Teun Koopmeiners on his love for shoes: ‘’You could almost call it an obsession’’

What’s your favourite piece of clothing?

“My favourite piece is a suit. I don’t wear it often, but I enjoy wearing it on special occasions. I love suits, I think they look fantastic and they make me feel great. Not just traditional, tailored suits, but also more alternative styles like checkered patterns or other prints. When I signed my first contract at AZ, I said I’d buy a suit with my first pay. I still have that suit, though I did have to get new trousers made because the old ones didn’t fit anymore, haha.”

What are your favourite brands?

“I think Tommy Hilfiger is a great brand, but in general I prefer neutral clothing, items without big logos, like things from Zara. I usually buy my suits at Suitsupply. I went there the first time, and I liked it so much that I’ve gone back regularly.”

Which AZ teammate do you think is the most fashionable?

“Calvin Stengs definitely pays attention to his clothes. Pantelis Hatzidiakos also always looks sharp at the club. And then there’s Appie, Albert Gudmundsson—he comes in the most unconventional things like orange hats, slippers, you name it. I would never dare to wear that myself, but he always makes it look unique. And it actually suits him quite well.”

Who’s your fashion icon?

“I’d have to say David Beckham. He has the face for it, and it’s no wonder he’s been on the cover of major fashion magazines so often. With his hairstyles and stylish suits, he always had a certain charisma.”

Who do you think is the most fashionable footballer at the moment?

“In today’s football, you could mention Memphis Depay. He truly has his own style. You have to dress in what makes you feel good. An American football player once said, ‘I always dress well, whether I’m on the bench or playing. Because if I dress well, I feel good. And if I feel good, I play better, and when I play better, I achieve my goals.’ I also try to go to the club well-dressed; it makes me feel fresh and confident.”

How would you describe your own style?

“I think it’s a bit relaxed and casual mixed with a smart edge. I really like shirts. I enjoy putting on a nice shirt and smart shoes, which immediately make you look well-dressed.”

Tracksuit or suit?

“Suit, 100%! A suit is obviously a bit tighter, but I actually feel very comfortable in it.”

Have you ever made a total shopping blunder?

“I have a lot of clothes. My girlfriend sometimes finds it so embarrassing because some pieces still have the tags on. It could be because I forgot about them, or because I have so much that I just don’t wear it all. They’re not outrageously expensive, but I still feel a bit guilty. I wasn’t raised to buy clothes and just let them hang there, so I need to watch that.”

What are your favourite accessories?

“I really like watches, but the shoes are the most important part of an outfit. That’s what I look at right away. Shoes can make or break an outfit. I have about seventy pairs, so it’s become quite a hobby. My girlfriend has around thirty pairs too, partly because of me. I’m always looking for new shoes and even look for her sometimes. You could almost call it an obsession. A watch is also a beautiful accessory; it adds something to your outfit. I have one watch that I wear very often.’’