Photographed by the acclaimed duo Neumann & Rodtmann, this series captures elite football professionals in a rare, intimate moment—midway between the roar of the arena and the solitude of the locker room.

Before any work on the images could begin, it was essential to imagine what this authentic photographic foundation —studio shots— could become. Where could this moment of intimacy take place? After we explored various ideas, everything fell into place with our final narrative concept.

The post-production process was guided by a singular goal: to make the viewer feel as though they are standing right there — face to face with the player, in a fleeting, personal exchange. Each image was meticulously crafted to preserve the authenticity of the portrait while enhancing its emotional resonance.

To achieve this, the transformation required more than retouching. Backgrounds were not merely replaced but thoughtfully designed to subtly evoke the atmosphere of this in-between zone. Light was introduced or shaped to suggest the presence of the arena or the cool shadows of concrete corridors—all while maintaining the intimacy of the moment.

Color grading became a tool of emotional translation. Each portrait was individually treated, with tailored palettes that reinforced the player’s mood and personality. Lighting direction, tone curves, and chromatic accents worked together to emphasize the feeling of closeness—as if the viewer is sharing a private second with the athlete.

The result is a visual experience that transcends traditional sports photography. It invites the viewer into a deeply personal moment—where the distance between professional and fan collapses into a shared breath, a direct look, a silent connection.