A Night of Glamour: US Athletes Shine at the 2025 Met Gala

The Met Gala, renowned as fashion’s most illustrious night, unfolded on May 5, 2025, at the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This year, the gala boasted not only a powerful theme—“Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”—but also a striking roster of guests that included both established and rising sports stars.

The Unique Theme and Co-Chair

With Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton as co-chair, the event focused on celebrating Black designers and the art of suiting. Hamilton, although not a US-born athlete, stood out as an honorary figure, showcasing how sports and fashion intersect seamlessly. Dressed in an elegant ivory ensemble by Wales Bonner and sporting a custom hat by Stephen Jones, Hamilton set the fashion bar high.

A Star-Studded Athlete Turnout

This year’s gala was marked by athletes who not only excel in their respective sports but also made bold fashion statements on the carpet. Here are the standout highlights from the evening:

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens

Olympic gymnastics icon Simone Biles turned heads in a striking blue dress featuring a dramatic train, perfectly complemented by tall heels. Her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, coordinated with her in a sleek suit, radiating couple goals.

Flau’jae Johnson

Making her Met Gala debut, Flau’jae Johnson, star basketball player at LSU, dazzled in a stunning black-and-white gown. Her appearance followed in the footsteps of her teammate, Angel Reese, emphasizing the growing presence of young athletes in high-fashion events.

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union

NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade showcased his stylish prowess with a black-and-white ensemble adorned with shimmering details. Partnered with wife Gabrielle Union, this power couple epitomized glamor and elegance.

Saquon Barkley

Fresh off a Super Bowl victory, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley opted for a classic look in a black suit by Thom Browne. His crisp attire reflected sophistication and style—making a lasting impression.

Breanna Stewart

Three-time WNBA champion Breanna Stewart turned heads in a tailored white suit featuring a train, topped off with a matching headpiece. Her choice spoke volumes about modern femininity in sports.

Sabrina Ionescu

Sabrina Ionescu, a rising star for the New York Liberty, embodied a cool, contemporary vibe, rocking a suit jacket and black skirt juxtaposed with a white bralette—truly a nod to the new era of athletic presentation.

Venus Williams

Tennis powerhouse Venus Williams paid homage to her roots with an emerald green outfit, featuring a pleated skirt and collared top. Her look was both elegant and playful, embodying her athletic heritage.

Savannah James

While LeBron James could not attend due to an injury, his wife Savannah made a statement in a striped mermaid suit-dress combination that blended classic and modern aesthetics.

Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow kept everything cool with a bluish-gray suit and distinctive light-blue glasses. His understated elegance brought a fresh twist to the evening’s fashion.

Serena Williams

As always, Serena Williams commanded attention in a stunning icy blue gown adorned with mesh detailing, further accentuated with a dramatic silver cape. She remains a true icon, seamlessly merging sport and style.

Noah Lyles

Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles took a daring approach, sporting a black suit with shorts, complemented by tall socks and a stylish cane for added flair. His choice epitomized youthful rebellion in traditional fashion spaces.

Angel Reese

Returning to the Met Gala, Angel Reese dazzled in a two-piece black suit dress that featured a dramatic mermaid-style bottom—an eye-catching look that demonstrated her evolving style.

Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson adopted an oversized gray suit, complete with a large floral brooch that provided an eclectic touch to his ensemble.

Sha’Carri Richardson

Host committee member Sha’Carri Richardson stunned in a pale yellow dress paired with lavender lace and playful yellow hair bows. Her outfit blended bold colors and styles, marking her as a fashion-forward figure.

Colin Kaepernick

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick made a dramatic entry in a bold red plaid suit accompanied by a pink-lined cape—a look worthy of discussion in the realms of both fashion and social advocacy.

Jalen Hurts

Recently married, Jalen Hurts embraced his special day with a velvet black suit featuring floral detailing, accessorized with a beret. Meanwhile, his wife Bryonna dazzled in a striking red ensemble.

Russell Wilson and Ciara

Now a member of the New York Giants, Russell Wilson attended with wife Ciara. He opted for a classic black suit and cane while she complemented him with an eye-catching black gown embellished with silver chains.

Gabby Thomas

Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas made a bold impression in a vibrant red gown with striking off-the-shoulder sleeves—a perfect representation of her personality.

Stefon Diggs

Lastly, Stefon Diggs from the Patriots turned heads in a Bianca Saunders suit paired with red shoes, reflecting a blend of flair and sportsmanship.

The 2025 Met Gala was undoubtedly a night where sports and high fashion collided spectacularly, showcasing a diverse representation of talent and artistry. Each athlete brought their unique flair, proving once again that the intersection of sports and fashion is never short of inspiration.