Apostolis Dimitropoulos: Painting the Soul of Football

Apostolis Dimitropoulos is not just an artist—he’s a storyteller, a dreamer, a man who paints football not as a game but as a feeling. A self-taught talent whose journey began by chance, he turned his love for the sport into raw, nostalgic, and deeply human artworks. Growing up surrounded by sports magazines at his father’s kiosk, his vision is shaped by childhood innocence, neighborhood games, and the kind of passion that money can’t buy.

For Apostolis, football isn’t just a subject—it’s a way of life. Whether sketching legends, capturing a fleeting grimace, or immortalizing a moment that others might overlook, his work is pure, unpolished, and full of heart. He creates with instinct, spreading out every material in his workspace, embracing chaos, and letting inspiration take over. Music plays, coffee is poured, and then—magic happens.

What sets his art apart is the way it connects with people. His pieces aren’t just admired; they’re felt. From casual fans to footballing icons, his work resonates on a deep emotional level. And for him, that’s worth more than any price tag. When a player he once controlled on PES now holds his artwork in their hands, that’s a full-circle moment he never could have scripted.

Art found him, football defined him, and now, through his creations, he brings them together in a way only he can. Apostolis Dimitropoulos paints football the way it’s meant to be remembered—not just in goals or trophies, but in the emotions, the energy, and the love for the game itself.

M: Can you share the journey that led you to become a self-taught artist, especially focusing on football as your primary subject?

A: The journey began completely by chance; it emerged along the way. However, with constant work, will, and faith, everything is possible. As for football, it is my great love. There are many other forms of art, but football is my passion!!

M: How does your background as a professional baker influence your artistic process, if at all?

A: Of course, it affects me! They are two arts that I love!! Both require hands, love, and passion to create. They are completely different but, at the same time, the same. I can’t explain it in words—only through practice.

M: What is it about football that inspires you to make it the central theme of your artwork?

A: My love for the sport!! I love sports in general. But football is something completely different from everything else. Whether I played it as a kid or on video games, it’s the same feeling. Whether I sell my work or not, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—it doesn’t bother me at all!! I love what I do, and I’m happy with the love I receive from literally everyone!! Also, my dad used to make me watch videotapes and read the newspaper, which I still do traditionally!!

M: Can you describe your creative process when starting a new piece? Do you have any specific rituals or routines?

A: Hmm, usually around noon or in the afternoon. I make a coffee beforehand and always have water next to me. I put on the CD player or record player to listen to music—because without music, I can’t function—and then I start!!

M: How do you select the moments or figures in football that you choose to portray in your art?

A: I always look for the best moment!! The most special one—the grimace, the something different!! My vision is that the player should never be boring in the moment I immortalize. I also look at events accordingly, whether they’re related to fashion or anything else. In general, I do what I like and what interests me—I have no attachments.

M: What materials and techniques do you prefer to use in your artwork, and why?

A: I use everything, REALLY EVERYTHING!! I spread everything out in the office and use whatever suits me. It may sound chaotic, but believe me, I know where everything is haha! As for techniques, I’m constantly learning and reading to keep evolving!!

M: How do you see your work contributing to the broader conversation about the intersection of sports and art?

A: I believe that football is everywhere now, so it’s easier for it to coexist with art. As for me, I try to combine everything together—I don’t pursue anything specific.

M: Can you share a particularly memorable response or feedback you’ve received about your work?

A: Ohh man!! This question is very powerful. First of all, I receive unlimited love from people I don’t even know all over the world, and this fills me up so much as a person. I truly appreciate that someone takes the time to send me a thumbs-up, a message, or even share my work.

Unforgettable moments? Recently, I gave some of my artwork to the huge David Bellion and the female Ryan Babel—players I used to play with on PES on PlayStation 2. And now, I was standing next to them, chatting!! Only by being easy-going can I stay humble about the next steps in this beautiful journey. I’ve had some great collaborations recently, but nothing compares to the feeling of a famous footballer sending me a message saying they actually liked my work. That, my friend, is priceless. No amount of money can compare to that!!!

M: As someone who grew up reading sports magazines, how do you think that experience has shaped your artistic vision?

A: Absolutely, man!!! Since I was a child, my father had a kiosk, and I read everything that was circulating!! That shaped the way I create as an artist!! It’s all about childhood innocence, nostalgia for the past, the simple everyday things—the pure things.

Going down to the neighborhood, playing ball with the kids—with bottle caps first, then with real balls—we went through all the stages. Those innocent childhood years define how I create. I don’t overthink—I just let go and bring it out as simply as possible. I think my character is clearly visible through my work.

I love this more than anything, my friend. It gives me life. I sit in my room and get lost for hours—many times, the day isn’t enough for me. Of course, I know when I’m tired or when something isn’t working, so I stop, go for a run or a bike ride, and let off steam!!

M: What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are self-taught and looking to find their unique voice?

A: Give it your all and see where it takes you!! It is very difficult to make a living from art, and it depends on the situation each of us is in. But in my personal opinion, it is worth it 100000%. It may come with 10 difficulties, but when that one success arrives, there is no better feeling. It’s incomparable. So go for it—be dynamic, stay humble, have faith, and everything will come in its time!!

#art #football #apostolisdimitropoulos #unity

Émile-Samory Fofana and adidas: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Parisian-born artist Émile-Samory Fofana has teamed up with adidas to create a long-overdue product. The Parisian designer has introduced a range of all-white qamis that offer unparalleled comfort. These qamis (known as Jalabia in some languages) are traditionally worn for prayer. Émile's collaboration with adidas features qamis characterized by golden details and spacious design, providing optimal comfort for the frequent movements during prayer.

Throughout his career, Émile has documented and forged links between West African and European football. In 2022, he reworked bootleg qamis from specific clubs like PSG and Chelsea.
We also love the campaign images, which likely represent just a fraction of the content produced. The campaign features older, stylish Black men from the African diaspora. Given Émile's Malian roots, we strongly suspect the campaign was produced in Mali.

This collaboration demonstrates that it takes creatives like Émile to view the world from different perspectives. By merging two vastly different worlds, Émile's skills and experience have culminated in a masterpiece.

Visiuals:
https://t.ly/mUYig