Football and art have long shared a close relationship, from the graphic design of classic matchday programmes and illustrated football magazines to the imagery that has helped define the game’s visual identity.
For Italian illustrator and graphic designer Simone Ruiti, football is both a personal passion and a constant source of creative inspiration. Born in Rome and a lifelong AS Roma supporter, Ruiti’s connection to the game is rooted in family, identity and a fascination with the culture surrounding it.
Growing up, he was particularly drawn to British football: its traditional stadiums, supporters and distinctive atmosphere. A visit to Highbury in 2003, to watch Arsenal face Roma in the Champions League, left a lasting impression.
Now living in Umbria, Ruiti produces expressive, spontaneous illustrations that capture the character and emotion of football. Working directly with a brush, without preliminary sketches, his approach embraces imperfection, instinct and movement.
Here, in his own words, Simone reflects on his Roman roots, the influence of British football culture, his artistic inspirations and ambitions to collaborate with creatives in the UK.
Football, Art and the British Influence
Words and illustrations by Simone Ruiti
Rome, Roma and a Sense of Belonging
I was born in Rome – the most beautiful city in the world.
Since turning 40, I’ve been living in a historic town in Umbria. The reason behind the move was love: I met my wife, the woman who supports me in everything, and together we’ve been blessed with two fantastic children.
I’m an editorial graphic designer and illustrator with a deep passion for painting. Personally, I feel I still have a long way to go before I can truly call myself an artist!
Being born in Rome, with my parents and siblings still living there, we’ve all been Romanisti since day one. We wear our connection to this city with immense pride and a strong sense of belonging. For me, AS Roma represents a deep connection to my roots. It makes me proud to stand as one of its supporters.
For us in Rome, supporting the club is about belonging to a city, a history and a legacy that dates back to the Roman Empire conquering the world. Our city made history, and through the club, we identify with that heritage.
When it comes to footballing idols, naming Francesco Totti would be the obvious choice, but for me, football boils down to just one player: Diego Armando Maradona.
A Fascination With British Football
As a child, I was fascinated by English fan culture, British stadiums and the overall football atmosphere in the UK.
That’s what drew me to fandom in the first place, and my dream was always to go and watch a match in London.
In 2003, I finally made it happen, and it was incredible – Arsenal vs AS Roma in the Champions League.
The atmosphere was indescribable. The stadium itself, the iconic old Highbury, nestled right between the houses, made the evening even more electric.
Seeing opposing fans separated by nothing more than a single line of stewards really amazed me. We just weren’t used to that in Italy.
I’m still deeply fascinated by vintage football culture – a certain style and ethos that feels largely lost today. Maybe a trace of it still remains in England, but here in Italy, fan culture has shifted significantly, and the way people experience football isn’t what it used to be.
Painting Football – Instinct Over Perfection
I always start by gathering photos and reference material, which is a lengthy process.
An image needs to strike me. It can’t be ordinary – it has to convey a real feeling.
Once I pick the subject, I head straight to paper. I don’t use preliminary pencil sketches; I paint directly with the brush.
I’m not afraid of making mistakes because my illustrations aren’t meant to be perfect. They need to emerge spontaneously from my hand – every stroke and gesture is unpredictable and unscripted.
I always draw in one fluid burst. It’s the only way I can feel satisfied and truly connect with the people viewing the piece.
To be completely honest, I don’t have a favourite piece.
Whenever I finish a drawing, I hide it right away so I don’t have to look at it. Otherwise, I’ll constantly find flaws in it.
I bring it back out after a few days, and only then do I start to appreciate it… occasionally!
A Devourer of Images
My inspiration comes from anything and everything: imagery, people, trips with my family.
I have countless artistic influences and keep discovering new ones because I’m naturally curious. I can’t help it.
I draw inspiration from many artists, but I’ve finally found my own line and style, which comes naturally to me: spontaneous drawing.
I’ve never been a big reader, but I am a devourer of images.
I don’t care much for comic books – they bore me. I prefer standalone illustrations, even unfinished ones.
If I had to name a couple of artists from the past, I’d say Van Gogh, and for a more contemporary influence, Tanino Liberatore.
Football, Emotion and Identity
Football is about shared experience – love, heartbreak, frustration, excitement and anxiety.
It constantly stirs up your emotions, taking you from one mindset to another in seconds.
It’s pure adrenaline, which is why so many people relate to it and dedicate their entire lives to it.
Looking Towards Britain
My main goal moving forward is to work directly with the UK.
I want to build as many collaborations as possible over there to challenge myself within your creative mindset and grow together.
I no longer feel motivated to work exclusively in Italy. Artists here often feel undervalued, whereas international opportunities are far more rewarding.
Vintage football culture is particularly thriving in England, and I’d love to be a bigger part of that space moving forward.
Together with a colleague, I created a concept for a high-end magazine centred on football ‘Heroes’.
It features premium paper, a unique format, painted covers, high-quality photography and vector illustrations inside.
It’s been sitting in a drawer for about a year now. I just need to find the right channel and, above all, a publisher who believes in the vision.
The best way to stay updated on my work is through my Instagram profile. That’s where I handle private commissions and coordinate collaborations with niche independent magazines.
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