Hugo Ekitike makes fashion statement at Wimbledon with Beckham-style suit

Hugo Ekitike swapped Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes for Wimbledon’s Centre Court over the weekend, trading football boots for a full white Dolce & Gabbana suit complete with a Majolica print tie and red ostrich leather loafers.

Ekitike admitted he’d rather be in America with Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué for Les Bleus. A season-ending Achilles injury in April scuppered his World Cup hopes, leaving him to watch from the stands instead. “Obviously I'm in touch with them but not a lot because they're busy playing and I'm busy with my recovery,” he told GQ on 12 July. “I wish I was there, but that's life. I am where I am, and sometimes everybody has to deal with stuff. That's my challenge and I accepted it so I’m happy for them and I hope they're going to reach the final, win it, and bring the cup back to France.”

Ekitike called Wimbledon’s strict all-white rule “a challenge” and a chance to step outside his usual streetwear. He paired the suit with a hot pink Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 Beach Edition on a bright pink rubber strap and a vintage floral brooch from Chopard’s Disney princess collection. “Ties give old school, successful, serious businessman and that's the vibe I like,” he said. His brother, the “businessman of the family,” handled the knot.

Ekitike name-checked David Beckham as his style icon for Wimbledon’s sartorial standards. “When I think of Wimbledon, I think of David Beckham,” he said. “In terms of wearing a suit, he's an icon. He's the one setting the standards so it's something to follow.” The 24-year-old isn’t shy about mixing club and country rivalries with high fashion either.

With France’s World Cup campaign still fresh in his mind, Ekitike is focused on recovery and staying close to the squad. He’ll keep an eye on Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner on Centre Court while he waits for his own next chance to shine. “It's going to be intense, but I'm glad to be here,” he added.