Hand-Painted Custom Sneakers for UK Football Stars – Gitartsy’s Celebrity Clientele

At Gitartsy, every sneaker tells a story. What started as a passion for creating hand-painted custom sneakers has grown into a brand trusted by some of the UK’s biggest football stars and their families. From Manchester United to Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC, Gitartsy has been honoured to create exclusive, one-of-a-kind sneakers for professional players, their children, and even high-profile foundations.

A Star-Studded Client List

Gitartsy’s journey has been shaped by creativity, trust, and word-of-mouth within the football community. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of designing custom sneakers featuring portraits, club logos, and personal details for:

• Diogo Dalot (Manchester United) – Custom AF1s with the Manchester United logo and Portugal logo, capturing his journey.

  One of Gitartsy’s proudest collaborations was with Diogo Dalot of Manchester United. We created a bespoke pair of hand-painted Nike Air Force 1s featuring the Manchester United crest alongside the Portugal national team emblem, reflecting both his club pride and international identity. Each detail was carefully painted by hand using premium Angelus leather paints, finished with protective coats to ensure the artwork lasts. For Dalot, these sneakers aren’t just footwear—they’re a statement of passion, heritage, and personal style, making him part of Gitartsy’s ever-growing family of elite football clients.

  

• David Raya (Arsenal FC) – a unique pair designed with his portrait and club theme with artistic brushstrokes. 

  These custom sneakers were hand-painted to celebrate David Raya’s impact at Arsenal, blending the goalkeeper’s resilience with the club’s proud tradition. The design features the bold red and white of the Gunners, the iconic Arsenal crest, and Raya’s portrait, making the pair not just footwear but a tribute to his journey. 

• Emerson Royal (Tottenham Hotspur) – custom painted sneakers for him and his newborn child. 

  One of the most heartfelt Gitartsy projects was creating a set of matching custom sneakers for Tottenham Hotspur’s Emerson Royal and his newborn child. Blending the colours of Brazil with Spurs’ iconic crest, the designs celebrated both his footballing career and his journey into fatherhood. The baby sneakers, hand-painted with playful details and the word “ROYAL BABY,” symbolised a special family milestone, proving that Gitartsy art goes beyond sport — it captures personal stories that last a lifetime.

• Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea FC) – bold sneaker art celebrating his career, with realistic portraits of him and the CFC logo. 

• Millie Bright (Chelsea Foundation & England) – wore Gitartsy sneakers on TV to raise awareness for ADHD. Read more about this special pair HERE

• Luizão Gustavo – personalised sneakers designed for him and his newborn.

• Ismaël Koné (Watford FC) – sneakers combining personal and club elements.

Each pair has been a reflection of the player’s personality, their club pride, or a meaningful life moment. From bold team logos to sentimental family-inspired designs, the sneakers are crafted to be both wearable and collectible.

The Gitartsy Creative Process

Every pair of Gitartsy sneakers starts with an idea. Sometimes it’s a club emblem that needs to be brought to life, other times it’s a portrait or tribute to family. Using premium Angelus leather paints, each shoe is carefully prepped with sanding and deglazer, painted with fine brushes for precision, and sealed with specialist top coats to make the design waterproof and long-lasting.

Working with elite athletes requires trust, and Gitartsy has built a reputation for reliability, discretion, and quality craftsmanship. Players know they can count on me to deliver sneakers that not only look stunning but also reflect their personal stories.

Sneakers Showcased on TV

One of the highlights for Gitartsy was when Millie Bright, captain of Chelsea Women and England international, wore a pair of Gitartsy sneakers to a match. The shoes carried a powerful message of ADHD awareness, showing how art and fashion can be used to spark important conversations. Having the sneakers showcased on live television was a milestone moment, bringing the Gitartsy brand to a wider audience.

Building Trust With Celebrity Clients

For professional athletes, image matters. Choosing Gitartsy for their custom sneakers shows the trust and credibility the brand has built. With each project, Gitartsy strengthens its position as one of the leading UK sneaker artists, proving that bespoke, hand-painted trainers can be both stylish and meaningful.

How This Shapes the Gitartsy Brand

Working with football stars has elevated Gitartsy’s reputation beyond sneaker art—it’s about being part of the culture of sport, fashion, and personal expression. The exposure has grown the brand image, built connections within the football world, and inspired fans to commission their own personalised sneakers.

✨ At Gitartsy, every sneaker is more than just footwear — it’s a canvas of memories, achievements, and identity.

👉 Browse our latest custom sneaker collections or commission your own pair today and join the growing list of people — from fans to football stars — who trust Gitartsy to bring their vision to life.