The Face of JD Sports competition may have a popular winner in 2014 (Picture: JD Sports)

JD Sports are hosting a competition to find their new Face of 2014 – but it seems it’s not quite going to plan.

This year’s leading contender, who – if he wins – will be starring in JD’s billboard posters and promotional material, probably isn’t quite what bosses were after.

But he’s already racked up more than 7,000 votes, and is a clear leader in the race after an online campaign to make him the winner.

Entries close today, with the castings and photoshoot due to go ahead later this month.


Skinny jeans – check; Shoreditch crop – check; Miley Cyrus tongue – check. But uber-trendy Macauley Jackson, 18, only has two votes.

Macauley Jackson (Picture: JD Sports)

A model pout and matching lipstick and jumper – but only five votes for Chelsie Reardon (who says she’s ‘from Bradford – unfortunately’).

Bradford but not proud: Chelsie Reardon (Picture: Instagram/JD Sports)

Smouldering Michael Toon – a self-appointed Kevin Pietersen lookalike (really? REALLY?!)… nil points.

Oh, hi Kev… no, wait… (Picture: Michael Toon/JD Sports)

She may have captured the essence of the brand, but Adriana Maria Mitrus, 24, has only two votes.

Putting the sport into JD Sports – Adriana Maria Mitrus (Picture: JD Sports)

Super-smooth personal trainer and ex-soldier Vrboski Alexander, 21, is our current leader’s nearest rival.

Vrboski Alexander (Picture: JD Sports)

But this is Rake Ali, who has more than 7,000 votes and loves his hair (and why not?)

Number one: Rake Ali (Picture: JD Sports)

‘I am an adamant hair enthusiast that gets all the chicks. My haircut is one of a kind and looks like a rake,’ he writes eloquently in his profile.



‘It has always been a dream for me to share my unique hair styles with the world, I believe that this competition is the best way for me to do so. I see myself as a young John Frieda or Paul Mitchell.’

If he tops the vote count, Rake Ali will get an invite to the casting event automatically where he will be judged on a range of criteria including how ‘Street Smart’ his style is (very), his personality and creativity, and the uniqueness of his look (nailed that).

Stay tuned.