Barcelona star Jules Kounde has made a name for himself not just as a talented right-back, but also as one of the most fashionable players to ever grace the game.

Whether it be turning up to France’s national team camp armed with a Louis Vuitton duffle or starring in a brave fashion campaign covered in only cream – Kounde is not afraid to express his love of style.

But, he hasn’t always been a natural fashionista. In the latest episode of The Bridge, the Barca star unveiled his origins in fashion, opening up on how online critics impact him.

When asked if he knew he was the ‘man of the moment’ in fashion, Kounde said: “I’m aware of it, I know that now people can’t wait to see what I’m going to turn up in, which style, whether I’m going to be eccentric or not. But actually, the way I dress is me, it’s a part of my personality.

“I like it. But before I didn’t like it at all, four or five years ago I really didn’t like having photos taken of me at all, my mother can vouch for that. When she used to ask me for a photo I always said no, I don’t like that.

“Then gradually I guess I also loosened up a little, you get to know yourself better and know what you like, what you don’t like.”

Kounde, despite seeming to publicly not care about any backlash he’s received for his daring outfit choices, has revealed how online comments and critics impact him.

“It doesn’t affect us in the way that they think,” he continued. “For me it’s simply a lack of open-mindedness. Once in a while it’s good to respond to voice your point of view. I believe there are ways of doing that and often in the media it’s done disrespectfully.”

Kounde and his France teammates made headlines once again when they turned up to November’s international break dressed in their most stylish attire. France delivered a 3-1 win over Italy on Sunday, topping their UEFA Nations League group.

Barcelona return to action on Saturday when they travel to face Celta Vigo in La Liga.

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