10 Football Player Hairstyles That Defined 2024: From Bellingham's Curls To Haaland's Viking Braids

Football is more than just a sport; it's a global fashion show, and the pitch is the ultimate runway for style. In the modern era, a player's haircut is as much a part of their brand as their goal-scoring ability, setting trends that sweep through barbershops worldwide. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the focus has shifted towards high-impact, low-maintenance styles, with a mix of textured cuts and classic throwbacks dominating the scene.

The latest trends confirm that individuality reigns supreme, with contemporary stars taking inspiration from historical legends while adding their own unique, personal flair. From razor-sharp fades to flowing locks and bold color choices, these are the hairstyles that have cemented their place in the football style hall of fame and are defining the look of the game right now.

The New Generation: 2024's Most Influential Footballer Haircuts

The current crop of footballing superstars is using their hair to make a statement, influencing millions of fans to emulate their looks. These styles often blend modern barbering techniques like the 'fade' with unique textures and lengths, creating signature looks that are instantly recognizable.

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1. Jude Bellingham: The Signature Curly Edgar Cut

Jude Bellingham, the midfield sensation at Real Madrid, has become a global fashion icon, and his haircut is central to that image. His signature look is often described as a variation of the 'Curly Edgar Cut' or a textured crop with a low fade. The style features tight, faded sides and back, creating a sharp contrast with his naturally curly or wavy hair on top, which is styled forward and textured. This haircut is a perfect example of a high-impact, youthful look that is both clean and stylish, making it one of the most requested cuts in barbershops across the continent.

2. Erling Haaland: The Viking Style and Centre-Parting

Erling Haaland's imposing presence is matched by his distinctive hair. While he has experimented with different looks, including teasing a completely shaved head, his most iconic style is the "Viking style." This look often involves his long, blonde hair being tied back, sometimes in a braid or bun, evoking a powerful, warrior-like image that suits his aggressive playing style. More recently, he has been seen returning to a classic centre-parting, showing a subtle shift towards a more traditional, yet still distinctive, look for Manchester City.

3. Kylian Mbappé: The Clean Buzz Cut and Textured Crop

Kylian Mbappé, known for his blistering pace, keeps his hairstyle versatile and sharp. While he has sported various looks, including a brief, dramatic new style post-Club World Cup, his most common and influential haircut is a clean buzz cut or a very short, textured crop with a sharp line-up. This minimalist approach is practical for an elite athlete and exudes a no-nonsense, focused energy. The simplicity of the buzz cut, especially with a precise fade, showcases his facial features and maintains a sleek, modern aesthetic.

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4. Alejandro Garnacho: The Striking Undercut

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho has made waves not only with his spectacular goals but also with his striking undercut. The undercut is a bold style where the hair on the sides and back is either shaved or cut very short, leaving a significantly longer length on top. Garnacho often styles the top with a messy, textured finish, or sometimes a slicked-back look, making it a versatile and edgy choice that appeals to younger fans looking for a dramatic change.

Timeless Cuts and Enduring Style Icons

Beyond the current trends, several players maintain classic looks or have styles that have stood the test of time, proving that true style is eternal. These footballers show that sometimes, the most enduring statement is a well-executed, consistent cut.

5. Jack Grealish: The Slick-Back Undercut

Jack Grealish's slicked-back undercut has become his signature look, winning him awards like the Estenove Soccer Players' Hairstyle of the Year. This style is a modern take on a classic, featuring a closely shaved or faded undercut combined with a longer length on top that is heavily styled back using product, often held in place with a hairband. The look is polished, instantly recognizable, and perfectly captures a blend of retro cool and contemporary precision.

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6. Toni Kroos: The Classic Side Parting

In a world of fades and flamboyant colors, Toni Kroos stands out with his commitment to the classic side parting. This timeless haircut, often paired with a neat, short-to-medium length, is the epitome of elegance and professionalism. It proves that a simple, well-groomed look can be just as impactful as the most dramatic styles, cementing his image as a composed and sophisticated player on the pitch.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo: The Undercut Side Part

Though his look has evolved over the years, Cristiano Ronaldo's current preference for a short, sharp haircut, often an undercut side part or a textured quiff, continues to inspire millions. His hairstyles are always meticulously maintained, featuring razor-sharp lines and a clean taper or fade on the sides. This dedication to precision reflects his legendary discipline and remains a benchmark for men's grooming in sports.

8. Paul Pogba: The Dynamic Frohawk and Color

Paul Pogba is the undisputed king of hair experimentation in modern football. His style is as dynamic as his midfield play, frequently featuring a 'frohawk'—a mohawk style adapted for Afro-textured hair—often highlighted with vibrant blonde or other bold colors. While his looks constantly change, the frohawk with intricate designs remains his most iconic, demonstrating a fearless approach to personal expression and style.

The Evolution of Hair on the Pitch: From Mullets to Modern Braids

The history of football fashion is littered with iconic, and sometimes bizarre, haircuts that defined their eras. These legendary styles set the stage for the expressive looks we see today, showcasing the sport's long-standing connection to popular culture.

9. Neymar Jr.: The Master of Reinvention

Neymar Jr. is arguably the most prolific hair chameleon in football history. Over his career, he has sported everything from spiky blonde tips and curly mohawks to intricate African braids with silver accents. His frequent transformations, often involving hair straighteners to achieve multiple layers for different styles, make him a constant source of discussion and a trendsetter for those who love to change their look dramatically.

10. Ronaldo Nazário (R9): The 2002 World Cup Trim

No discussion of iconic football hair is complete without mentioning the Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário. His partially shaved, triangular fringe during the 2002 World Cup is one of the most famous and instantly recognizable haircuts in sporting history. While unconventional, the haircut was a deliberate, distracting statement that became synonymous with Brazil's triumph and remains a powerful cultural reference point today.

Other notable historical figures include Taribo West, known for his wildly colorful and complex green braids, and Rudi Völler, who popularized the mullet in the 1980s. These figures established the precedent that hair could be a powerful form of self-expression on the world stage.

How to Get the Best Footballer Haircuts

Emulating a footballer's style requires precision and communication with your barber. For styles like the Jude Bellingham or Jack Grealish cut, the key is the 'fade'—a gradient where the hair goes from very short at the neck to longer at the top. You must specify the type of fade (low, mid, or high) and the desired length and texture on top.

• For the Bellingham Look (Curly Edgar): Ask for a low skin fade on the sides and back, leaving 2-3 inches of length on top. Request a textured crop, styled forward.
• For the Grealish Look (Slick-Back Undercut): Ask for a disconnected undercut (where the top hair is not blended with the sides) or a high fade. The top needs significant length (4-6 inches) to be slicked back with a strong hold product.
• For the Haaland Look (Viking): Simply grow your hair long and maintain it with regular trims to keep the ends healthy. Use a quality hair tie or band to keep it out of your face during sports.

Whether you're looking for a fresh, current style or a timeless classic, the world of famous football players' hairstyles offers endless inspiration. These athletes continue to prove that style and sport are inextricably linked, with a good haircut being the ultimate accessory for global stardom.