Jerome Boateng: world-class centre-back and future Shark Tank star?
A class act on the pitch, Bayern Munich and Germany international Jerome Boateng is an even more stylish operator off it having made major inroads into the fashion and music industries with the likes of Jay-Z to make himself an ideal candidate for a celebrity version of The Shark Tank.
"Jerome is one of the premier players in the world. He is a great athlete, but he also has these interests off the field," Michael Yormark, president of Jay-Z's music and entertainment agency, Roc Nation, told the BBC in 2015. "He loves fashion, entertainment and music — all of which makes him very marketable and opens up doors with brands."
Boateng became the first footballer to move into Jay-Z's stable in the USA when he hopped across the Atlantic Ocean in 2015 in a bid to boost the Boateng brand state-side.
"It was amazing… it's a dream. Jay-Z is one of the biggest stars in the world and such an icon. He was so down to earth. It was like talking to a friend," the defender said after meeting the Roc Nation founder to celebrate their deal in New York City. "I have huge respect for how he handles everything."
Roc Nation this year signed up Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku, who was no doubt seduced by the opportunities an association with the world-famous hip-hop icon affords, just as Boateng was.
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His success means he can now mix business with pleasure when he swaps his studs for one of the 500 pairs of sneakers he owns.
Often pictured wearing glasses when not trying to stop world-class strikers, Boateng has his own range of eyewear, while his acute cutting edge fashion sense has opened doors in the world of clothes design.
In collaboration with worldwide fashion house Zalando, Boateng brought out a collection this summer that featured dashing pairs of socks and a camouflage shirt bearing the Latin phrase Per ardua ad astra — Through adversity to the stars — which reflects the player's own path to the top. A further foray into the fashion world will come in 2019 when he and Nyden, H&M's millennial-targetting brand, will join forces.
"Nyden understands my sense of style and shares my vision," said Boateng. "Together, we will create a line that enables anyone to look sharp at all times – travelling on a plane or a bus to a match, a day out with family or a late dinner in the bright lights of the city. It'll be a mix of classic, casual and striking to help people express themselves without being too loud."
Following the former Hamburg and Manchester City man's social media accounts has been a sure-fire way of keeping hot on the heels of the latest trends, but as of this autumn, the dedicated followers of fashion can check out the best Boateng looks in his 'Boa' magazine.
The magazine will convey — says Boateng — "my passion for fashion, sports and music and tells exciting stories from my world" with the centre-back himself carrying out interviews with designers, musicians and sports stars.
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