Reigning Red Bull Street Style world champion Arnaud 'Séan' Garnier dropped in to London ahead of the Red Bull Street Style UK finals last weekend to give us the lowdown on one of the world's fastest-growing ball-based disciplines.
Garnier is a magician. Winner of the inaugural Red Bull Street Style final in 2008, this Paris-born ball juggler makes Cristiano Ronaldo’s skills look like the stuff of schoolboy kickabouts.
Before we sat down for a chat with the freestyle champ, he demonstrated moves that had passers-by literally gasping with amazement, showing off tricks that we’re convinced defied at least three laws of physics. Then, Séan talked tricks, tips and his vision for the future of football flair.
Isn’t Street Style just an advanced form of keepie-uppies?
[Laughs] No, it’s much more than that. The competition aspect is three minutes, two players, one ball. In each ‘battle’, two players square off in a one-on-one duel against each other. They take alternating 20-second turns with the ball, using the time to show off the best of their artistic moves to music.
'We have the French touch…the 'je ne sais quoi'. And I say that not because I’m French but because it’s true. We have a singular style that’s hard to describe'
It’s been said that you make a football dance. How important is the music to your routine?
For me, the music is key. If you just pull technical tricks, that’s fine, but a little dry. Using the music takes your style to the next level.
What appeals to you about Red Bull Street Style?
I used to be a professional football player and it could be a little stifling. I was creative on the field, but the trainers and coaches often didn’t appreciate my moves. It wasn’t that I was just hanging on to the ball all the time. Well, OK, I may have done that a little bit [laughs], but I helped win the game for them, too.
How has Red Bull Street Style changed your life?
People accept me for who I am now. I used to be really shy – I would never have been able to do this interview, for example – but freestyle has opened my mind. I meet so many people, like dancers and artists and musicians. I get to see what the wider world is all about and I can now express myself fully in a totally creative environment.
So, is it more fun than being a top footballer?
Yeah, for sure. I can play anywhere and everyone will stop and look. I can grab someone from the crowd and we can play together one on one with no rules and no pressure. Anyone can join in and enjoy a relaxed, beautiful game.
What’s your take on other ball control games, such as hacky sack and foot volleyball?
Hacky sack is not played with a football! The football is a universal object that everyone is familiar with, that’s why Street Style is so special. It’s a truly global game. Foot volley is restricted – it has rules – Street Style is freeform and flowing.
(c)Mark Teo/ Red Bull Photofiles
Which country produces the best Street Style stars?
Everyone, naturally, says Brazil, and it is true, they are good, but Japan, Poland, Sweden, England and France are also very good. I’d say Japan, for their style. It’s a country obsessed with street culture, and they practise non-stop, which drives them on. The UK has very good ball control, Poland and Sweden are crazy with the tricks, Brazil mixes capoiera with beautiful moves, and France – well, we have the French touch…
The 'je ne sais quoi'?
[Laughs] Exactly, the 'je ne sais quoi'. And I say that not because I’m French but because it’s true. We have a singular style that’s hard to describe.
Are there any current footballers that you think would make good Street Style competitors?
Cristiano Ronaldo, definitely. He is very good. He understands the spirit of freestyle and mixes it with his football. Football is about control on the ground, and freestyle is all about the air. Ronaldo combines both seamlessly.
Have there been any specific football games where you’ve seen great Street Style-type skills?
Zinedine Zidane pulled a move against Saudi Arabia in the 1998 World Cup in France that saw him roll on the floor and get up with the ball looking like it was glued to his feet. Truly amazing.
What are key qualities of a Street Style champion?
Creativity, for sure. You need to have outstanding control skills combined with style and rhythm. You should be able to dance with the ball.
What does the future hold for Séan Garnier?
I’d like to organise a competition that combines footballers and basketball players – like the Harlem Globetrotters meets Red Bull Street Style. Basically, if you can do something stylish with a ball, then you should take part. It would be a street competition that sees three Street Style players work as a tag team with three basketball players against another team. I’m convinced this mixing of disciplines could attract great crowds. Check out Street Style right now, though, because it is beautiful and everyone deserves to see it.
See the best Red Bull Street Style performances at www.redbullstreetstyle.com
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