Whether you love them or hate them, you can’t deny that professional footballers have a huge influence.

There’s been some stylish (and not so stylish) players over the years, but who’s got the best hair on the pitch? 

To celebrate the 2018 FIFA World Cup, we’ve listed the ten most influential football hairstyles right now.

With all eyes on them, there’s even more of a pressure for professional footballers to be looking stylish at all times. Whilst clothing is obviously a huge part of personal style, hair and grooming is essential. You can be rocking the best outfit going but if your hairstyle isn’t on point, it’s all going to waste.

The Top 10 Hairstyles In Football

Sergio Ramos

Photo credit: Pinterest

Arguably one of the best defenders in the world, the award-winning Sergio Ramos represents Spanish team Real Madrid and also takes to the pitch for Spain’s national team.

In his younger days, the star opted for luscious long locks, but now at the age of 32 he’s switched it up to a more classic look. We think it suits him perfectly.

The hairstyle is clean cut and sharp, with the short back and sides complimenting his longer hair on top perfectly.

Sergio Ramos: How To Style

For this look, go for a wet-look, hard hold gel; or slick back with an oil-based pomade.

David De Gea

Photo credit: Soccer Soccer

Another Spaniard on our list is  goalkeeper David De Gea. When he’s not defending the goal for his country, he takes pride of place in the same position for UK Premier League club Manchester United. 

De Gea has rocked several different styles over the years but his most notable has to be the classic man-bun. It’s a style that can easily look ridiculous but David pulls it off with ease. It’s almost as if the man-bun was created with him in mind.

David De Gea: How To Style

Go long! Tie your hair back and up into a bun shape. Keep it low for a more masculine finish.

Antoine Griezmann

Photo credit: 101 Great Goals

Footballer hairstyles are often out-there and a little more on the extravagant side; and French striker Antoine Griezmann is no exception.

When he’s not out there representing his national team, he’s scoring points for Spanish league side Atletico Madrid. His long blonde locks are often held in place by a headband, showcasing his dark and grungy roots. Whilst it might not be a look for everyone, there’s no denying that Griezmann pulls off this longer style pretty damn well.

Antoine Griezmann: How To Style

Shoulder length hair is the way to go here. Push it back and hold in place with a hair band. If you want to go all the way, bleach your hair and leave it dark at the roots.

Neymar Jr.

Photo credit: FusionTV.com

Brazilian native Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, or more commonly known simply as “Neymar” is easily one of the most talked about footballers right now. He rocks a statement look, going for totally shaved sides and a “messy” quiff to top it off – almost reminiscent of a mohawk.

Combine this look with his ability to score goal-after-goal and his striking neck tattoo and you’ve certainly got a killer look.

Neymar: How To Style

If you’re going to attempt to mimic Neymar’s look, make sure you’ve got yourself some decent clay as well as a great hairspray to keep your hair in place.

Toby Alderweireld

Photo credit: Shoot.co.uk

Next on our list, we have 29-year-old Toby Alderweireld. Hailing from Belgium, he currently plays in the defence position for UK Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur. When he’s not defending the ground over at Wembley Stadium, he represents Belgium on an international level. In our opinion, Alderweireld’s style is clean-cut and refined.

Toby Alderweireld: How To Style

Alderweireld opts for a short back and sides with a razor part cut in place.

Style this look with either an oil-based wax or clay for a high shine and reworkable finish.

His style is timeless and is definitely reminiscent of past legends such as David Beckham.

Lionel Messi

Photo credit: Goal.com

The man, the myth, the legend. Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the best footballers on the planet right now. The number ten striker over at FC Barcelona has been awarded countless records over the years and has scored over 600 goals in his senior career.

The Argentinian legend tends to choose a more rugged look than other professional footballers; and he’s often seen with a thick and full beard. His hair on the other hand is meticulously in check.

Lionel Messi: How To Style

Go for clay to rock Lionel Messi’s look. Avoid hairspray to allow the hair to naturally fall at the front. Work the style back in – when needed – with your hands.

Raheem Sterling

Photo credit: Goal.com

I’m sure you were all waiting for a Brit to appear on the list, right? Well here you are, England’s very own Raheem Sterling. Although he’s never far from controversy (tattoos, smoking, and police trouble), Sterling’s hair is as simple as can be. The buzzcut – it’s often unbeaten!

His unique personal style suits the buzzcut perfectly. On the pitch he can be found midfield for both Manchester City FC and of course the England international team.

Raheem Stirling: How To Style

Get yourself in to your barber for a clipper 1 all over!

Cristiano Ronaldo

Photo credit: Wadah Sport

Of course Ronaldo was going to turn up somewhere in this list. No list concerning footballers and style is complete without the inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo. The man is a style icon and football isn’t his only achievement. Ronaldo has one of the largest Instagram followings in the world and recently released two pairs of sneakers with Nike.

In 2018, Ronaldo’s going for a shorter style than ever before. He rocks a slick buzzcut with one neat razor line running across his parting.

Cristiano Ronaldo: How To Style

To replicate Ronaldo’s clean buzzcut, head to a barber and show them this image, it should be an easy job.

Olivier Giroud

Photo credit: The Sun

French national and Chelsea F.C. striker Olivier Giroud certainly is a well-groomed man. The star is one of the best goalscorers in the world, and of course he has to keep up the appearance of his hair to match this success.

Giroud opts for an extremely well-kept beard, and it ties in perfectly with his short back and sides, long on the top haircut. Giroud’s slick look represents his presence on the field, mature, classy and most of all a force to be reckoned with.

Olivier Giroud: How To Style

It’s all about the volume with Giroud’s hairstyle. Using a round brush and hairdryer to sweep the hair upwards. Set in place with a firm hold gel or wax. For extra staying power, fix with a freeze hold hairspray.

Paul Pogba

Photo credit: 101greatgoals

Another French national makes his way onto our list and this time it’s none other than Paul Pogba. Known for his flamboyant and extreme hairstyles, it’s only fair we included him on the list. He often sports artistic shaved patterns in his hair, accompanied by bright dyed colours.

Pogba always causes a stir with his hair, whether he’s on the pitch for his country or his Premier League club, Manchester United. One thing is for sure, no colour or style is too extreme for Pogba – he certainly isn’t scared.

Paul Pogba: How To Style

Pogba has a disconnected cut. It’s a high clipper 1 grade, with a 2-3 further up and on top. If you want this cut, show the above picture to your barber.

The 10 Most Important Hairstyles In Football

So there you have it, our top ten hairstyles in football right now.

Keep your eyes peeled on all the players we’ve listed above for hairstyle inspiration, we’re sure there’s going to be a few new styles making an appearance.