Football and Culture with Mayowa Alabi

Nigerian artist, Mayowa Alabi, aka Shuta Bug takes the idea of national football teams and turns it into something much more stylish and cultural. It’s a fascinating celebration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The digital artist has created portraits of whole countries through colour, fashion, movement, and attitude.

Mayowa treats football as culture, not just sport. The female subjects feel proud, playful, and full of personality; and each illustration carries its own mood but all done with Mayowa’s signature sharp visual language.

Mayowa reminds us that football is not just about the game, but also about identity, style, joy, and the way people gather around a shared symbol.

See the illustrations below.

Find out more about Mayowa’s work on his website.