In a recent article announcing the collaboration between Pitchside Sports Consulting and MOTEV Designs, we explored how governance, media, and strategic storytelling can contribute to the ongoing professionalization of football in Suriname and the wider Caribbean.
👉ICYMI — you can read the collaboration announcement here:
PSC × MOTEV: A Strategic Collaboration
While that article focused on the broader framework behind the partnership, this piece highlights an important component of that work by exploring what MOTEV Designs brings to life for players and clubs across Suriname and the wider Caribbean — through visual storytelling and digital branding initiatives developed with players throughout the region.
In today’s football industry, visibility has become part of the professional equation. Increasingly, as is the case for players such as Neymar, Messi, Ronaldo, and many more, Name Image and Likeness strategies increasingly play an important role in shaping how players and clubs approach their commercial relationships — particularly in the context of transfers and broader revenue generation opportunities.
Performance on the pitch remains paramount, but increasingly, players must also be positioned within the wider commercial and digital acumen.
This is where Name, Image & Likeness structuring, player/club branding, and professional digital storytelling begin to play an important role.
The Growing Importance of Player Visibility
Football has entered an unprecedented new commercial era.
Players are not only athletes competing within their leagues — they are also participants in a global media environment where visibility influences opportunity.
Clubs, scouts, sponsors, investors and supporters increasingly encounter players through digital channels long before they ever see them live.
This creates both a challenge and an opportunity for emerging footballers from smaller markets such as Suriname and the wider Caribbean, which is not always as linear as other regions.
The challenge is clear: visibility can often be limited by a range of factors — from geographic barriers and digital access constraints (such as IP-based visibility restrictions) to the lack of established commercial and media infrastructure at the regional level.
The opportunity through this partnership is clear: strategically structuring a player’s public presence from the outset, ensuring they are not only recognized for their ability on the pitch, but also positioned professionally within the modern football economy to be seen as a viable commercial asset for clubs in leagues like the MLS and beyond.
MOTEV Designs and the Role of Name, Image & Likeness
MOTEV Designs operates as a Name, Image & Likeness firm focused on Caribbean football, working with players to develop professional digital identities through structured visual storytelling and media positioning.
Rather than treating design as a purely aesthetic exercise, the objective is to create visual narratives that reinforce a player’s identity, performance, and commercial potential.
This work includes:
Match-day poster graphics
Player features
Announcement visuals
Digital storytelling content
Player interviews
All of which contribute to how a player is perceived within the wider football ecosystem. By managing these elements, MOTEV enables players to remain focused on what matters most: performing on the pitch.
Visual Storytelling in Practice
One example of this work comes from the visual series created around Ky-mani Leliendal.
According to MOTEV designer Tevin Morris, the project emerged organically through the player’s network.
“The designs I made for Ky-mani Leliendal — King — were issued through his brother, Raducio King. That was the first issue on my Substack sports journal.”
From there, the creative process evolved into a series of match day posters and player-focused visuals.
“The process for these match day posters was straightforward. I had photos of Ky-mani from when he was in Suriname, and his brother provided some examples at the beginning. After that, I was given the freedom to develop the style.”
The aim was to create imagery that reflected both the player’s identity and the visual culture of modern football media.
“I worked with what I know about creating strong sport match day posters and built from there.”
Respecting a Player’s Existing Identity
For some players, the process involves evolving an existing visual identity rather than creating one from scratch.
That was the case with Resske Adipi, whose branding already had a recognizable style.
“Resske Adipi was a new client. He already had a style that had been established for a while.”
Rather than replacing that style, MOTEV designs focused on refining it.
“I try to keep that existing style, but I put my own spin on it. I usually keep an open mind, establish a set of design rules, and then work within that framework.”
This balance between continuity and creative development is an important part of maintaining a player’s recognizable identity.
Simplicity and Player Preference
For Jamilhio Rigters, the design philosophy shifted toward simplicity.
“With Jamilhio Rigters, I kept the design as simple as possible, but I still wanted to keep the flair that reflects his talent.”
In this case, the direction also reflected the player’s own preference.
“He also requested that the design remain simple, so I focused on clean visuals that still captured his presence.”
This collaborative approach ensures that the final product remains aligned with the player’s personal brand.
Expanding Visibility Across the Region
MOTEV’s work is not limited to Surinamese players alone.
The firm has also produced visuals highlighting international players participating in Suriname’s football ecosystem, including Cuban players competing in the Suriname Major League.
“This was a fun project. There are two well-known Cuban players currently playing in the Suriname Major League.”
The intention behind these visuals was to expand visibility beyond the immediate league environment.
“I wanted to give them visibility within the Suriname sports space — and hopefully beyond.”
Why This Matters for Caribbean Football
In highly competitive football environments, many players dedicate enormous effort to training and performance.
Yet visibility often remains uneven.
Players who invest in their professional presentation and digital positioning can gain a crucial advantage in standing out to scouts, clubs, and commercial partners.
At the same time, clubs benefit from working with players who possess clear digital identities, as this strengthens sponsorship opportunities, fan engagement, and international recognition.
Through initiatives like those being developed by MOTEV Designs — and supported through broader governance and professionalization conversations with Pitchside Sports Consulting — the objective is not simply to create attractive visuals.
The objective is to contribute to a stronger professional ecosystem surrounding Caribbean football.
Looking Ahead
As digital media continues to shape the global football industry, Name, Image & Likeness positioning and structured storytelling will become increasingly important components of player development.
For Suriname and the Caribbean, this represents an opportunity.
Not simply to develop talent — but to ensure that talent is properly positioned within the modern football economy.
And in many cases, that process begins with something simple:
making players visible.
Great read! Excited to see more player designs and what comes of this collaboration 👏