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Unlikely Closet Staple is made in partnership with MATCHESFASHION. It's a series in which we explore some of the less likely but no less essential aspects of the modern wardrobe.

Football has had a shaky history with fashion. Luckily, though, we’ve come a very long way from the days of Ronaldo’s bootcut jeans. In fact, there are a handful of professional football players ushering in a new era for the sport’s relationship with style. At the forefront of this stylish new revolution is German superstar Serge Gnabry.

After 3 years at Bayern Munich and a stint good enough to earn himself the coveted No. 7 shirt, there’s no doubt that he’s one of the most exciting players in Europe right now. But his off-pitch antics are arguably just as appealing as the on-pitch action: a scroll through Gnabry’s Instagram feed will yield high-end fit pics and footballing snapshots in equal measure.

It’s his style credentials that have caught the eye of MATCHESFASHION. The luxury retailer caught up with Serge Gnabry recently to discuss his unlikely closet staples. From chunky Bottega boots to full-length Lemaire coats, Gnabry’s selection proves that he’s not afraid to stamp his own, unique style on his wardrobe — a mindset that’s opening doors for athlete’s style.

Shop 10 of Serge Gnabry's unlikely closet staples below.

SASQUATCHfabrix Zigzag Trousers

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SASQUATCHfabrixZigzag Trousers
$370
Buy at Matches

There's nothing unlikely about a pair of well-tailored black pants for men. This pair from Sasquatchfabrix looks to a wide leg for a contemporary take on the classic, though.

Needles Butterfly Track Pants

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NeedlesButterfly Track Pants
£245
Buy at Matchesfashion UK

For an athlete that's always on the move, a pair of versatile, comfortable pants that don't sacrifice style is essential.

Bottega Veneta Frosted Down Jacket

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Bottega VenetaFrosted Down Jacket
$3090
Buy at Luisaviaroma

Long down-padded coats are a permanent fixture of pitchside style but they're not usually as nice as this one from Bottega Veneta.

Wooyoungmi Oversized Jacket

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WooyoungmiOversized Jacket
£1104
Buy at Farfetch UK

Wooyoungmi's oversized updates of classic menswear pieces are always welcome and this peacoat is a dream as we enter fall and winter.

Lemaire Storm Flap Overcoat

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LemaireStorm Flap Overcoat
$1275
Buy at Matches

Sometimes you need a does-it-all coat that you can throw on over any outfit as protection and a finishing touch. This no-nonsense Storm Flap Overcoat from Lemaire fits the bill.

Raf Simons Synchronicity Shirt

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Raf SimonsSynchronicity Shirt
$690
Buy at Selfridges & Co.

Gnabry's selection is trending towards classic pieces with subverted cuts or proportions. It's a recipe for success, for anyone who's unsure why.

Wooyoungmi Oversized Shirt

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WooyoungmiOversized Shirt
£387
Buy at Farfetch UK

Part workwear, part modern luxury, this Wooyoungmi overshirt is another versatile, foundational piece for a fall wardrobe, especially thanks to its earthy tone.

Maison Margiela Deconstructed Sweatshirt

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Maison MargielaDeconstructed Sweatshirt
$805
Buy at Farfetch

Of all the pieces of clothing, the absolute undisputed closet staple for fall is the hoodie. This deconstructed iteration from Margiela adds the 'unlikely' part.

Salomon XT-6 Advanced Trainers

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SalomonXT-6 Advanced Trainers
$220
Buy at Matches

What was once a performance sneaker is now the go-to, everyday selection for a large chunky of the sneaker community.

Bottega Veneta Nylon Boots

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Bottega VenetaNylon Boots
$990
Buy at Mr Porter

Bottega Veneta's boots have been one of the biggest successes in style over recent seasons. This new arrival looks set to cause a stir, too.

Want to keep browsing? Head to the Highsnobiety Shop for more products that we love. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.

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