Timeless—that’s how Mika Hashizume (or simply known as Mika) describes Burberry. And we reckon that the same adjective applies to football too. It’s undoubtedly the most popular sport in the world, and at the time or writing, all eyes are on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Burberry’s A Good Sport campaign was launched at the end of May before the start of the cup. Gathering a cast spanning the worlds of film, television, sport, and fashion, the campaign celebrates the energy of a football match—the adrenaline, suspense, and unbridled joy. The cast, including Mika, reflects football’s wide appeal as well as the increasing convergence of fashion and sport in the past years. It’s something that Mika resonates with having grown up playing football. We spoke to the multi-hyphenate about the sport as well as the coming together of two things that he’s passionate about.

ESQUIRE SINGAPORE: You’re a big fan of football and even had the dream to do it professionally. What do you love about the sport?

MIKA HASHIZUME: I simply loved the feeling that the sport gave me. Every time I stepped onto the pitch, I looked forward to the sense of possibility and the rush of adrenaline that came with it. It was the one place where I felt truly confident and unstoppable. Beyond that, I loved the team aspect of the game—the bonds you build, the trust you develop, and the brothers you gain along the way.

ESQ: Who’s part of the Mika football club? Who do you usually play with?

MH: Nowadays, the people I play with are very different from the teammates I had growing up. I currently play for a team called Anar, based in Shanghai, so I spend most of my time playing with the same core group of people. I also helped put together a team called Flight Club for a tournament called the Anar Open, and I often play with many of those guys as well. Over time, these teams have become more than just groups of teammates—they’ve become close friends and an important part of my life.

ESQ: Football is pretty much England’s most high-profile sport, and Burberry is British all around. We know that you grew up with football, but is there a connection with Burberry growing up?

MH: My earliest memory of Burberry is seeing it in the stores my mom would take me to when she went shopping every week, back when I was still too young to be in school. I vividly remember noticing the iconic Burberry check pattern and thinking to myself, “I hope I can wear something like that one day.” Because of that, getting my first Burberry piece felt incredibly special—it was like owning something I had admired and aspired to for years.

ESQ: The Burberry A Good Sport campaign is pretty much about the electric energy of watching a football game. Is there a particular game you’ve watched that has made a lasting impression?

MH: Any league final or tournament final gets me incredibly excited. There’s something special about the intensity of those matches—the tension, the stakes, and the competitiveness between the teams, all remind me why I love the sport so much. One match that stands out to me is the 2022 World Cup final. It was absolutely unforgettable. Watching France mount such an incredible comeback and seeing the brilliance of Kylian Mbappé on that stage for the first time was mind-blowing. It was one of those games that reminded me why football is such a beautiful sport.

ESQ: We’ve seen athletes becoming faces of fashion brands in the last few years, and there’s been a sort of convergence between the two worlds. In your opinion, what do you see as the link between fashion and sport?

MH: Sports and fashion have always been closely connected, and each continues to influence the other. Every athlete wears a jersey or uniform to represent their team, country, or personal identity, and over time, fashion has become an increasingly important part of sportswear. Fans don’t just support their favourite teams and players, they want to express that support through what they wear.

Some of the biggest fashion trends today have roots in sports culture. Football jerseys are now commonly styled as everyday streetwear, baseball caps have become wardrobe staples, and basketball shoes have evolved into some of the most influential pieces in fashion. Because of this, I see sports and fashion as deeply intertwined. Both are forms of self-expression, identity, and community, which is why they continue to shape and inspire one another.

ESQ: As a football fan yourself, how does it feel to now also be part of this convergence with the Burberry A Good Sport campaign?

MH: It feels unbelievable, like a dream come true. I remember growing up and looking at soccer campaigns featuring the players and celebrities I admired, never imagining that one day I would have the chance to do something similar myself, especially now that I don’t even spend that much time playing soccer anymore. That makes the whole experience feel even more surreal, but it also makes me appreciate my work and the opportunities I’ve been given even more.

ESQ: You parted ways with football to pursue a music career. What has football taught you that has perhaps helped you in your career?

MH: One of the most important lessons football taught me was the value of teamwork. It taught me how to cooperate with others, communicate effectively, and solve problems together under pressure. Team sports in general are great for developing these skills, but I think football is especially effective because of the speed of the game and how much players depend on one another. Success is impossible without trust and communication, and that shared responsibility naturally brings teammates closer together both on and off the pitch.

ESQ: How has your approach to playing football changed from when you were growing up to now?

MH: Nowadays, I’m much less competitive and play the sport primarily for the enjoyment of it and the opportunity to be on the pitch. When I was younger, I took the game much more seriously and struggled to handle losses, often letting them affect me more than they should have. Over time, though, I’ve learned to appreciate simply being able to play, regardless of the result. Whether I win or lose, the game gives me a chance to switch off, escape from everyday pressures, and feel like a kid again.

ESQ: In your opinion, what does it mean to be a good sport?

MH: To me, being a good sport means having good sportsmanship and showing respect for the game, the rules, your teammates, your opponents, the coaches, and the referees. I remember that being a really important value in our club growing up. We were taught that no matter how competitive things got, we had to maintain good sportsmanship and not let our emotions take over.

ESQ: What’s your next personal goal?

MH: To get back on the field and play again. I haven’t played in weeks!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.