David Beckham’s mohawk, Gazza’s bleached crop and Ronaldo’s infamous 2002 do among fans’ favourite hairstyles
KEVIN KEEGAN’S perm, Bobby Charlton’s comb-over and Ruud Gullit’s famous barnet are among football’s most memorable haircuts, according to a study.
A poll of 2,000 male football fans has revealed the styles from over the years which are still talked about today – including Chris Waddle’s infamous mullet and Carlos Valderrama’s striking locks.
Other notable trims include Paul Gascoigne’s bleached crop, David Beckham’s iconic mohawk and Brazilian legend Ronaldo‘s infamous do from the 2002 World Cup.
Among current players, Jack Grealish‘s undercut, Paul Pogba’s coloured fades and Olivier Giroud’s shaved style have also been voted among the greatest.
The study was commissioned by CopyBet.com, which has created a quiz to test people’s knowledge of famous footballer haircuts
A spokesperson said: “It’s great to see football haircuts of the ages, like Kevin Keegan’s perm and Ruud Gullit’s dreads, being mentioned in the sport today.
“But also the popularity of superstars such as Paul Pogba coloured fades and of course Jack Grealish’s popular undercut with his alice band.”
The study also found one fifth of football fans have attempted to copy the hairstyles of their idols – with Beckham’s curtains the most popular choice.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
Nearly one in five tried out Cristiano Ronaldo’s tramline undercut while Grealish’s style has been a popular choice for 17 per cent of fans.
And 16 per cent have even got Freddie Ljungberg’s controversial red mohawk from his days at Arsenal.
When asked why they copy a footballer’s hairstyle, 34 per cent of fans said they fancied something new while 30 per cent liked the footballer’s sense of style.
Although 28 per cent to confess to going for the haircut after losing a bet.
A further 27 per cent said they copied footballer hairstyles to become more attractive to potential new partners.
Of those who went all in, 83 per cent were pleased with the overall haircut they copied and 20 per cent have even gone on to copy the same style at least four times.
It also emerged that football fans will spend an average of £43 to copy their favourite footballer’s hairstyle.
One-third of those polled, via OnePoll, think replicating the same haircut as a footballer is all part of being a fan.
And 28 per cent admit they often borrow the style and fashion tips from football stars on a regular basis, with 51 per cent believing they’re more stylish now than ever before.
Other ways football fans have copied their heroes include their kits (17 per cent), goal celebrations (15 per cent) and clothes (12 per cent).
Around one in ten have even named their child the same as their icon’s offspring.
While 19 per cent would be brave enough to getting a complete makeover to look exactly like their favourite footballer.
However, 77 per cent of fans said copying a footballer’s haircut is simply a waste of time and money – with David Seaman, Marouane Fellaini and Edgar Davids among the stars with the least favourable dos.
The 1970s was voted the worst decade for football haircuts, followed by the 1980s.
The spokesman for CopyBet.com, added: “It looks like some football fans will go to extreme lengths to copy the football greats – whether that’s their hairstyle, looks or even name.
“This just goes to show how popular the sport is and how far it has grown over the years. Who knows what styles would be popular over the next decade.”
Top 20 most memorable football haircuts
1. Kevin Keegan’s perm
2. Sir Bobby Charlton’s comb-over
3. Ruud Gullit’s dreads
4. David Seaman’s ponytail
5. David Beckham’s mohawk
6. Chris Waddle’s mullet
7. Marouane Fellaini’s afro
8. Edgar Davids’ dreads
9. David Beckham’s cornrows
10. Freddie Ljungberg’s red mohawk
11. Paul Pogba’s coloured fades
12. Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s hair bun
13. Paul Gascoigne’s bleached crop
14. Brazilian Ronaldo’s protractor-like haircut
15. Carlos Valderrama’s locks
16. Jack Grealish’s undercut with aliceband
17. David Beckham’s curtains
18. Gareth Bale’s mane
19. Ronaldinho’s long locks
20. Bacary Sagna’s blonde braids
Top 10 most copied footballer haircuts
1. David Beckham’s curtains
2. Cristiano Ronaldo’s sexy tramline undercut
3. Ronaldo’s protractor-like haircut
4. Jack Grealish’s undercut with aliceband
5. Kevin Keegan’s perm
6. Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s hair bun
7. Freddie Ljungberg’s red mohawk
8. Paul Gascoigne’s bleached crop
9. Sir Bobby Charlton’s comb-over
10. Olivier Giroud’s half-shaved hairstyle
Read our Transfer News Live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals