How the FIFA World Cup 2026 sparked men's biggest luxury bag trend

Once dismissed as a fashion faux pas, the humble handbag has officially found a new audience—and it's not who you would have expected.

Enter the murse—a portmanteau of man and purse—a term coined to describe handbags embraced by men who have long outgrown the limitations of overstuffed pockets. While the word itself may feel dated, the accessory certainly isn't. As fashion continues to blur traditional gender boundaries, luxury handbags have become less about convention and more about personal style, status and self-expression.

Celebrities such as Jacob Elordi, Kit Connor, A$AP Rocky and, closer home, Karan Johar have all embraced the trend, proving that a statement bag belongs just as comfortably in a menswear wardrobe as a tailored suit. But if one group has truly elevated the handbag into a fashion talking point this year, it's footballers.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 hasn't just delivered unforgettable moments on the pitch—it has also become an unexpected runway for luxury fashion. From airport arrivals to team check-ins and tunnel walks, football's biggest stars have transformed every public appearance into a carefully curated style moment, with designer handbags emerging as the accessory of choice. It raises an interesting question: have footballers quietly become today's most influential fashion trendsetters?

(Also Read: Fashion labels shaping FIFA World Cup 2026 style)

Fashion and football have never existed in separate worlds. Long before luxury maisons partnered with athletes, players understood the power of personal style. David Beckham redefined what a fashionable footballer could look like, while Cristiano Ronaldo built an image synonymous with polished luxury. Today's generation, however, is taking that relationship one step further by embracing accessories once considered unconventional in menswear.

The appeal of these bags goes far beyond practicality. They are no longer simply designed to carry travel essentials; they have become an extension of the outfit itself. Every silhouette, leather finish and logo contributes to a carefully considered aesthetic. Whether it's the rarity of the piece or the craftsmanship behind it, the handbag has evolved into a statement of confidence and individuality.

Portuguese footballer Pedro Neto is frequently seen carrying his Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière, turning a practical travel bag into the focal point of his airport style. Likewise, French captain Kylian Mbappé has often complemented his understated tailoring with sleek Dior shoulder bags, proving that luxury accessories can elevate even the simplest ensembles. 

Even Erling Haaland, whose off-duty wardrobe is increasingly defined by oversized tailoring and luxury accessories, has embraced structured designer carryalls, most from his impressive Hermès Birkin collection, proving that statement bags have become as essential to football's style playbook as limited-edition sneakers. Across football, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada, Hermès and Bottega Veneta have become as much a part of players' wardrobes as custom tailoring and limited-edition sneakers.

This growing relationship between football and luxury fashion isn't accidental. Players today are global celebrities whose influence extends far beyond the stadium. Their arrival outfits are dissected online, their accessories identified within minutes, and their style choices often become trends overnight. In an era where tunnel walks receive almost as much attention as post-match interviews, every detail counts.

The popularity of the handbag also reflects a wider cultural shift. Once viewed through the narrow lens of gender, luxury bags are increasingly appreciated for their craftsmanship, versatility and design. Today's footballers aren't carrying them to challenge masculinity—they're carrying them because great design transcends outdated labels. The confidence lies not in making a statement, but in wearing what genuinely complements their personal style.

The murse may have started as a playful term, but its place in contemporary fashion is undeniable. What was once considered unconventional has become a symbol of modern luxury, confidence and effortless sophistication. If the World Cup has proven anything beyond football, it's that the season's most coveted accessory isn't another pair of boots—it's the designer handbag slung casually over the shoulder of the game's biggest stars.

(Also Read: Inside record-breaker Cristiano Ronaldo's most luxurious residences around the world)

Text by Judah Abujam 

Edited by Sabrina Mathews