA Cup look, but just an interesting blend in general.
However, this was simply salt in the future wound.
Shay teased: “They focused too much on the suits.”
They proceeded to lose to their biggest rival 1-0 that day at Wembley.
Fashion-forward in the modern game
Shay looks at the modern game’s shift towards players and fashion deals. Somewhat influenced by David Beckham’s career, players find themselves more and more in the fashion industry. And with modernity comes consistent scrutiny.
“Back in the day it was just one press conference, now a billion people can see it in a second.
“Players are so high profile now even without fashion deals.”
This constant scrutiny was seen through high profile players like Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, and even pundits. Daniel Sturridge’s Champions League outfits this season, which some people consider stylish, have led to scrutiny in social media, reinforced by tabloids.
“Everyone has an opinion on everything.”
From sacred gloves to tailored suits, Shay Given’s journey mirrors football’s evolution, where passion meets style and tradition with modernity. Amid the spotlight and scrutiny, the heart of the game remains unchanged. For Shay, it’s always been about the love of football, worn proudly both on the pitch and beyond.
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