Introducing "Boot Bags: The Hidden Details and Quirks of The Beautiful Game" by Ben Benoliel
As a lifelong football fanatic and photographer, I've always been drawn to the unsung details of the game—the stories that unfold off the pitch, hidden in the everyday items that players carry with them. For me, the most fascinating part of a footballer's match day isn't the roar of the crowd or the drama on the field; it’s the personal, often overlooked objects that travel with them in their boot bags: their medical bits, supplements, their shin pads, and most importantly, their boots.
In this project, I delve into the intimate world of the footballer's boot bag—an item that, on the surface, is simply a functional piece of equipment, but in reality, reveals so much more. These bags are not just carriers of gear; they’re silent witnesses to the personalities, habits, and rituals that shape each player's journey. What’s inside? Lucky charms? Prayer cards? Custom-made boots that speak to their individual style and specific physical requirements? The items tucked inside these bags are as unique as the players themselves, offering a glimpse into their world beyond the game.
But it’s more than just the personal touch—these boot bags also serve as a cultural time capsule. If we look back to the '90s, when my own hero David Beckham was at the height of his influence, we’d find boots that were as much a statement of self-expression as they were of sport. Players carried Walkmans, not iPods; they used Brylcreem, not Louis Vuitton. Each generation leaves behind a mark in the gear they choose—an evolving story of fashion, technology, and identity.
Through "Behind the Bag," I hope to reveal not just the quirks and personal tastes of footballers, but also the ever-changing cultural landscape of the game. Football is more than a sport—it’s a reflection of society, and these boot bags offer a rare and intimate snapshot of where we are, right now.
