20 Most Iconic Long Hair Football (Soccer) Players 

20 Most Iconic Long Hair Football (Soccer) Players 

Originally published  by Ian S  in September 2022 and Updated by Ian S in May 2024

 Long hair has frequently been a prominent aspect of football. Football players have never been shy about rocking exceptional looks that project their individuality, from the iconic mohawk to man buns.

Many athletes have long hair, which they let flow freely. This is a common style among athletes in the modern era and has been a culture even for former players who are past their prime. There have been many different styles in the game, some of which have evolved into more complex ones. The athletes of the 1970s were renowned for sporting afros, while those of the 2010s are well-known for their man buns.

Due to its cultural significance, long hair is popular among football players, and these players consider their long hair to be an essential component of who they are. In addition to allowing players to express their individuality, long hair has given them a way to stand out on the field. Long hair can be styled in a variety of elegant forms that are unparalleled in beauty, and players have frequently been spotted praising their distinctive appearances.

In their careers, these athletes were able to win extraordinary honours that solidified their reputations in the annals of history. Let us take a look at the 20 most iconic long hair soccer players.

1. Ronaldinho 

Ronaldinho photo by Kirill Venediktov- Wikimedia commons

Brazilian retired professional footballer Ronaldinho Gaúcho, also known as Ronaldinho, primarily played as an offensive midfielder but could also play as a winger. He received two FIFA World Player of the Year awards and a Ballon d’Or, and he is recognized as one of the best players of all time. The maestro was well known for sporting long black hair throughout his playing days which added pomp to his style. 

2. Carles Puyol

Carles Puyol – FC Barcelona, Santos best 2011 photo by Christopher Johnson – Wikimedia commons

Spanish retired professional footballer Carles Puyol spent his entire playing career at Barcelona. He typically played as a right-back but could also play in either full-back position as a central defender. He is hailed as one of history’s finest defenders and is praised for his leadership and defensive prowess. Throughout his playing career, Puyol’s long, shaggy hair stood out, and although his coach, Van Gaal, proposed that he shave it, he chose not to do so and continued to sport it for his entire career.

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimović photo by Luis Antonio Rodríguez Ochoa – Wikimedia commons

Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish professional soccer player who appears as a striker for Serie A club AC Milan and the Sweden national team. Ibrahimović is well known for his dexterous attacks and volleys, strong long-range shots, and superb technique and ball control. With 34 titles in his career, he is one of the most decorated active footballers in the world and is considered one of the best attackers of all time.

For the majority of his career, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s hair has been long; however, he recently switched to a man bun. Because when he plays football he doesn’t want his hair to obstruct his view.

4. Roberto Baggio 

A 17-year-old Roberto Baggio at L.R. Vicenza in the 1984-85 season photo sourced from Wikimedia commons

Roberto Baggio is a retired professional football player from Italy who, despite having the ability to play in various offensive positions, primarily played as a second striker or attacking midfielder. Baggio is recognized as one of the best players of all time. He is a technically skilled creative playmaker and set-piece specialist who is famed for his curling free-kicks, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring. The Italian hero was given the moniker “Il Divin Codino,” or The Divine Pigtail, in part because of his generally awful hairdo and his devotion to Buddhism during his early years.

5. Luka Modric

Luka Modrić Real Madrid photo by LauraHale – Wikimedia commons

Croatia’s national team is captained by professional footballer Luka Modrić, a midfielder for La Liga team Real Madrid. He primarily serves as a centre midfielder, but he is also capable of playing as an attacking or defensive midfielder. He is primarily recognized as the best Croatian football player and one of the finest midfielders of all time. Luka Modric has long blonde hair that has become a mainstay in the Real Madrid midfield and was also a vital feature during his stay in Tottenham.

Related: Top 10 Amazing Facts about Football Star Luka Modric

6. Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos photo by Mayorov Vladimir – Wikimedia commons

Sergio Ramos is a centre-back for Ligue 1 team Paris Saint-Germain and a professional football player from Spain. He was a defender for Real Madrid for sixteen seasons, winning four UEFA Champions League titles, two UEFA European Championships, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup with the Spain national team. Renowned for his combative play, he is recognized as one of the greatest defenders of all time. While representing Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos gained notoriety for both his long hair and prowess as a defender. His most recent appearance would favour short hair, and his hairstyle has recently seen some severe modifications.

7. Andrea Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo at Juventus photo by Chensiyuan – Wikimedia commons

The embodiment of Glorious things Hairstyles for Men was Andrea Pirlo. The Italian was well-known for his vision, ball control, technique, inventiveness, passing, and free-kick skills. He is regarded as one of the best deep-lying playmakers of all time. Together with that attractive flare, his long hair was maintaining an exceptionally high level of aesthetic and performance.

8. Gareth Bale 

Gareth Bale photo by Steindy- Wikimedia commons

Gareth Bale, a former professional football player from Wales, primarily played as a winger for Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid. He is recognized as one of the finest Welsh footballers of all time as well as one of the best players of his generation. Gareth Bale’s long hairstyle, which has been a defining characteristic of his for a very long time, has grown more well-known than ever as the footballer continued to gain notoriety.

9. Virgil van Dijk 

Virgil van Dijk photo by Ailura – Wikimedia commons

Dutch professional footballer Virgil van Dijk represents the Netherlands national team and Premier League club Liverpool as a centre-back. Van Dijk, regarded as one of the top defenders in the world, is renowned for his power, determination, and skill in the air. Van Dijk is well-known for his distinguishing haircut in addition to his stellar exploits on the field. The defender has had thick, long, curly black hair for a long time; over time, it has been cut short and styled into the tidy bun we see him donning in the Premier League today.

10. Diego Forlan

Diego Forlán photo by Ailura – Wikimedia commons

The long-haired Uruguayan is regarded as one of the best forwards of his generation. At the club level, Forlán has won the Pichichi Award and the European Golden Shoe twice. He enjoyed significant individual success with the Uruguay national team at the 2010 World Cup, finishing as the equal top scorer with five goals, including the tournament goal, and winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. His long blonde hair was mostly tied back in a headband.

11. Erling Haaland

Haaland and Rodri warm-up photo by Egghead06 – Wikimedia commons

Erling Haaland is a professional football player from Norway who competes for both the Norway national team and Premier League club Manchester City as a striker. He is regarded as one of the top players in the world and is well-known for his strength, pace, and ability to finish in the box. Haaland boasts gorgeous hair as he is distinguished from the other players by his long hair.

Haaland’s long hair is a testament to her boldness and desire to stand out. He frequently alters his appearance, and his hair is always neatly coiffed and styled. He has a mohawk, man buns, and smooth back buns. He can confidently wear any outfit, and his long hair exudes refinement. 

Also Read: 20 Tallest Football (Soccer) Players Of All Time

12. Edinson Cavani

Edinson Cavani at PSG photo by Liondartois – Wikimedia commons

Edinson Cavani is a striker for Valencia in La Liga and the Uruguayan national team. In addition to being one of Uruguay’s all-time greatest players, Cavani is largely recognized as one of the best attackers of his generation. His deft off-the-ball movement, precise finishing, and head-turning prowess are well-known. But, Cavani is more than just a goal scorer. The Uruguayan is kind of like a footballing stereotype because of his long hair. The deadly striker stands out from the rest of his teammates’ thanks to the way he looks with his long hair.

13. Marcelo

Marcelo at Real Madrid photo by Tasnim News Agency – Wikimedia commons

Marcelo, a left-back for Fluminense is frequently recognized as one of the best left-backs of all time due to his offensive prowess, cunning, and technical skills. His favourite curly haircut to date, which he developed from very short curly hair, is his afro. His kinky curly hair was buzz cut a few years ago, but Marcelo decided to grow it out into an afro and has maintained the look for a while now!

14. Hector Bellerin

Héctor Bellern is a Spanish professional footballer who competes for Sporting CP in the Primeira Liga and the Spain national team as a right-back or wing-back. The length of Hector Bellerin’s hair is a matter of personal taste and has no bearing on how well he plays football. But, he likely feels more assured or at ease with his long hair, which might have a favourable psychological impact on his performance.

15. David Luiz

David Luiz before the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Final photo by Tânia Rêgo/ABr- Wikimedia commons

Brazilian footballer David Luiz competes professionally for Flamengo. Although a defensive midfielder, he may also play as a centre-back. Known for his commanding presence on the field and propensity for taking free kicks, Luiz was hailed in his time as one of the best defenders in the world. His long, wavy hair has become one of his most recognizable attributes ever since he started playing. Given how distinctive and eye-catching he looks in comparison to many other football players, some could label him as exuberant.

16. Marc Cucurella

Soccer.ru, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Marc is a soccer sensation whose iconic long locks flow as freely as his dazzling play on the pitch. This Spanish star spent his early days honing his craft at Barcelona before making his mark in La Liga with over 100 appearances for Eibar and Getafe.

But Marc’s journey truly took flight when he joined Brighton in 2021, his attacking flair and tenacious defending catching the eye of Chelsea, who secured his services just a year later.

Representing the full Spanish national team from the youth ranks up, Marc has etched his name in history, winning Olympic silver in 2020 before making his senior debut in 2021. With his majestic mane and maverick talents, this long-haired icon is captivating fans worldwide and inspiring the next generation of free-flowing footballers.

17. Andy Carroll

Saw, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Carroll is a powerful presence on the pitch, his majestic long hair flowing with every forceful stride. This English striker has left his mark across the Premier League and beyond, from Newcastle to Liverpool to West Ham.

Though injuries disrupted his journey, Carroll’s natural goalscoring instincts and aerial prowess made him a feared opponent. But it’s his iconic mane that truly sets him apart – a free-flowing symbol inspiring awe and envy. 

Now plying his trade in France with Amiens, Carroll continues to captivate fans worldwide with his thunderous play and unmistakable look. Among soccer’s most famous long-haired icons, this lionhearted forward’s impact extends far beyond the pitch through his commanding style and passion for the game.

18. Darwin Núñez

Steffen Prößdorf, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Núñez is a free-flowing force of nature, his luscious hair whipping majestically with every powerful stride although it is tied most of the time. This Uruguayan goalscoring sensation first turned heads coming through Peñarol’s famed academy before making his mark in Spain with Almería.

But it was at Benfica where Núñez truly soared, his 26 goals in 2021-22 earning him Portuguese Player of the Year honours and a blockbuster move to Liverpool. With every perfectly placed finish, Núñez leaves defenders spellbound – both by his clinical touch and his iconic, flowing mane. 

Whether representing his country at the World Cup or spearheading Liverpool’s attack, this long-haired icon dazzles, captivating fans worldwide with his breathtaking skill and unmistakable style. 

Among football’s most majestic mop-tops, Núñez’s impact transcends sport through his passion and flair.

19. Pavel Nedved

Ludovic Péron, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nedvěd is a legendary figure in football, with an iconic long-haired look that sets him apart from the crowd. This Czech maestro, whose full name is Pavel Nedvěd, was a midfield maestro of the highest calibre.

His blistering pace, relentless energy, and technical prowess earned him the nicknames “Czech Fury” and “The Czech Cannon.” Nedvěd led his national team to the Euro 1996 final and the 2006 World Cup, while also captaining them at Euro 2004. 

At the club level, he won domestic and European honours with Lazio and Juventus, including the Champions League final in 2003. Nedvěd’s brilliance culminated in the 2003 Ballon d’Or, making him only the second Czech player to receive this prestigious award.

With his sweet left foot and fierce determination, Nedvěd etched his name among the greatest midfielders of his generation.

20. David Seaman

Andrew is an English football icon whose long, flowing locks made him one of the most recognizable goalkeepers in the game. Andrew Seaman donned the gloves for Arsenal during their glory years, winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the 1994 Cup Winners’ Cup. 

His agility and shot-stopping prowess earned him 75 caps for England, making him the country’s second-most capped goalkeeper ever. While memorable blunders against Zaragoza and Brazil tarnished his record, Seaman’s breathtaking save from Peschisolido in the 2003 FA Cup semi-final cemented his legacy.

With his iconic mane flowing behind him, this left-handed legend stood tall between the sticks, inspiring a generation of young keepers with his unwavering commitment to the beautiful game.

Related: The Top 100 Best Football (Soccer) Players Right Now