interview

"You can stick out more here in New York"

Player:

Birk Risa

Interview by:

Raheemovic

On the pitch, Birk Risa is a defensive stalwart. He has been a regular fixture at every level at which he has played. He has lined up against Arsenal in European competitions, and featured in the Norwegian national set up.
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After stints in Germany and Norway, he made the New York move that always seemed to make sense for a defender who has settled perfectly in MLS for the Pigeons. Now 30 appearances this season and a playoff position later, and Risa has quietly become one of the more valuable players in the league.

But just glance at Risa’s social media, and you’ll see a 26-year-old whose impact stretches beyond the pitch. New York might just have been the perfect destination for Risa, who is deeply entrenched in the world of fashion.

Risa’s looks can be pricey - he likes his big brands. But there are also accents: rings, necklaces, earrings. Style is part of who he is - whether it’s those favorite Gucci shoes or Dior hoodies. He can be fierce on the pitch, and certainly fashionable off it.

You can stick more out here in the U.S. and especially here in New York, you can look as whatever you want

What is one fashion trend that you like the most currently?

The fashion trend I like the most currently would be cutting off the ankle socks and going with normal tennis socks. It's been blowing up in Norway. And yeah, I like that quite a lot.

What is one difference between fashion and Norway compared to the United States?

The biggest difference between the fashion in the United States and Norway would be, you can stick more out here in the U.S. and especially here in New York, you can look as whatever you want. In Norway, you kind of need to stick to the regular person in the street. So, yeah, I like the U.S. way more..

Spotlight

On July 17, 2023, MLS club New York City FC signed Risa from Norwegian side Molde FK through 2025, with an option for 2026.

What brand would you want to sit front row at Fashion Week for?

I would love to sit front for fashion week for Emporio Armani.

Didn't you go to a fashion show for Armani before?

I actually did. I went to a fashion show they hosted, an event. I liked it.

What are three essentials that everyone needs in their wardrobe?

The first essential is a watch. I think you need some rings, and the last ones I would go with Earrings. Earrings are good!

Fast Facts

Jersey

#5

Position

Defender

Team

New York City FC

Age

26

Birthplace

Thora, Norway

If you could have one fashion icon to style you for a day. Who are you choosing and why?

If I had to pick a fashion icon to style me for a day, I would go with Karl Lagerfeld. He looks good, and the style would be awesome.

What’s a fragrance that every man should have in their cabinet?

Tobacco Mandarin by Byredo, I'm a big fragrance guy, so everyone should have that in their cabinet.

You're walking into a room. What's one thing you want someone to compliment you on - scent, style or looks?

I want to be complimented on all three of them!

What's the most expensive item of clothing you bought, and how much was it?

The most expensive item I bought of clothing would be a jacket that was $4,500.

What brand?

Louis Vuitton

Name one brand for the best shirts?

The best shirts I would say are Marni. I love Marni shirts. They're amazing.

The best hoodies?

Best hoodies, I would go with Dior. Dior is a good brand.

For the best jeans?

d squared two. I love those jeans.

And for the best shoes?

The best shoes, I'll go with Gucci shoes.

"You can stick out more here in New York"

You can stick more out here in the U.S. and especially here in New York, you can look as whatever you want

Spotlight

Fast Facts

#5

Defender

New York City FC

26

Thora, Norway

Credits

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