Football is obviously so much more than just a sport; it influences everything from fashion to hairstyles. Over the years, footballers have often set trends with their unique and bold haircuts, with even the most ridiculous seeming styles suddenly becoming the most popular cut out there. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic football hairstyles, from the classic looks of past legends to the contemporary styles seen today.
The Classic Era: Simplicity and Tradition
In the early days of football, hairstyles were simple and understated, as players focused more on the game than on fashion statements. The fame footballers currently experience had not yet erupted so many players could enjoy relatively ‘normal’ lives and kept their style similarly classic.
The Crew Cut
Just like the average man, many footballers saw the appeal of a simple, clean crew cut. The no-nonsense nature of the crew meant players felt a sense of discipline too. Players like Bobby Charlton were known for their clean, straightforward styles that matched their professional image on the pitch. Charlton’s famous comb-over, while practical, became a recognisable feature in football during the 1960s.
The Pompadour
International players like Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás sported the classic pompadour. This haircut spoke of pure sophistication, bringing the touch of glamour that football began to pick up as it gained international appeal.
The 1980s and 1990s: Bold and Expressive
As football became more of a spectacle, the players’ hairstyles also began to gain attention. The 1980s and 1990s saw bold and experimental haircuts.
The Mullet
The mullet became a defining look in football during the 1980s. Rudi Völler, the German striker, was one of many who made the mullet famous, combining short hair on top with long hair at the back. The mullet’s attention-grabbing style and sense of rebellion mirrored the spirit of the 1980s, making it a popular choice among players looking to make a statement.
The Bleached Blonde
The 1990s saw the rise of the bleached blonde look, popularised by players like Gabriel Batistuta and Robbie Fowler. Individuality became central to footballer identity. Even players like Chris Waddle got in on the act, adding a few blonde streaks to his hair.
The 2000s: Global Superstars and Statement Hair
The 2000s saw footballer superstars reach a whole new level, and their personal branding became almost as important as their performance on the pitch. Individual expression and some truly unusual looks came to represent this era.
The David Beckham Mohawk
David Beckham was as known for his off-field fashion as for his footballing skills. His mohawk, which debuted in 2001, became a worldwide sensation and was copied by thousands. Beckham’s mohawk was a mix of rebellion and sleek sophistication, inspiring fans and fellow players alike to adopt the look.
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The Ronaldo Triangle
The original Ronaldo (Ronaldo Nazário) remains known for one of the most famous looks ever seen on any sporting star, let alone a footballer. Known simply as “The Triangle,” Ronaldo shaved most of his head, leaving a small patch of hair at the front. While it was mainly mocked and laughed at for being unlike anything anyone had ever seen, the haircut became iconic as Ronaldo helped Brazil win the World Cup, proving that even the oddest styles could be legendary.
The Contemporary Era: Innovation and Individuality
In modern football, haircuts have become even more varied and creative, with players using their hairstyles to express their personalities and push the boundaries of traditional looks.
Neymar’s Custom Cuts
Neymar never looks the same for long when it comes to his hair. The Brazilian forward is almost as well known for his bold colour choices as his elasticos and the dye jobs are often combined with unique cuts, mohawks, skin fades and more.
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Cristiano’s Crowd-Pleasing Fade
Cristiano Ronaldo has become synonymous with the simplicity of the clean fade, a modern haircut that is sharp, stylish, and practical. With short sides and more length on top, the fade has become a popular style among many players, maybe they’re copying CR7 or maybe they just recognise how this style is one of the most versatile out there.
View this post on Instagram
Jack Grealish’s Signature Style
Jack Grealish’s look is one that many want to emulate. The slicked-back undercut, often teamed with a headband, has become his iconic look, representing both his sharp fashion sense and his on-field flair. There’s a nod to the classic era in Grealish’s look which makes it all the more popular.
Football Haircuts Over Time
Football haircuts have reflected cultural shifts over the decades. From the simple, practical styles of the 1960s to the bold and innovative we see now, hair has become as integral to a footballer as their personality, if not more so in some cases. Each era brings its own flair, with footballers expressing individuality, inspiring trends and leaving their mark on the global stage. If you’ve seen a style you want to try on for size or want to create something unique of your own, book in at Chaps today.
Football is obviously so much more than just a sport; it influences everything from fashion to hairstyles. Over the years, footballers have often set trends with their unique and bold haircuts, with even the most ridiculous seeming styles suddenly becoming the most popular cut out there. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic football hairstyles, from the classic looks of past legends to the contemporary styles seen today.
The Classic Era: Simplicity and Tradition
In the early days of football, hairstyles were simple and understated, as players focused more on the game than on fashion statements. The fame footballers currently experience had not yet erupted so many players could enjoy relatively ‘normal’ lives and kept their style similarly classic.
The Crew Cut
Just like the average man, many footballers saw the appeal of a simple, clean crew cut. The no-nonsense nature of the crew meant players felt a sense of discipline too. Players like Bobby Charlton were known for their clean, straightforward styles that matched their professional image on the pitch. Charlton’s famous comb-over, while practical, became a recognisable feature in football during the 1960s.
The Pompadour
International players like Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás sported the classic pompadour. This haircut spoke of pure sophistication, bringing the touch of glamour that football began to pick up as it gained international appeal.
The 1980s and 1990s: Bold and Expressive
As football became more of a spectacle, the players’ hairstyles also began to gain attention. The 1980s and 1990s saw bold and experimental haircuts.
The Mullet
The mullet became a defining look in football during the 1980s. Rudi Völler, the German striker, was one of many who made the mullet famous, combining short hair on top with long hair at the back. The mullet’s attention-grabbing style and sense of rebellion mirrored the spirit of the 1980s, making it a popular choice among players looking to make a statement.
The Bleached Blonde
The 1990s saw the rise of the bleached blonde look, popularised by players like Gabriel Batistuta and Robbie Fowler. Individuality became central to footballer identity. Even players like Chris Waddle got in on the act, adding a few blonde streaks to his hair.
The 2000s: Global Superstars and Statement Hair
The 2000s saw footballer superstars reach a whole new level, and their personal branding became almost as important as their performance on the pitch. Individual expression and some truly unusual looks came to represent this era.
The David Beckham Mohawk
David Beckham was as known for his off-field fashion as for his footballing skills. His mohawk, which debuted in 2001, became a worldwide sensation and was copied by thousands. Beckham’s mohawk was a mix of rebellion and sleek sophistication, inspiring fans and fellow players alike to adopt the look.
View this post on Instagram
The Ronaldo Triangle
The original Ronaldo (Ronaldo Nazário) remains known for one of the most famous looks ever seen on any sporting star, let alone a footballer. Known simply as “The Triangle,” Ronaldo shaved most of his head, leaving a small patch of hair at the front. While it was mainly mocked and laughed at for being unlike anything anyone had ever seen, the haircut became iconic as Ronaldo helped Brazil win the World Cup, proving that even the oddest styles could be legendary.
The Contemporary Era: Innovation and Individuality
In modern football, haircuts have become even more varied and creative, with players using their hairstyles to express their personalities and push the boundaries of traditional looks.
Neymar’s Custom Cuts
Neymar never looks the same for long when it comes to his hair. The Brazilian forward is almost as well known for his bold colour choices as his elasticos and the dye jobs are often combined with unique cuts, mohawks, skin fades and more.
View this post on Instagram
Cristiano’s Crowd-Pleasing Fade
Cristiano Ronaldo has become synonymous with the simplicity of the clean fade, a modern haircut that is sharp, stylish, and practical. With short sides and more length on top, the fade has become a popular style among many players, maybe they’re copying CR7 or maybe they just recognise how this style is one of the most versatile out there.
View this post on Instagram
Jack Grealish’s Signature Style
Jack Grealish’s look is one that many want to emulate. The slicked-back undercut, often teamed with a headband, has become his iconic look, representing both his sharp fashion sense and his on-field flair. There’s a nod to the classic era in Grealish’s look which makes it all the more popular.
Football Haircuts Over Time
Football haircuts have reflected cultural shifts over the decades. From the simple, practical styles of the 1960s to the bold and innovative we see now, hair has become as integral to a footballer as their personality, if not more so in some cases. Each era brings its own flair, with footballers expressing individuality, inspiring trends and leaving their mark on the global stage. If you’ve seen a style you want to try on for size or want to create something unique of your own, book in at Chaps today.
