In the world of soccer, beyond the boots and jerseys, there’s an accessory that reveals a lot about the personality and style of the players: the toiletry bag. MLS stars like Marco Reus, from the LA Galaxy, don’t underestimate the importance of this essential item.
Boots? Check. T-shirt? Check. Designer toiletry bag? Check!
At first glance, these small cases may seem like a simple accessory, but for the most prominent figures in MLS, they are much more than that. They are an extension of their style, a reflection of their personality and, in some cases, a symbol of their achievements.
Without him, I feel like something is missing.
Max Arfsten, Columbus Crew player.
You feel empty if you walk without him.
Christian Ramírez, LA Galaxy forward.
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Even for a player of Marco Reus’s stature, a UEFA Champions League finalist, the toiletry bag is indispensable. “It’s the same feeling,” Reus comments, laughing, when asked if his game would be affected without his toiletry bag.
These items, ranging from the most exclusive designs to imitations acquired on the street, are an essential part of footballers’ day-to-day lives.
What’s inside?
Personal care and grooming products take up the most space in these cases. Evander, from FC Cincinnati, reveals that he carries “spray deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, a little perfume, cream and lotion”.Reus carries a Goyard toiletry bag with his personalized cologne, while Ramírez keeps candies in his Louis Vuitton. Arfsten includes a “MLS Cup champion” badge in his Louis Vuitton, and Ousseni Bouda, from the San Jose Earthquakes, has a collection of fragrances from Europe and Morocco in his Coach toiletry bag.
These toiletry bags are an extension of the players’ identity. “It would be weird,” says Evander, if he didn’t have his Gucci toiletry bag, especially in away games.
Cincy goalkeeper Roman Celentano opts for a simpler solution: a supermarket plastic bag, but with a personal touch. The Kroger supermarket gave him a designer bag with his initials, but Celentano still prefers his shopping bag.
In MLS, players take advantage of “tunnel fits” to showcase their looks, creating a platform to display their personal style. These kits are a reflection of their personality, and for newcomers, a sign that they have achieved success.
Jansen Miller, from Sporting Kansas City, opted for an imitation, bought on the streets of New York. “I’ll laugh when the article comes out,” Miller commented.
A symbol of growth
Buying a toiletry bag can symbolize a personal or professional achievement. Ramírez gave himself one after winning the Golden Boot in the NASL, and Surridge received his Goyard as a birthday gift from his fiancée.
These toiletry bags have become an integral part of the image of players in the digital age of football, complementing their performance on the field and their online personality. Fashion and style have become a form of personal expression for footballers.
To prove it, you just have to ask Celentano, or Miller, who plans to add more imitations to his collection.
