At the spritely age of 27, Saudi-born British footballer, Mohammed “Mo” Adams, has already played in leagues all over the world. A product of the Nottingham Forest youth academy, his professional career would take him to the MLS with stints at Chicago Fire, Atlanta United, and Inter Miami (unfortunately, pre-Leo Messi), before making it back to the country of his birth with Saudi Pro League Clubs Al- Shabab and Al-Khaleej.
“I’ve loved football since I could walk, always having a ball at my feet,” he says. “My passion for the game grew as I got older, and turning Pro was my dream since day one. Now, getting
to play in the Saudi league, at this exciting point in time is just amazing.”
Outside of football, Adams’ other passion is his love of fashion. His sense of style and
understanding of how it can represent who you are, and how you want to present yourself
has led him to create his own platform, Style Speaks, a podcast and digital beacon built to
highlight the people behind the modern Saudi Arabia fashion landscape.
Having played football in the UK and US, how does the level in the Saudi Pro League stack up?
People are surprised when they find out that I speak fluent Arabic, but because I was born in Saudi it basically feels like I’m just back at home. Competing in Saudi during this exciting period of growth feels unbelievably special. You’re lining up against some of the best players in the world, and it is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about leagues on the planet.
Tell us about Style Speaks. Why was this something that you wanted to launch?
Style Speaks isn’t just a show about fashion, it’s a passion project that comes from my love
for Saudi fashion, and my desire to amplify its voice. Since I move to the Kingdom, I’ve witness the incredible creativity, diversity and levels of innovation that exists in the fashion community, and I decided that it was time to shed some light onto it.
In terms of your personal style, what do you like wearing?
I do love dressing smart when I feel like it, but my go-to is streetwear. I’ve always seen the merit of being versatile with what I wear. I think that having lived in so many places, I’m constantly influenced by from different countries, cities, and cultures—specifically New York, London, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta.
Who are some of the people that you take your style inspo from?
At the moment, I love what [Dutch footballer] Memphis Depay and [American football player] Stefon Diggs are doing with their fashion.
Are there any “nevers” or “always” in your wardrobe?
I’m always wearing jewellery, it’s a must for me. A watch, a bracelet, a chain, they really complete the look, whatever you’re wearing. And aside from that, I think I’ve lost count of how many black T-shirts I have. So there’s that too.
Talk us through the Three Fits you’ve chosen…
Fit One
I like the simplicity and comfort of this look. I’m a fan of crew neck sweatshirts, and since
it’s summertime, rolling up the sleeves and pairing it with shorts works perfectly. Simple touches like the colour pop socks and bag really add personality to the look.
Fit Two
This fit is definitely my style: flashy-but-cosy. It is really comfortable, which is something I always aim for in an outfit. Rocking a vest underneath with some jewellery to add some flash is a good bedrock for me too. You can’t go wrong with a tracksuit that brings a pop.
Fit Three
Now, if we’re talking about ‘statement pieces’, this is the fit! If you’re going bold on top, the subtlety of the trousers calms it down, and you tie it all together with a pair of Travis Scotts. I love how the colours blend so well. I’m a big fan of oversized looks, and this outfit just nails it. Baggy trousers are my current go-to, so I’m definitely feeling this one.
