Introduction
In the landscape of American sports, trophies and championship rings stand as the traditional accolades of success. Yet, in recent years, another item has become a staple in celebration ceremonies: ‘champagne goggles’.
The Historical Context of Celebration
The association between victory and champagne has deep historical roots, tracing back to Tazio Nuvolari receiving a bottle of Moet & Chandon after his victory at the Vanderbilt Cup in 1936. By the late 1960s, this practice had embedded itself in the rituals of Formula One, with drivers celebrating their wins by spraying sparkling wine, a tradition that spread across various sports in both the United States and Europe.
Back in the Premier League, players used to receive large champagne bottles as rewards until a shift in 2012, leading to the presentation of a trophy in consideration of the league’s diverse player backgrounds. Nonetheless, the celebration culture—complete with champagne showers—remains vibrant. Teams like Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have even introduced non-alcoholic alternatives, ensuring that every player can participate in the jubilation after significant successes.
The Rise of Champagne Goggles
While the trend of using goggles for celebrations was initially an American phenomenon, it has found its way into European soccer, thanks in part to the legacy made by notable athletes like David ‘Big Papi’ Ortiz in baseball. Ortiz made headlines when he celebrated wearing swimming goggles, protecting his eyes from the sting of champagne—a lesson learned from a painful experience during celebrations for his previous team, the Minnesota Twins, which left many players with sore eyes.
The need for protection gained wider attention in 2022 when Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay suffered an eye injury from a flying cork during the Giro d’Italia. Following such accidents, ‘champagne goggles’ became standard attire during World Series celebrations, marking an informal yet important shift in how athletes protect themselves during these exuberant moments.
Goggles in the NBA and Beyond
A key moment that expanded this trend’s reach occurred in the NBA in 2013. The Miami Heat’s star-studded roster, referred to as the ‘Big Three’, celebrated their title with a champagne-fueled locker room party where veteran Ray Allen sported Oakley ski goggles. His choice popularized goggles during basketball celebrations, morphing it into a must-have for teams aiming for championships.
As the Golden State Warriors lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2022, superstar Steph Curry celebrated with Under Armour ski goggles, showcasing how deeply entrenched this practice has become in NBA culture. Other players followed suit, opting for custom designs and even branded varieties during their celebrations.
European Soccer Embracing the Trend
European soccer is also embracing this style; in recent months, players like Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Serie A MVP Scott McTominay have been spotted wearing sunglasses during trophy celebrations, signaling a shift towards fashionable eye protection. PSG stars Achraf Hakimi and Desire Doue showcased this trend after their recent Champions League victory. Notably, Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise celebrated his Bundesliga championship adorned with both sunglasses and ‘grills,’ a nod to hip-hop culture—showcasing how intertwined these influences are.
From Protection to Fashion
The development of ‘champagne shades’, moving from protective gear to fashion statements, reflects a growing trend among athletes to express individuality and style during celebrations. Players now sport various sunglasses not only to shield themselves from the celebratory chaos but to highlight personal flair—a phenomenon reminiscent of previous style movements in sports, such as Allen Iverson’s influence on attire in basketball.
Conclusion
In essence, this trend shows how the younger generation of soccer players, led by figures like Yamal, are boldly redefining celebration norms, taking cues from the swagger of American sports fashion while adding their unique twist.
