Ophsides: New York Duo Rewrites Soccer Fashion

Uyi Omorogbe and Gabriel Ruja, both former elite soccer players, have turned their shared love of the game into Ophsides, a street-wear brand that also runs a soccer-based game. The duo, who first met at the Shattuck-St. Mary’s boarding school, now operate out of New York City, where they aim to build a new American football culture.

The Birth of Ophsides

The idea began as a simple partnership between two friends who occasionally collaborated on projects. When they needed a name that reflected their relationship, they chose “offsides.” Because the original spelling was already taken, they altered it to “Ophsides,” a playful nod to their outsider status on the field and in life. The name has since become the brand’s identity.

Redefining Offside

In the brand’s own words, the offside rule is a litmus test for true fans. Omorogbe and Ruja want to turn that rule into an invitation. Their game, also called Ophsides, is a three-touch challenge that can be played anywhere, even in crowded city parks. The game is designed to be accessible to both seasoned players and newcomers, making soccer more inclusive.

New York's Influence

New York City is central to the brand’s vision. The founders describe the city as a melting pot of identities, a place where soccer naturally attracts diverse communities. They say that the city’s spontaneous, “drop-of-a-hat” culture informs both the game and the apparel. In interviews, they note that they design with materials that allow people to look stylish while playing, reflecting the dual need for function and fashion.

Design and Identity

The founders emphasize that their own experiences as outsiders shaped the brand’s ethos. Omorogbe grew up as the only Black student in a predominantly white high school, while Ruja was the only Black mixed-race kid in a largely Mexican community. Soccer helped them find identity and confidence. They view Ophsides as a beacon that amplifies identity rather than marginalizes it.

The brand’s flagship product, Oph Tape, lets users mark out a field on any surface. The founders say the tape is a “tool of creation” that encourages people to play anywhere-from the Lower East Side to Times Square. By setting up two squares in a public space, they invite passersby to join the game, turning everyday locations into impromptu soccer courts.

In a recent interview with Hypebae, Omorogbe and Ruja highlighted that their dual expertise-one in soccer, the other in design-allows them to bridge the gap between the sport and fashion. They aim to create clothing that resonates with players while also appealing to those simply interested in the culture.

The brand’s mission is clear: to democratise soccer in America, build a new street-wear aesthetic, and provide a platform for people who feel like outsiders to find community. Ophsides is already making waves in New York’s vibrant street-wear scene, and the duo plans to keep expanding the game and its reach.

The conversation with Hypebae reveals that the founders are not only creating apparel but also cultivating a lifestyle that encourages anyone to play, wear, and celebrate soccer in an American context.