Athletic Glamour: Athletes Making a Statement at the Met Gala Through the Years
Witness how top athletes have showcased their sporting excellence at the prestigious Met Gala, dazzling in remarkable outfits and stealing the spotlight.
Over the years, some famous athletes have brought their talent from the sports field to the Met Gala.
Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton is a regular at the star-studded event, showcasing his success in the sport with multiple records. At the 2024 event, Hamilton followed the "Garden of Time" dress code by wearing a stylish monochromatic black Burberry jacket with black flower embellishments.
Hamilton shared with Vogue in May 2024 that one thing he appreciates about the Met is the opportunity to fully immerse himself in the theme. He mentioned using the theme to pay tribute to John Ystumllyn, the first Black gardener in the U.K., who triumphed despite facing challenges.
Although Hamilton is known for his eye-catching outfits, he is not the only athlete who has made a statement on the red carpet. Take a look below to see some of the most unforgettable looks.
From the Field to the Steps- Iconic Athlete Appearances at the Met Gala Over the Years 818
Credit: Getty Images (3)
From the Field to the Steps: Iconic Athlete Appearances at the Met Gala Over the Years
Some notable athletes have taken their sports prowess from the field to the Met Gala over the years.
Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton is a regular attendee at the star-studded event, especially now that he holds multiple records in the sport. At the 2024 event, Hamilton followed the “Garden of Time” dress code by wearing a monochromatic black Burberry jacket with black flowers.
In an interview with Vogue in May 2024, Hamilton expressed his admiration for the Met Gala and how Anna Wintour curates the event. He mentioned that he enjoys delving deep into the theme, using it as an opportunity to pay tribute to John Ystumllyn, the first Black gardener in the U.K. Hamilton drew inspiration from Ystumllyn's triumph over adversity for his outfit at the event.
While Hamilton’s looks always turn heads, he’s not the only athlete who has rocked the red carpet over the years. Scroll down to see the most memorable looks:
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Credit: Taylor Hill/Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton
The F1 driver opted for an all-black Burberry outfit in 2024 to adhere to the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” theme.
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Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Ben Simmons
The NBA star rocked a Thom Browne look complete with a clock briefcase for the 2024 gala.
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Credit: Kevin Mazur/MG24/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Angel Reese
While making her 2024 Met Gala debut — on her 22nd birthday nonetheless — the basketball star wore a low-cut 16Arlington by Marco Capaldo gown.
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Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Stefon Diggs in 2023
The 2023 Met Gala marked the NFL star’s Met Gala debut in Tommy Hilfiger. (He’s since attended more than once.)
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Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Brittney Griner in 2023
The basketball star made her Met Gala debut in 2023 in a custom Calvin Klein suit following her release from a Russian prison months prior.
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Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Odell Beckham Jr.
The football star has attended many Met Galas, but for the 2022 event he opted for an emerald green Cactus Plant Flea Market outfit.
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Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade, the NBA star, has attended several Met Gala events with his wife Gabrielle Union in the past. However, his outfit for the 2022 Met Gala stood out the most. He opted for a white Versace suit and went shirtless to match the "Gilded Glamour" theme.
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Credit: Kevin Mazur/MG21/Getty Images For The Met Museum/Vogue
Venus Williams
The tennis star is also no stranger to the Met Gala, going for a red Prabal Gurung gown to go along with 2021’s “In America” theme.
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Credit: Kevin Mazur/MG21/Getty Images For The Met Museum/Vogue
Russell Westbrook
Westbrook took a break from the NBA to make his Met Gala debut in 2021 with a blue Ralph Lauren suit. Yes, he even dyed his hair to match the look.
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Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Simone Biles
The gymnast has only attended the Met Gala once — rocking a custom gown in collaboration with Athleta and Area on the 2021 carpet.
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Credit: Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic
Serena Williams
Williams has attended multiple Met Galas over the years, but her 2019 look stands out. The tennis player wore a bright yellow Versace gown adorned with pink flowers.
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Credit: Frazer Harrison/FilmMagic
Alex Rodriguez
He wore a pink suit jacket at the event in 2019 with his then-fiancée Jennifer Lopez, who looked stunning in Versace. It's a tradition for him to attend with a special someone by his side.
From the Field to the Steps Iconic Athlete Appearances at the Met Gala Over the Years 805 Shaun White
Credit: Frazer Harrison/FilmMagic
Shaun White
The Olympic snowboarder, who has attended the event more than once, opted for a beaded Etro suit in 2018.
From the Field to the Steps Iconic Athlete Appearances at the Met Gala Over the Years 804 Roger Federer
Credit: Noam Galai/FilmMagic
Roger Federer
The tennis star kept it cool in a tuxedo adorned with a cobra on the back, designed by Gucci in 2017. He’s attended multiple times since then.
From the Field to the Steps Iconic Athlete Appearances at the Met Gala Over the Years 803 Maria Sharapova
Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage
Maria Sharapova in 2016
Sharapova was a beauty in Colombian designer Juan Carlos Obando’s red gown in 2016. The tennis star has returned to the Met Gala various times over the years.
From the Field to the Steps Iconic Athlete Appearances at the Met Gala Over the Years 802 David Beckham
Credit: Ray Tamarra/GC Images
David Beckham 2014
Of course, the soccer star looked amazing in an all-white Ralph Lauren Black Label jacket as he walked alongside wife Victoria Beckham. The duo have not been at the Met Gala since 2014.
Editor's P/S:
The Met Gala, one of the most prestigious fashion events in the world, has welcomed a diverse range of attendees over the years, including a growing number of renowned athletes. Their presence has added a touch of athleticism and glamour to the red carpet, showcasing their unique style and paying homage to the fashion industry.
Some athletes, like Lewis Hamilton, have become regulars at the event, using it as a platform to express their creativity and make a statement. Hamilton's outfit choices, often inspired by historical figures, demonstrate his appreciation for fashion and his desire to use the Met Gala as a means of self-expression. Other athletes, like Serena Williams and Venus Williams, have also made memorable appearances, showcasing their elegance and grace in stunning gowns. The presence of athletes at the Met Gala not only adds to the diversity of the event but also highlights the growing recognition of their influence in popular culture.
