IN CONVERSATION WITH JEREMIE FRIMPONG
interview by SAMO ŠAJN
Jeremie Frimpong is redefining what it means to be a modern footballer. A Dutch international competing at the highest level of European football, he has become one of the most dynamic attacking full-backs of his generation, known for his speed, creativity, and fearless energy on the pitch. Off the field, Frimpong is equally driven — exploring his passion for fashion and creative culture while building a broader identity beyond sport. Through his initiative Pathways, he is also committed to supporting young players navigating life after academy football, reflecting a purpose that extends far beyond the game.
Your playing style is very explosive and expressive. Do you see football as a form of self-expression?
Yeah, I think it is. The way I play is very natural to me, it’s how I express myself on the pitch. I’m quite explosive and expressive as a person too… I think, or maybe I’m not haha, but that’s how it feels when I’m playing. I like to be free, take risks, bring energy, and just play in a way that feels true to me.
You’ve become known not only for your performances on the pitch but also for your strong sense of style. How does fashion help you communicate who you are beyond football?
Fashion is a big part of how I express myself off the pitch. I like different styles and I like to experiment a lot, not stay in one lane. Some days it’s clean, some days more bold; it really depends on how I feel. I enjoy putting looks together and bringing ideas to life. It’s something I definitely want to do more of over time, just building it properly when the moment is right.
full look TOMMY HILFIGER
Many athletes talk about pressure, but you often appear fearless. Where does that mindset come from?
I think it comes from just enjoying what I do and trusting myself. When you trust yourself, you don’t overthink everything. Of course there is pressure, but I try to stay in the moment and just play my game.
Growing up in the Netherlands with Ghanaian roots, how have different cultures shaped your personality and outlook on life?
Both have shaped me a lot. Ghana is very cultural and traditional, it’s where my family is from, so it feels like home in that sense. The Netherlands is also very strong culturally, but in a different way, it’s more open, free, and welcoming. I feel like I’ve taken something from both, and it’s helped shape how I see the world.
When you step away from football, what kinds of music, art, or creative spaces inspire you the most?
I like a mix of things, to be honest. Music, fashion, gaming, just chilling, eating, and being around good people. I don’t really limit it to one thing, I just go with whatever I’m feeling. Anything creative or relaxed where you can just enjoy yourself.
You founded Pathways to support young players who are released from academies. Why was it important for you to create something that looks beyond football careers?
Because I’ve seen how tough it can be for players who don’t make it. Football doesn’t always go how you plan, so I wanted to create something that gives people opportunities and direction outside of football as well.
Football is a very structured world. Do you ever feel a need to break out of those expectations and explore other sides of yourself?
Yeah, for sure. Football is very structured, everything is planned. That’s why I like fashion, because you can be more free, try different styles, experiment, and just express yourself in a different way.
full look TOMMY HILFIGER
What have the biggest cities you’ve lived or played in taught you about culture, style, or identity?
Every place has given me something different. Glasgow taught me how to trust myself, because I was there alone and had to figure things out. Düsseldorf showed me the importance of family, especially during the tougher moments. Manchester, for me, is about having fun and enjoying life more. And then places like Milan, Paris, Tokyo, they’re just wow for fashion. The styles, the creativity, everything is unique and inspiring. I really love those places.
If football had never been part of your life, what kind of path do you think you might have followed?
Honestly, I don’t even know. I like a lot of things: music, clothes, gaming, food, so it could’ve been anything. I don’t think I’d limit myself to one path, probably something creative, but I can’t say exactly what.
When people look back at Jeremie Frimpong years from now, what do you hope they remember about you beyond the game?
I hope they see me as someone who brought joy to people. Someone who was positive, expressive, and made people enjoy watching and being around me, not only in football, but outside of it as well.
full look TOMMY HILFIGER
TEAM CREDITS
talent JEREMIE FRIMPONG
creative direction and styling LUKA MAGAT at Off Time Management
photography JULIEN PERRICHON
makeup CHARLIE EDWARDS
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview SAMO ŠAJN
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
