With the Premier League and La Liga returning, the real test is now about to begin. FIFA’s 2026 World Cup Summer certainly brought a wave of new fans, but who was truly in it for the sport, and who was riding a trending algorithm?
Or, to borrow the internet’s favourite new term, who was just LARPing?
The phrase “Football LARPing” originates from LARP, which actually means “Live Action Role Play”. Here, it’s used to describe a performative social media fandom that adopted football aesthetics purely as a personality trait to show off. Once a simple jab at all try-hards and fake fans, the term now playfully captures the refined art of fully committing to the bit.
It was further amplified by a new generation of superstars — Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Lamine Yamal — who have captivated younger football fans worldwide. Beyond their elite performance on the field, these players have cultivated massive independent followings as lifestyle icons and trendsetters. In doing so, they carry forward the torch David Beckham lit when he was one of the few firsts to bridge the gap between football and high fashion. Consequently, luxury fashion houses have always taken notice of these athletes and teams, knowing their impact. As a result, they have fully embraced the sport — evidenced by Amiri tailoring FC Barcelona or Pharrell Williams integrating football aesthetics into his Spring/Summer 2025 collection for Louis Vuitton.
Ultimately, whether you actually understand what happens within the 90-minute games or just follow Erling Haaland for his hilarious stories, you have to admit that football runs too deep to be just another sport.
Successful LARPing requires absolute dedication. So forget club loyalty or understanding the offside rule. Neutrality gives you the ultimate freedom to shop the entire league and mix crests without guilt anyway. To guarantee you look like you’ve been here since day one, Men’s Folio builds the ultimate luxury kitbag for the dedicated football LARPer, featuring all our favourite brands we know and love.
A pair of football boots you don’t actually wear to play.
Louis Vuitton Footprint Soccer Sneaker (RM 7,200)
Get that $60,000 bag to match with Erling Haaland.
Printed Monogram Windbreaker (RM 15,100)
Twin with a FIFA 2026 World Cup Champion! Hopefully no one asks about a player you can’t name.
Loewe Anagram Polo Shirt (RM4,250)
Stick by your FC, no matter what!
Paul Smith x Manchester United Quarter-Zip Sweater (RM1,850)
“Did you know Ferran Torres wears these too?” Unfortunately, they don’t come with Ferran’s skills.
UA Shadow Elite 4 FG Match (RM1,099)
If you can’t be ‘em, join everyone else and buy a Yamal jersey.
FC Barcelona Mens Home Shirt 2026/27 (RM 309)
Chosen by Judybear.
Louis Vuitton Speedy P9 Bandoulière 50 (RM 60,000)
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our latest issue here.