While the best soccer players in the world have inspired the next generation of stars with their incredible skills and world-class play, their influence has reached beyond pitch. Fans envy their sense of fashion, style and how they carry themselves. The fact that they don’t have to wear a helmet on the pitch allows them to showcase their trend-setting hair styles and there is no doubt some of the best of them have served as inspiration for fans around the world. Here’s a look at the 10 best hairdos we’ve seen:
Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid
Easily among the most recognizable faces in football, it has been impossible to criticize Ronaldo’s hairstyle as one of the true trend setters in the sport. Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the key figures that pushed the faux hawk and now his Mad Men-like hairstyle continues to be emulated by people around the world
Andrea Pirlo, Juventus
A list that is dominated by some of the younger players also features one of world football’s elder statesmen as it would be hard to argue against Pirlo making an appearance on this list. Another player that has gone with the classic longer locks. He’s clean and classy.
Neymar, Barcelona
After exploding on to the scene with Brazil at the 2014 World Cup, Neymar has made a name for himself at Barcelona where his unique hairstyle has been a talking point. Most people wouldn’t dare to try the Neymar but it was interesting to see how many young Brazilian fans rocked the look during World Cup play.
Kyle Beckerman, Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake fans will clamor that their biggest star has the best hair of them all but it really is a matter of whom you ask. Beckerman has always been known for his unique hairstyle and it’s easy to understand the reason for it. Dreads are more often associated with North American football but Beckerman represents for his sport.
Marco Reus, Borussia Dortmund
The Borussia Dortmund star was in the spotlight as he helped Germany win the World Cup in 2014 and there is no doubt that some of the home fans will have adopted his unique hairstyle. Always known for his unconventional hairstyles, he has relied on this trendy fauxhawk for more than a year now.
Arturo Vidal, Juventus
Long known for his different styles, the one consistent for the Chilean star has been the Mohawk. Vidal might not be the force he was once considered to be but it’s hard to argue against his consistency when it comes to coiffures.
Edison Cavani, Paris Saint-Germain
Edison Cavani is a player that has long displayed the same type of hairstyle. Cavani gets bonus points not only for longevity but also the natural look of those luscious locks. His style is unadulterated. Impossible to miss on the pitch, the Argentina striker continues to be one of the best in the hair game.
Wayne Rooney, Manchester United
He may not have much hair left but you have to appreciate Rooney’s game and how he has refused to limit himself to shaving his head. He may not be the prettiest soccer player but good on Rooney for rocking his own traditional hairstyle.
Lionel Messi, Barcelona
It certainly isn’t the flashiest of hairstyles but it is a perfect fit for a superstar player that doesn’t demand attention with his flashiness but with his incredible finish. Messi is a truly elite superstar and his classic hairstyle has been noticed by everyone from his home fans in Argentina to young kids around Spain.
Xabi Alonso, Bayern Munich
For all of the unique hairstyles out there, Xabi Alonso brings the clean and classic look to our list. We haven’t seen much change from Xabi over the years and for good reason. Known for his style both on and off the pitch, Alonso has established his own trend and has never wavered from it.
