What stays with you after the final whistle are tears and longing until the next match. But if you look closely at the time in between, you find yourself fangirling over the actual hook: the players. The post-match debrief teatray arrives right on cue. All those “we was robbed” conspiracies and complete tactical breakdowns eventually make room for a little “okay but can we talk about his hair for a second?”
Every four years, players take to the pitch with styles built to handle heat, movement, and cameras. Some keep it clean and classic, like Achraf Hakimi’s sharp low taper fade. Others, however, go a little more out there, like Ochoa’s shoulder-length curls that somehow survive ninety minutes of football. We sat down with Bailey Snowden, Wahl Scholar and Owner of Snowden Hair in Scunthorpe, to break down his favourite styles that have outclassed everything else on the pitch.
Achraf Hakimi
Hakimi’s haircut perfectly balances sharpness with natural texture. Specifically, a clean low taper keeps the silhouette tight around the ears and neckline, while the textured curls on top add movement and personality. Overall, the style is a nod to modernity and versatility that works just as well off the pitch as it does on it.
Richard Ríos
Ríos has become one of the tournament’s style standouts, and the credit goes to his hair. A modern textured mullet paired with a low skin fade is as much of a hit as his play in midfield. The layered length through the back gives it a relaxed, fashion-forward feel. Meanwhile, the clean fade keeps it looking sharp and crisp. It’s the mullet, but with more brazenness, and one of the most requested styles in salons recently.
Jude Bellingham
Another in the list to have made it from the pitch to the barbershop is Bellingham’s signature curly mid taper. It makes way for the natural curls to do the heavy lifting on top, with volume and texture that come naturally without trying too hard. In addition, the mid taper brings it all together, blending neatly into the neckline and temples. The result is a finish that’s sharp where it’s supposed to be and restrained where it doesn’t need to be.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo has never needed a trend to make a statement. His classic short crop paired with a clean mid fade is as sharp and fresh as it has always been. Overall, it’s a look that has become as much a part of his image as his goals and the celebrations. Furthermore, the subtle texture through the top adds just enough definition to keep it from feeling flat, without tipping into over-styling.
Guillermo Ochoa
Ochoa is a beautiful testament to the idea that embracing natural texture never goes out of style. A style as recognizable as his performances, his signature shoulder-length curls offer a refreshing contrast to the clean fades dominating the modern game. Heavy on volume and movement, his look celebrates his confidence in natural hair. As a result, it proves it can be just as promising as the sharpest barbered cut. It’s a look that’s as on fleek as his saves, and just as hard to miss.
As the World Cup continues, football fandom has created a community to give space for beauty commentary, and we’re here for every second of it. Whether it’s a razor-sharp taper fade or a head full of natural curls that defy both gravity and ninety minutes of competitive football, the pitch has always been more than just a stage for the beautiful game. Ultimately, it’s where style finds its biggest audience, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.