Wilfried Zaha is one of the Premier League’s most exciting attackers – but his creativity goes far beyond the football pitch. As part of a new series from Budweiser called ‘Side Hustles’, we get an insight into Zaha’s experience in the world of fashion, taking a closer look at the Ivory Coast international’s clothing brand, Long Live.
Footballers are more than just professional athletes, competing at the top level for our entertainment. Lift the lid and there’s a whole other side to these players. ’Side Hustles’ is a new docuseries launched by Budweiser, and it takes a look at one such side, getting insight into the business ventures of footballers away from the pitch, and first up is Wilfried Zaha.
The first film in the series sees the Crystal Palace star speaking about his experience in the world of fashion, and it takes a look at Long Live – the fashion collection Zaha has brought to life alongside designer and friend Kenny Annan-Jonathan. Zaha explained: “I feel like footballers are just seen to be footballers, that’s not me at all. My ambition for Long Live is for everyone to understand the meaning behind it – that anyone can come from nothing, have a dream and fulfil it really.”
‘Side Hustles’ is Budweiser’s first original series commission in the UK and it was developed and produced by Renowned Films and Ten Toes Media in partnership with The Story Lab and DAZN Media. The next episode will feature former England star Eniola Aluko as she showcases her travel lifestyle brand Hyphenated People, and the series will conclude with Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings and his interior design brand KTM Design.
Jessie Landers, Senior Brand Manager for Budweiser UK, said: “Budweiser is venturing into entertainment marketing to produce meaningful branded content that engages our audience. Through our official partnership with the Premier League we have developed a strong connection with football and we want to use content to bring fans closer to captivating stories about their football heroes. We’re excited to showcase the off pitch projects of Wilfried Zaha, Eniola Aluko and Tyrone Mings. This allows us to extend the scope of storytelling by connecting with our audience through shared interests outside of football such as fashion and design. Their stories echo the Budweiser brand values of ambition, self-belief and seizing opportunities."
Side Hustles will be distributed in the UK across the global football platform, Goal, DAZN-owned DAZN Player, and Budweiser’s social channels.