GUNS ’N POSES
Bellerin has grand designs on and off field
HECTOR BELLERIN is proud to be different.
The Arsenal full-back has a keen interest in art, literature and fashion.
And he is passionate about the environment and sustainability, even to the point that he looks for ‘new’ clothes in charity shops.
Bellerin has also become adept at using his platform to speak out to try to make a difference.
He has now taken an online diploma to help with his rapidly expanding firm B-engaged, which he owns with his best friend Ehsen Shah.
They helped make the introduction for designer Guillermo Andrade, who made Arsenal’s club suits.
“We got introduced by a friend, and I was hearing a lot about Guillermo,” said Bellerin, whose firm helps with start-ups, sports stars and marketing.
“I had even worn his clothes and actually had a lot of friends in common. We stayed in contact and he came over to watch Arsenal play and the following day we finally met up, but straight away we connected.
“In a way we are so similar – he loves football so much, the same way it gives me joy.
“It kept me going on the right path and away from the wrong people. Guillermo grew up in some difficult areas and football was his outlet, his passion.
“He has always wanted to be a part of a big club, having played his whole life. By creating what we have for the Arsenal family, he gets to do that.
“Of course I am very proud of it all, to have the men’s and women’s team wearing the formal wear. It was groundbreaking and I think everyone looked amazing. We are both really proud of it.”
Few footballers can say they helped with the club suits, but Barcelona-born Bellerin is not your average footballer.
This, after all, is the player who loved doing a Q&A session at the Oxford
Union because it was a change from normal football interviews.
He said: “My friends were encouraging me to be more open with my views as they could hear how passionate I was.
“So I started just talking about stuff in public and, of course, you get the ones that tell you you are a footballer and not to talk.
“I’m not scared to say what I feel. That is why some respect what I have to say.
“Now I understand that I can have an impact on society. I have my passions, my interests and my views, but I feel as a footballer you get put into a box.
“You have to dress like a footballer, talk like a footballer and just act how they think a footballer should act.
“I got lucky with the opportunities that have come my way, but now I have this platform, I will use it to express whatever I want as long as it’s not hurting anyone.
“Going vegan is the first step many take into being more thoughtful around nature and sustainable living.
“The health side of things was the first motivator and that pushed me forward but, with time, it has really developed into every aspect of my life.
“I now drive an electric car, I don’t buy many new clothes. If I get clothes I look to go to charity shops or something similar and even if I buy anything else, I will always check if it is second hand.
“I’m actually looking to start a course in sustainable design next week, so everything like that makes me think I am playing my part in some way.”
■ www.instagram.com/bengaged