Soccer is one of the most popular sports played on a worldwide scale. Soccer player hairstyles often become iconic among their fanbase in their home countries as well as in the whole world.
With so many different looks and personalities, it is interesting to try and follow the ever-changing world of soccer player haircuts.
In the mid-1980s, and ever since many players adopted a mullet hairstyle. This was cut short in front and at the sides but left long in the back. It is still a popular hairstyle among soccer players today, though with more variations.
Another style that is still gaining in popularity is the faux hawk. Based on the idea of a Mohawk, this style keeps the stripe up the middle of the head that stands up but also keeps short hair present on the sides and back of the head. These areas would be shaved to create a true Mohawk.
A wide range of spiked hairstyles has been worn by many of the more popular players from around the world. Most simply look as if the player ran his fingers through his hair and called it combed. Of course, achieving this look and maintaining it takes a bit more effort than that.
In addition to these somewhat standard hairdos for soccer players, many have experimented with shaved heads, cornrows, fade haircuts, single braids, and some haircuts that were way out there. What it really comes down to is personal taste, what style will work with a player’s facial features, and how best to keep the hair out of his eyes when he is playing.
Popular Soccer Players Haircuts
Our experts have carefully picked the best of the soccer players and the unique hairstyles they’ve sported for the football lovers around the world. Check these 41 soccer haircuts and hairstyles to rock in 2022.
1. Sweeping Fringe – Paulo Dybala
Foppish bangs can suit men of most ages and are a great way to add definition to otherwise very straight hair. This is a cute soccer hairstyle for players.
Ideal for: Oblong, triangle, diamond and heart-shaped faces.
How to Style: If you are bored with your lank locks and want to add some interest, keep the hair shorter on one side and leave the bangs to sit across the forehead. You can mix up the parting depending on what suits your face shape best.
2. Mid Length Crop – Andrea Pirlo
Sportsmen don’t all want to have short hairstyles, and this is a great easy maintenance option for those who like to keep it longer.
Ideal for: Oblong, triangle, diamond and heart-shaped faces.
How to Style: Layering is key here to keep this look manageable and add definition. Leave the hair to dry naturally and tease back from the hairline with a serum to add gloss and tame any frizz.
3. High Fade with Part – Cristiano Ronaldo
A high fade is a great way to get that easy maintenance haircut for soccer players but still keep some length on top.
Ideal for: Heart, round, square and oval face shapes.
How to Style: Aim for a high fade up above the temple, leaving some glossy length across the crown of the head. Adding a part will help create a definition in the style. Keep errant hairs in place with a strong hold pomade.
4. Short Mohawk – John Boye
Not all mohawks were created equal and this Mohawk certainly has a style of its very own.
Ideal for: Square, round and diamond face shapes.
How to Style: By keeping both the sides and the mohawk sections quite short, this makes for very low maintenance and easy up-keep style. Perfect for those who are playing and training for soccer games regularly. Go super short on the sides, adding a thick slice of hair across the crown down to the nape.
5. Short Textured ‘Do – Marco Reus
For those guys who play soccer, you will likely want an easy cut but you will still want a stylish look off the pitch and this soccer haircut can give you the best of both worlds.
Ideal for: Oblong, round and triangle faces.
How to Style: Keep the back short and make sure you maintain that shape-up around the temples and sideburns for a super fresh look. Add layering into the length across the top and finish off with a high shine wax.
6. Permed Mullet – Raheem Sterling
Naturally thick and curly hair doesn’t always lend well to sport, with excessive washing and styling it can leave locks brittle. This doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a trendy style if you choose to have a shorter crop.
Ideal for: Square, oblong and heart shaped faces.
How to Style: This is a great cut that is really set off by the subtle use of a fade from the temples down. The clever edgy shaved line adds an extra dimension.
7. French Crop Inspired – Philippe Coutinho
A French crop is a classic and timeless look – however the longer fringe that tends to come with the crop may not serve you sports guys very well.
Ideal for: Oval, square, oblong and heart shaped faces.
How to Style: Take a modern twist on a French crop by keeping the bangs shorter but still blunt and add in a fade from the temples down to the nape for a very edgy look.
8. Shaved Detailing – Paul Pogba
There are so many options now when it comes to detailing on men’s hair, especially where shaved portions are concerned.
Ideal for: Heart, round, square and oval face shapes.
How to Style: This unique and very quirky soccer player hairstyle features cleverly shaved and dyed designs that all vary in length and size. This look would take some upkeep and a very patient stylist but your design options are endless.
9. Ombre Fauxhawk – Leroy Sane
Naturally thick and curly hair pairs very well with a fauxhawk as it enables added movement and definition. If you want to turn your style up a notch, why not add some ombre tones?
Ideal for: Round, square and diamond-shaped faces.
How to Style: By keeping the sides short and cropped, you can make this style far more maintenance-friendly. Add a splash of ombre coloring through the lengths of the hair and wear it naturally curly and thick. For added contrast shaved lines or designing around the temples is a good move.
10. The Buzzcut – David Beckham
David Beckham arguably was the hairstyle chameleon of the soccer world but could still rock a simple ‘do now and again.
Short hair is the classic go-to cut for sports players as it’s an all-round easy look and simple to maintain.
Ideal for: Square and oblong face shapes.
How to Style: Go for an unassuming buzz cut with some shape-up on the sides depending on your hairline. This is a hyper easy look that is a great way to show off your facial features.
11. Layered Crop with Side Bangs – Antoine Griezmann
Choppy crops always look cute and edgy when done well and are a versatile style that can be adapted to suit your face shape, and hair type.
Ideal for: Oblong, triangle, diamond, and heart shaped faces.
How to Style: Layering is key to getting this look to sit well. Style the hair by adding a soft hold mousse and blow-drying using your fingers to position the hair and to get those waves and bangs in place.
12. Slicked Back Undercut – Panagiotis Kone
This slicked back look is very suave and gentlemanly and would be a perfect option for those maturing soccer players.
Ideal for: Oblong, triangle, diamond and heart-shaped faces.
How to Style: This look is versatile in that you can slick back the entire do or leave parts more natural if it suits your face shape better. Keep the sides well cropped and use a strong hold product to achieve that shiny and luxurious finish.
13. White Men’s Braids – Andy Carroll
Braids are great maintenance soccer styles that also serve to help you keep your tresses safe from damage.
Ideal for: Heart, round, square and oval face shapes.
How to Style: There are countless options when it comes to braiding the hair so speak to your stylist or look around for something you really love. Consider adding shaved sides or defined partings to give your look more oomph.
14. Braiding And Cornrows – Herctar Bellerin
Another braided style but this hairstyle is a little more complex and will likely need the intervention of a stylist.
Ideal for: Heart, round, square and oval face shapes.
How to Style: The hair is pulled backwards from the forehead into a braid which will not always suit every face shape but speak to your stylist to design a look that will suit you personally. The cornrow style plaits across the sides of the head make for a great contrast.
15. Man Bun with Undercut – David De Gea
The man bun continues to ride its wave of popularity which is great as it makes for a perfect soccer haircut.
Ideal for: Heart, round, square and oval face shapes.
How to Style: You can mix this style up as much as you want by varying the length of your undercut to suit your preference. If your hair is not long enough to secure into a bun then you can always opt for a top knot that requires less length.
16. Accessories – Gareth Bale
This is a great look and super easy to do as and when you need to for a game or practice session.
Ideal for: Heart, round, square and oval face shapes.
How to Style: If you have hair long enough to tie back then you can pull the hair back into a low ponytail and secure with an elastic. Add some interest with a hairband – either a toothed band or plain band – which will give the hair around the crown some volume.
17. Braided Ponytail – Rio Ferdinand
Updos and structured hairstyles are becoming a very classic go-to look for men, especially soccer players, so why not add a twist by adding some braids?
Ideal for: Heart, round, square and oval face shapes.
How to Style: There are countless types of braiding available so speak to your stylist about what would suit you and your hair type. You can then either wear them loose or pull back into a messy and fun ponytail when needed.
18. Simple Ponytail – Zlatan Ibrahimovic
This quirky look is perfect for those guys who like to rock their long hair but keep it tied back for their sports and soccer games.
Ideal for: Heart, round, square and oval face shapes.
How to Style: Pull the hair back into a ponytail and secure with an elastic. Run some serum across the crown to add shine and stop any unwanted frizz.
19. High Fade Quiff – Yannick Ferreira Carrasco
High fade always means high style, especially when paired with a very trendy and fashionable quiff. This soccer haircut has been sported by many famous footballers!
Ideal for: Heart, round, square and oval face shapes.
How to Style: To get that stylish quiff you will need to have around 4 or 5 inches of length in your locks. Keep the sides short and add a temper fade towards the nape. Get some layers cut into the hair to reduce any unnecessary weight and blow dry with a big barrel brush to achieve that volume.
20. Let It Loose- Sergio Ramos
You have hyper glossy and shiny long straight hair so why not just show it off?
Ideal for: Heart, round, square and oval face shapes.
How to Style: By keeping your hair in top condition and having regular trims you can protect against damage, split ends and frizz. So if you love your long hair then wear it proud and leave it loose!
Some More Popular Soccer Hairstyles for Guys
21. Dreaded Mohawk – Mario Balotelli
This is decidedly one of the classic soccer hairstyles that make these soccer stars style icons.
22. Taper Fade with Pompadour – Olivier Giroud
It is a versatile, classy, functional and one of the most iconic football player haircuts with fade. It is both edgy and stylish at the same time.
23. Ivy League Hairstyle – Gerard Pique
Subtle and classy, this is a rather striking style. Just like the appeal of the trademark striking style, this hairdo will easily bowl over his admirers across the world.
24. Lionel Messi – Textured Hair with Taper Fade
This is undeniably a show stopper when you consider top soccer haircuts. It is a neat and soothing hairstyle.
25. Sergio Leonel Aguero – Medium Bald Fade
The platinum blonde hair offers a stunning contrast with the dark-colored beard. This is all about subtle understated styling that works well both on the field as well as off the field in an intensely attractive manner.
26. David Luiz – Long Curls
The curls are so tight that they almost resemble a coil but at the same time, they continue to be an absolute crowd puller wherever you may step out. It brings out a slice of eccentric and esoteric charm.
27. High Fade with Comb Over Like Granit Xhaka
If you are keen on understated classy appeal, this is one of the most striking soccer player haircuts. This is a versatile style that looks appropriate on a variety of facial shapes and skin tones.
28. Neymar Jr with Curly Faux Hawk
This is one of those football player hairstyles that is hard to ignore even on an action-packed day. The platinum curls contrast with the fade and offset the slightly darker skin complexion is an attractive manner. If you are keen on making an impression, then this is the type of style you must choose.
29. James Rodriguez – Undercut with Side Swept Hair
This is a versatile soccer hairstyle that undeniably makes it a showstopper. The short parting is what makes the difference in this cut. It does not just attract more eyeballs but also brings out a sense of intense charm.
30. Miguel Veloso – Disconnected Undercut
This is another versatile haircut of soccer players that can charm anyone you want to impress. Coupled with the beard, it exudes a subtle machismo that is both charming and absolutely attention-grabbing.
31. Saphir Taider – Skin Fade with Short Mohawk
Slightly edgy but stylish without doubt, this is another iconic haircut. It immediately sets you apart from the crows and will make people stand up and take notice. The edgy element makes it an exotic version too.
32. Graham Zusi – Comb Over with Undercut Side
The playfulness and casual appeal of this soccer player’s hairstyle are overwhelming. It complements the bushy and thick beard and in many ways plays a crucial role in completing the overall look.
33. Short Quiff – Toni Kroos
The high fade is one of the most versatile hairstyles that football players sported and the quiff top adds the much-needed variation. The fade is an absolutely functional option given the long and sweaty hours that these sports stars spend on the field chasing the soccer ball.
34. Gianluigi Buffon – Slick Back Hair
This is another popular variant of the soccer hairstyles that will charm anyone. The quiff is a rather conventional style, but the short sides give it a rather modern twist. It makes it a brilliantly adapted version of an old favorite.
35. Mathieu Debuchy – Spikes with DropFade
Casual and rugged, this is a phenomenal hairstyle that is stylish and versatile. It has a chic charm that goes on to emphasize the cool quotient to a large extent. This also highlights the appeal of effortless charm.
36. Stephan El Shaaraw – Skin Fade with Comb Over
This is a rather cool and classy variant of the Mohawk, a popular soccer haircut. It combines a variety of style in a creative and comprehensive way. That is what makes this such a winning style and easily gathers accolades for you wherever you may go.
37. Aaron Ramsey – Short Spikes Brushed Back
A casual and extremely poised football hairstyle, it is hard to escape its charm. This is perhaps best suited for the corporate boardroom outside the football field. Actually, this is a sophisticated and suave style that enhances the natural features of the hilt. Talk of subtle and understated hairstyles, and this is one of the best examples.
38. David Villa – Tapered Undercut
Talk of understated class, this layered soccer hairstyle for players has little competition. It lends an absolute stylish edge to your personality and despite its humble appearance; this is a rather complex and layered cut. That is why you need a professional stylist to help you get the best impact.
39. Alexis Sanchez – Caesar Cut
Hassle-free low maintenance players hairstyle, this is no doubt a popular choice. This is a subtle classy style that looks attractive irrespective of the occasion. Whether you are sweating out on the football field or busy in a board meeting, this looks attractive nevertheless. This is what is known as creating a sense of intense charm.
40. Kevin de Bruyne – Stylish Long Crew Cut
Well-groomed and stylish, this is the kind of easy to maintain soccer player haircut that is often the talk of the town. It lends a sense of intense, subtle and underrated charm that can easily wow admirers. This style works well in both formal and casual occasions.
41. Javier Pastore – Short Messy Hair
When you think of easy to maintain, hassle-free sporty haircuts, this is another striking option. It follows the natural flow of the hair and helps in highlighting the striking angular features in your face. It is a type of style that never fails to impress anyone.
There is one common thread that ties all of these soccer player haircuts together. They are all short enough in the front to ensure clear vision when the player is out on the field while enhancing his looks for when he is off the field. Get inspired by these classic football player’s unique hairdos.
