Most Memorable Athlete Appearances at the Met Gala Over the Years
Some notable athletes have taken their sports prowess from the field to the Met Gala over the years.
Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has become a fixture at the star-studded event - especially now that he holds multiple records within the sport. While attending the 2024 event, Hamilton adhered to the "Garden of Time" dress code but kept things subtle with a monochromatic black Burberry jacket adorned with black flowers.
"What I love about the Met, and what Anna [Wintour] does with the Met, is that I'm able to really deep dive into the theme," Hamilton told Vogue in May 2024, noting he used the theme to honor John Ystumllyn, the first Black gardner in the U.K. "Through adversity, he really triumphed, so that's where the inspiration really came from."
While Hamilton's looks always turn heads, he's not the only athlete who has rocked the red carpet over the years. Scroll down to see the most memorable looks:
Joe Burrow
When the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback touched down at the 2025 Met Gala, fashion lovers immediately took notice of his blue Gucci suit and Gucci-printed sneakers.
While posing for some photographers, the NFL star added a pair of shades to his look.
Sabrina Ionescu
The New York Liberty basketball star shooted and scored in the fashion department with her 2025 Met Gala look custom designed by Sergio Hudson.
Lewis Hamilton
The F1 driver opted for an all-black Burberry outfit in 2024 to adhere to the "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" theme.
Ben Simmons
The NBA star rocked a Thom Browne look complete with a clock briefcase for the 2024 gala.
Angel Reese
While making her 2024 Met Gala debut - on her 22nd birthday nonetheless - the basketball star wore a low-cut 16Arlington by Marco Capaldo gown.
Stefon Diggs
The 2023 Met Gala marked the NFL star's Met Gala debut in Tommy Hilfiger. (He's since attended more than once.)
Brittney Griner
The basketball star made her Met Gala debut in 2023 in a custom Calvin Klein suit following her release from a Russian prison months prior.
Odell Beckham Jr.
The football star has attended many Met Galas, but for the 2022 event he opted for an emerald green Cactus Plant Flea Market outfit.
Dwyane Wade
The NBA star went to multiple Met Gala red carpets over the years accompanied by wife Gabrielle Union, but his 2022 outfit took the cake. Wade went sans shirt for the "Gilded Glamour" theme in a white Versace suit.
Venus Williams
The tennis star is also no stranger to the Met Gala, going for a red Prabal Gurung gown to go along with 2021's "In America" theme.
Russell Westbrook
Westbrook took a break from the NBA to make his Met Gala debut in 2021 with a blue Ralph Lauren suit. Yes, he even dyed his hair to match the look.
Simone Biles
The gymnast has only attended the Met Gala once - rocking a custom gown in collaboration with Athleta and Area on the 2021 carpet.
Serena Williams
Williams has attended multiple Met Galas over the years, but her 2019 look stands out. The tennis player wore a bright yellow Versace gown adorned with pink flowers.
Alex Rodriguez
The MLB alum was in a pink suit jacket alongside then-fiancée Jennifer Lopez who stunned in Versace in 2019. He's always attended the event with a significant other on his arm.
Shaun White
The Olympic snowboarder, who has attended the event more than once, opted for a beaded Etro suit in 2018.
Roger Federer
The tennis star kept it cool in a tuxedo adorned with a cobra on the back, designed by Gucci in 2017. He's attended multiple times since then.
Maria Sharapova
Sharapova was a beauty in Colombian designer Juan Carlos Obando's red gown in 2016. The tennis star has returned to the Met Gala various times over the years.
David Beckham
Of course, the soccer star looked amazing in an all-white Ralph Lauren Black Label jacket as he walked alongside wife Victoria Beckham. The duo have not been at the Met Gala since 2014.
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This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 1:17 PM.