“Going off-pitch is a chance to show who I am and my creativity through my fashion,” the football star says in an exclusive interview with Hypebeast.

To its extensive roster of well-known hires, Crocs has added William Saliba as its newest brand representative. With his fashionable wardrobe, the Arsenal center-back joins the shoe family to inspire more people to express themselves through style and to promote the idea that sportsmen can also be fashion idols.

When he joined the north London club, football-inspired fashion was all the rage. He used his position to show off his unique style, which made him a player and person to watch both on and off the game. Football has not always been a good place for fashion-conscious players, but Saliba hopes that he and his style-savvy friends can help change that. Even if there had not been a trend based on sports, the football player’s unique style and daring sense of fashion would have still made people look twice.

Born in northern France, Saliba later moved to Saint-Étienne in the south and now lives in London. He is proud to use his style to show the places he has lived. He usually chooses a base that looks “very French” and mid-layers that are simple but classic and made by high-end designers. He then goes for a more modern look when he adds accessories to his clothes, like bright shoes, big bags, and a huge collection of tinted sunglasses.

Within the newest Crocs ad, the brand shows this style trip through a collection of pictures that show Saliba going from the country to the city. He wears a stylish outfit of shorts, a shirt with short sleeves, and the bright red Crocs Echo Clogs. This shows that his style is a big part of who he is and will stay the same no matter where he goes.

Hypebeast got an exclusive chat with Saliba where he talks about his style and why it is so important to him.

Hypebeast: Can you tell us a little about your partnership with Crocs and how it came about?

I have always been interested in Crocs because their different styles and patterns are so cool. Crocs are the perfect example of how comfort and personal style can work together in modern shoes, letting people show who they are in their own way. Like Crocs, I have always liked being my own person. I believe that everyone who knows about shoes also knows about Crocs. All you need are Crocs.

The Echo clog, which is geared towards streetwear, is the subject of the new campaign. What are your favourite things about the plan, and how do they work with your busy life?

With its unique shaping, bold shape, and, of course, comfort, the Echo Clog is a whole new way for the brand to create shoes. Every day is a mix of talks, team training, and personal time for me. There is no better shoes for me than the Echo Clogs, whether I am going to the practice field, just hanging out or going for a walk. I know that the Echo family has a lot of plans coming up, so keep an eye out for new drops—they all look crazy!

The reason for the outfit is to show that even though I am a professional player, I can still look great and play my best on the pitch.

Tell us about the part that shoes and clothes play in your life outside of football.

When I am not playing football, clothes and shoes are very important to me. They show who I am and how I am feeling that day. Trying out new styles and trends is something I enjoy, and the shoes I wear are a big part of that because they can make or break an outfit. As a football player for Arsenal or my country, I like shoes that look good and are comfortable, especially when I am on the road with them or for long days. Sharing my own style and getting love from people is fun for me. It is a way for me to show that even though I am a skilled athlete, I can still look good and play my best on the pitch.

How has the unity of football made you want to try new things with your own style?

The football fashion community nowadays is thriving. The scene’s uniformity has actually made me try out my own way even more when I am not on the pitch. When you’re on the field, you’re wearing the same kit as your teammates, and there’s limited room for personal expression in terms of clothing. It gives me a chance to show who I am and my imagination through my clothes when I am not playing.

What do you think makes the fashion scene in London special?

London is like a big pot where styles, cultures, and ideas from all over the world come together. I believe that this mix of cultures makes for an atmosphere of individuality and new ideas that is hard to find elsewhere. London’s fashion history is rich, but not as rich as Paris, and the city’s vibrant street style scene adds to its uniqueness. What I love about the city and the places I’ve seen, is that you can go to different areas and everyone’s style will be different.

“There’s a vibrant street style culture [in London] that encourages self-expression and individuality and no brand represents that better than Crocs.”

As a French native who lives and works in the UK capital, what are the contrasting differences you’ve spotted in style and expression across the two countries?

In general, French fashion is very focused on basic styles that will never go out of style. The French style is known for being classy and elegant. I feel my home country’s fashion tends to favor neutral colors, well-tailored pieces and a minimalist approach. It goes without saying that there is also a mad love for luxury brands and high-end craftsmanship. We know our style.

In the UK, especially in cities like London, there is a more eclectic and diverse style. I feel there’s a vibrant street style culture that encourages self-expression and individuality and no brand represents that better than Crocs.. It’s so amazing to see how culture, history and society influence the way people dress and express themselves in different parts of the world.

In what ways have you adopted aesthetics from both the UK and France, in your own style?

In my own style I definitely let my French heritage shine through as I do like to play with the concept of elegance and minimalism. I appreciate well-tailored pieces and love to feel sleek and sophisticated in what I’m wearing. People around me know how picky I can be, I really fuss over the small things. From my time in London, I’ve developed a penchant for mixing and matching different styles, experimenting with streetwear elements, and embracing a more relaxed and thoughtful approach to fashion.

Discover William Saliba’s unique style codes in the latest campaign video featured in the gallery above. To shop the Crocs Echo Clog, head to the brand’s website or select stockists worldwide now.