Creative Soccer Culture

Declan Rice Talks Balancing Football, Creativity, and Self-Expression

Well established as a linchpin in both the Arsenal and England midfields, Declan Rice is a player who’s redefining what it means to be a footballer in the modern era. From fashion shows to photography, his journey is as much about self-expression as it is about success.

Balancing life on and off the pitch is an art, and Rice, it seems, is well on the way to mastering it. Increasingly known for his creative spark both as a player and an individual, he exemplifies what it means to embrace life beyond the game. From his choice to wear adidas COPA Pure boots ahead of the more popular Predator to exploring his passions for photography and fashion, his journey is as much about self-expression as it is about success.

In this exclusive interview, Rice opens up to us about his journey—how he’s grown more relaxed and confident with age, the importance of finding balance, and his forays into the creative world, including stepping onto the runway for a Labrum fashion show. He shares how his tastes have evolved with age, the importance of finding balance, and how stepping out of his comfort zone has shaped him. Beyond the goals and glory, it’s a story of creativity, individuality, and a deep connection to the fans who’ve supported him every step of the way.

You come across as someone who makes thoughtful decisions, whether it’s playing in the Copa boot or doing creative work off the pitch. Would you say that’s a fair description? How would you describe yourself?

Yeah, I’d say that’s a fair way to describe me. As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more relaxed and comfortable in myself. I’m always striving for the best and working hard, but I’ve learned to appreciate the balance in life. For example, with the Copa boot, comfort is key—it reflects how I am as a person. For me, they’re the best boots because they allow me to perform while feeling completely at ease. That same comfort has translated into how I approach being creative. As you get older, you realize what matters most, and it’s all about finding that balance.

Have your tastes and outlook changed over time? 

I think I’ve always been confident, but as a kid, I probably worried too much. As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to relax and not take life too seriously. Football is my job, and I take that responsibility seriously, but off the pitch, I like to be creative, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy life. These things make me happy and help me stay grounded. Over time, I’ve come to see the importance of enjoying the other parts of life as well, and I think that’s benefited me both personally and professionally.

We’re all on a journey, discovering ourselves and seeing how our tastes evolve. How do you like to enjoy life outside of football?

I’ve recently started photography, and I really enjoy it. It’s a way for me to escape and capture special moments in my life that not many people get to see. It’s also something personal for my family and me. Beyond that, I like to keep things simple—spending time with friends and family and staying happy. People often forget that footballers are human, and we need to have outlets and enjoy life outside of the game. Football is changing, and more players are embracing creativity and individuality off the pitch, which is really positive. I enjoy being part of that change.

With projects like the Labrum fashion show, was that a step out of your comfort zone? 

Definitely. When the opportunity came through the club and my team asked if I wanted to do it, I said yes straight away. It was such a different experience, but I loved it. The response was amazing, and it got so much traction. Seeing how the fashion industry works behind the scenes—the models, the organization, and everything that goes into it—was fascinating. It’s not something I usually do, but it was a great experience. Football is evolving, and players are stepping into other areas of life, which I think is exciting.

The precision and timing of a runway show are impressive, aren’t they?

Absolutely. It’s mind-blowing when you see what goes into it. Standing backstage, watching the preparation and organisation, gave me a new appreciation for the work involved. It’s symbolic of the crossover between football and fashion, and I’m glad I had the chance to be part of it.

Did you expect the show to make such an impact?

Not at all. I think the setting played a big part—it was at the Emirates, tied to our kit collaboration. Within an hour, it was on platforms like British Vogue and GQ. That’s not my usual world, so it was a bit surreal. Some of the lads gave me a bit of banter about it, but overall, the response was really positive. It was a learning experience, and I’m happy I did it.

Has that given you a taste for more projects like this?

Definitely. Football will always be my main focus—I want to be the best I can be for the next 10-15 years. But if the right opportunities come along that I’m genuinely interested in, I’d love to explore them. At the same time, if something doesn’t feel right, I’d be honest enough to say it’s not for me. It’s all about balance, but football will always come first.

Are there moments in football or life where stepping out of your comfort zone has helped you grow?

Absolutely. Early in my career, I was taken off at halftime twice and got the classic “hairdryer treatment” from my manager. Those moments were tough but necessary for my growth. They taught me to handle criticism and come back stronger. Over time, I’ve learned to take things on the chin and not take them personally. Those experiences have shaped me into the player and person I am today.

Photography seems to be a creative outlet for you. How important is that to your journey?

It’s really important. A lot of people want to see more of the personal side of footballers, beyond just the game. For me, photography is a way to capture special moments, whether it’s with my family or behind the scenes at matches. It’s not something I take too seriously—it’s more about having fun and creating memories. One of the reasons I started was because I didn’t have many photos of myself growing up. Now, with my little boy, I try to capture as much as I can. Those personal moments mean a lot to me.

What’s been the reaction to your photography?

The reaction has been great. When I started, it wasn’t something people expected. My first post, was after the England game v Iceland. Harry Kane had just got his 100th cap, Trent got Man of The Match and the pictures I took seemed to get a lot of attention. Fans seem to love the behind-the-scenes glimpses, and Arsenal fans especially have been really positive about it. I’m not doing it all the time, just when there’s a special moment worth sharing.

Does photography help bridge the gap between players and fans?

For sure. At both West Ham and Arsenal, I’ve had amazing connections with the fans. Sharing these moments helps bring them closer to the players and gives them a new perspective. It’s great to see the positive reaction and how much they appreciate getting a glimpse into our lives beyond the pitch.

Have you thought about turning this into something bigger, like a book or an exhibition?

[laughs] I’ve had messages asking if I do weddings, which is funny, but that’s not the direction I’m going! For me, it’s about capturing meaningful moments, whether it’s with my friends, family, or on the pitch. I’ll share those moments when it feels right, but it’s just something I enjoy doing alongside football.

What’s the most meaningful photo you’ve taken so far?

Probably a portrait of my little boy in the garden. He’s obsessed with football, and I got some great action shots of him playing in his full Arsenal kit. Those personal moments mean the most to me because they capture something deeply special. It’s great to have those memories to look back on.

How does working with Adidas reflect your identity as a player and creative?

My relationship with Adidas has been amazing. The Copa boot is a classic boot, but it’s evolved to fit the modern game, and I think that reflects me as a player—That blend of tradition with innovation. I like that. Seeing young players excited about these boots is really rewarding. It shows how times have changed.

What are your short- and long-term aspirations on the pitch?

Last season, losing the Premier League by two points was tough, but we shifted our focus immediately to this season. We’re in all competitions, and with the team and players we have, we’re ambitious. The Premier League is the ultimate goal, and I want to keep striving for success throughout my career. At the end of it all, I want to look back and know I achieved as much as I possibly could.

Declan Rice wears the adidas COPA Pure III, which you can pick up at prodirectsport.com/soccer

About the Author
Dan Jones

Senior Content Editor The veteran of the team. It's not the years, it's the mileage. Some of his greatest achievements include playing (and scoring) at Anfield, Goodison and Camp Nou, and he'll happily talk you through all three (in great detail) over a nice cuppa. Specialises in boots and kits and will happily talk you through them (in great detail) over a nice cuppa – although you might need something stronger...

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