How do you play in one of the world's fashion capitals, at one of the most important clubs in Europe and for one of the most successful national teams in football history without being crushed by pressure instead using your role to launch charity initiatives and never losing your curiosity about your surroundings? We asked Thilo Kehrer, a defender for Paris Saint-Germain and the German national team, the second star of More Than. "Human beings need balance to stay healthy," and even more so football players, pulled not only on the field for the jersey but also off it by the expectations, expectations and attention that often stifle the ambitions of those who would like to be precisely more than just an athlete. "We should be definitely free to show our creative side as it’s kind of opening a gate to another world from time to time."

Thilo Kehrer is only 24 years old, but he has already achieved some impressive goals in his life, from winning the Under-21 European Championship to wearing one of the most prestigious jerseys in world football, without giving up on being himself all the time. Born to a German father and Burundian mother in Tübingen, he spent his first years in his mother's country before going back to Germany where he began his long climb through the youth ranks of Schalke 04 until making his Bundesliga debut at only 17 years old. Then in 2018 he took off to Paris, to what is a favorite destination for football and fashion fans together. "Obviously it's a great opportunity to play in Paris in one of the fashion capitals, where you discover new brands and new opportunities on a daily basis."

The relationship between fashion and football in recent years has grown exponentially, to the point of becoming almost overblown if explored without proper attention or passion. Then again, as Thilo Kehrer tells us, "I don't think all players really love fashion. And it's important to point out the difference between fashion as art and fashion as trend, which to me are two very different things. The second one for example leads to those stereotypes that have always polluted the public discourse about football." That is, soccer players who as soon as they show a deeper, more personal side of themselves unrelated to soccer performance are immediately labeled as uninterested in their profession. "I think exploring that dimension more should not be taboo. We are not robots, but people who want and find pleasure in doing the same things as everyone else if the situation allows it."

Then again, Kehrer recalls how "Fashion and style has always been a very strong thing in Football. From the haircut to clothing, we have seen many players be known and remembered because of their game and also their look." To think of separating the fields is impossible, as well as unnecessary. Now, however, athletes have gained further awareness, even adding a heightened sensitivity to high culture, diversifying their interests beyond the field. “As far as I am concerned I like fashion, as masterpiece, as lifestyle and this has nothing to do with being a footballer, it is a sensitivity that is personal.”

But Paris fans need not worry, Kehrer has not lost interest in playing. His is a reflection on the centrality of the individual in football, a demand for a balance between personal life and performance that is easier to achieve in other sports. "Obviously soccer must remain the priority, no question, but when I have time and desire I want to allow myself to feed on culture, including that which embraces fashion and lifestyle. Think of NBA athletes, who have always shown a deep interest in fashion without it preventing them from performing at the highest level on the court. Just as it doesn't stop anyone from doing so if you go to the movies, restaurants or Opera."

Thanks to his personal story, however, the German national decided to build the Thilo Kehrer Center, a multipurpose space that can serve as a safe meeting place for young people, with tutoring services, special guests and an Internet connection. And also through the web comes Kehrer's newest initiative, a series of 3D animated NFTs called Babies. "The Babies NFTs were launched in partnership with my foundation (TKF), which is dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of children around the world and providing them with opportunities to build a better future. The Babies NFTs are an artistic collection of 3D animations that are sold on a dedicated platform and part of the benefits shared with the Thilo Kehrer Foundation." A scalable, metaverse-ready project that will bring countless surprises but most importantly whose proceeds will be donated to the foundation's projects.

Beyond the football player, Kehrer plays a new role attentive to both the culture and society in which he lives. "At any event, I believe that players can play an important role in bringing media attention to take an interest in lesser-known causes, using their name and fame to support charitable initiatives and raise funds. We are followed by thousands of fans scattered all over the world, and we should never forget that we are privileged and should do what we can to make the world better than it is today."