Brandon Zigo Tichem: From Football to Vision
Some people follow a path. Brandon Zigo Tichem creates one. Football was his world for many years, but never his boundary. “I’ve always played football, but I was also always aware of what happens beyond the pitch,” he explains. Brandon saw an opportunity to connect both worlds. “It was actually a natural evolution from my childhood, where fashion had already been part of my life.”
Where Passion and DNA Come Together
His parents played a key role in shaping that mindset. Together, they ran a sneaker store, exposing Brandon to style, entrepreneurship, and self-expression early on. “What my parents passed on to me is something I carry with me every day,” he says.
“From my father, I learned what it truly means to be an entrepreneur: seeing opportunities where others don’t, daring to fall, and always getting back up. From my mother, I inherited my love for fashion. She is still a style icon to me, someone who doesn’t follow fashion, but embodies it. She showed me that style comes from within. When you feel good in what you wear, it shows.”
That foundation sparked his curiosity beyond sport alone. While many of his peers focused solely on football, Brandon began sharing his style on social media at a young age, attracting interest from brands and leading to early modeling opportunities. “Because I started early and showed that I was more than just a footballer, the lifestyle side of me became increasingly visible.”
Not everyone embraced that approach. “During my football career, it often clashed with coaches who wanted me to focus exclusively on the game. At the time, they didn’t see the value of lifestyle and personal image.”
For Brandon, however, it never felt like a distraction, it was quite the opposite. “It was a conscious choice to combine my interests and develop myself beyond just being a footballer. I learned that balance comes from growing step by step and making intentional choices.”
Balance, Bravery & Building Blocks
That mindset proved invaluable as he began carving out his own path. While working for a clothing brand, Brandon met Twan, who is now his business partner. “We were looking for a photographer, so we put out a call on Instagram, and he responded. What makes us strong as a team is that we share the same drive and aesthetic, but also trust each other completely. We’re open to anyone, as long as the energy is right. I truly believe you can only create something special when there’s mutual understanding. That’s when you build something that’s not only visually strong, but genuinely meaningful.”
As an entrepreneur, Brandon believes success takes time. “The biggest misconception is that entrepreneurship is about making quick money. Just like elite sport, it requires discipline, patience, and perseverance. You have to dare to fall in order to grow stronger. As Mandela said: ‘I never lose, I either win or learn.”
Becoming a father also reshaped his perspective. “Before having children, I could juggle all those roles at once. Once they arrived, I learned that you can’t do everything at the same time. They give me calm, direction, and keep me grounded.”
That sense of balance carries through into his work. One of the moments he’s most proud of was collaborating with Memphis Depay. “We once faced each other on the pitch, and years later we were standing together on set. For me, that symbolises everything coming together: my background in sport, my love for lifestyle, and my vision as an entrepreneur.”
From Passion to Purpose
Today, Brandon looks ahead. With BTTS Studios, the fragrance brand Nala 28, and the emerging fashion label Label Garment, he continues to build a creative world aligned with his identity. “Everything I build is rooted in the mentality my parents gave me and the love of my family. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
His message to young players is simple yet powerful:
“Be patient. Keep building—on and off the pitch. Your appearance is part of your brand, not its opposite. Dare to show who you are, both inside and outside the lines.”
Ready for more?
Read the full interview with Brandon in our latest issue — Life After Football Magazine, Issue 87.
From luxury travel escapes to cultural highlights and exclusive collaborations, discover more lifestyle stories inspiring life beyond the pitch here.
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