Soccer Player Haircuts: 25 Famous Footballer Styles to Try

Most people do not ask their barber for “a soccer player haircut.”

They ask for a player: Ronaldo’s slick back, Bellingham’s curls, Mbappé’s buzz cut, Neymar’s fade, Grealish’s long top, or Haaland’s tied-back hair.

That is a good starting point, but the cut still has to fit your hairline, curl pattern, face shape, beard, and daily routine.

Below are 25 famous footballer haircuts worth using as references. For each one, you will see what the cut looks like, what hair type it suits, and what to ask your barber for.

You can also try a few versions with RightHair AI before going to the barber. For more ideas, see our soccer hairstyles guide or our shorter soccer haircut ideas.

Start with the Player Who Matches Your Hair

• Want something easy? Start with Mbappé, Salah, or Declan Rice.
• Have curly hair? Look at Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, or Neymar.
• Want longer hair? Try Haaland, Van Dijk, Modrić, or Grealish.
• Want something bold? Look at Foden, Pogba, or Bellerín.
• Want a safe everyday cut? Try Mason Mount, Chiesa, or Giroud.

25 Famous Soccer Player Haircuts

1. Cristiano Ronaldo Slick Back Fade

Cristiano Ronaldo’s slick back fade is one of the most recognizable soccer player haircuts. It looks clean, controlled, and sharp without being too complicated.

The sides are usually faded or tapered, while the top is long enough to brush back. It works well because it has structure from the front, side, and back.

Hair type: straight or slightly wavy hair
Ask for: a low or mid fade with enough length on top to brush back naturally
Before cutting: compare it with a softer side part if you are unsure about exposing your forehead

For a similar high-contrast shape, see our undercut haircut guide.

2. Jude Bellingham Curly Taper Fade

Jude Bellingham’s curly taper fade is one of the best modern footballer haircuts for textured hair. It keeps the curls visible on top while cleaning up the temples, sides, and neckline.

This style works because it does not fight the curl pattern. The taper gives the haircut shape, but the top still looks natural.

Hair type: curly, coily, or thick textured hair
Ask for: natural curls on top with a clean taper around the temples and neckline

You can compare softer fade options in our low taper fade guide.

3. Kylian Mbappé Buzz Cut Fade

Kylian Mbappé’s buzz cut fade is simple, athletic, and easy to maintain. It is one of the most practical soccer player haircuts because it needs almost no styling.

The top is cut short, while the sides are faded cleanly. The result feels sharp without needing length, product, or daily effort.

Hair type: straight, curly, coily, thick, or dense hair
Ask for: a number 2 or 3 on top with a low or mid fade
Before cutting: compare this with a crew cut before going very short

For more short styles, visit our buzz cut guide.

4. Neymar Curly Fade with Design

Neymar is known for changing his hair often, which makes him a strong reference for bold soccer player hairstyles. A wearable version of his look is a curly fade with a subtle design.

The curls stay on top, the sides are faded, and a shaved line or small detail adds personality. You can keep it simple or make it more expressive with color.

Hair type: curly or wavy hair
Ask for: a curly top with faded sides and one simple shaved line or design

5. Jack Grealish Slick Back Undercut

Jack Grealish’s slick back undercut is one of the most distinctive footballer hairstyles. It has a longer top, shorter sides, and a swept-back shape that feels styled but still relaxed.

This haircut works best when the hair has enough thickness to move backward. It can look polished with product or softer when worn more naturally.

Hair type: thick straight or wavy hair
Ask for: a longer swept-back top with short sides, keeping enough weight for movement
Before cutting: compare this with curtains and medium flow before committing to the length

6. Erling Haaland Long Flow or Ponytail

Erling Haaland’s long flow shows that soccer player haircuts do not always have to be short. Longer hair can work well on the pitch when it is shaped properly and tied back when needed.

This style takes patience because you have to grow the hair first. Once it is long enough, it can be worn loose off the field and tied into a ponytail or bun during play.

Hair type: medium to thick hair, especially wavy hair
Ask for: long layers that move back from the face, with enough length to tie comfortably
Before cutting: preview the long-hair result before growing through the awkward stage

7. Mohamed Salah Short Cut with Beard

Mohamed Salah’s short haircut works well because it pairs naturally with facial hair. The hair stays short and controlled, while the beard adds shape and balance.

This is a good soccer player haircut if you want something simple but not plain. It is also practical for active routines because it does not need much styling.

Hair type: curly, coily, or thick hair
Ask for: a short even cut with clean edges and a natural connection into the beard

8. Virgil van Dijk Man Bun

Virgil van Dijk’s man bun is a practical long hairstyle for football players. It keeps hair controlled during movement while allowing the length to stay.

This style works best if the hair is already long or you are committed to growing it. A low or mid bun usually feels more comfortable than a tight high bun.

Hair type: long hair, thick hair, waves, curls, or coily texture
Ask for: long layers with enough length to tie back, keeping the sides natural or lightly tapered
Before cutting: compare a man bun with loose long hair and a ponytail

9. Phil Foden Platinum Crop

Phil Foden’s platinum crop is a bold soccer player haircut because the color changes the whole look. The cut itself can be simple, but the bleached finish makes it stand out.

A platinum crop can be worn as a short crop, buzz cut, or fade. The important part is professional lightening and proper aftercare.

Hair type: short hair with a clean crop or fade
Ask for: a short crop or fade with professional bleaching and toning
Before cutting: test platinum hair on your own face before bleaching, especially if your natural hair is dark

10. Son Heung-min Curtains

Son Heung-min’s parted, medium-length style is a good reference for curtains. It is softer than a fade and more natural than a slick back.

Curtains work well if you want movement around the face without going too long. The part can be centered or slightly off-center depending on what suits your face.

Hair type: straight or wavy hair
Ask for: medium-length curtains with light layers and natural movement around the face
Before cutting: test a middle part and an off-center part to see which balances your face better

11. Luka Modrić Medium Flow

Luka Modrić’s medium flow is a good choice for people who want length without going fully long. It has movement, softness, and a natural footballer look.

This hairstyle works especially well for wavy or straight hair. It can be tucked behind the ears, swept back, or worn loose.

Hair type: straight, wavy, or medium-density hair
Ask for: medium layers with natural flow away from the face

12. David Beckham Faux Hawk

David Beckham has worn many famous soccer player haircuts, but the faux hawk is one of the most iconic. It gives the feeling of a mohawk without being too extreme.

The center has height and texture, while the sides are shorter. A modern faux hawk should look soft and textured instead of stiff.

Hair type: thick straight or wavy hair
Ask for: a short faux hawk with faded or tapered sides and textured length through the center

13. Lionel Messi Spiky Crew Cut

Lionel Messi has worn different hairstyles over the years, but a short spiky crew cut is one of his most wearable looks. It is short enough for the pitch but still has movement on top.

The sides are tapered or faded, while the top is left slightly longer than a buzz cut. The spikes should look soft and textured, not hard or overly gelled.

Hair type: straight or slightly wavy hair
Ask for: a short crew cut with a little extra texture on top and clean tapered sides

14. Paul Pogba Design Fade

Paul Pogba’s hair has often been creative, with designs, color, and strong fades. A design fade is a good way to borrow that energy without copying every detail.

For everyday wear, a simple line or small shaved detail is usually enough. It gives the haircut personality while keeping it clean.

Hair type: short, thick, curly, coily, or dense hair
Ask for: a clean fade with one simple shaved design or line detail
Before cutting: compare a subtle design with a stronger design before cutting it in

15. Antoine Griezmann Long Textured Hair

Antoine Griezmann has worn longer footballer hairstyles with texture, movement, and sometimes color. A wearable version keeps the hair medium to long with soft layers.

This style feels relaxed and expressive. It works well if you like hair that moves naturally and do not mind using a headband or tie during sport.

Hair type: wavy or straight hair with natural body
Ask for: longer layers with texture and face-framing movement

16. Mason Mount French Crop

A French crop is a clean and modern football player haircut. Mason Mount is a useful reference for a short, textured style that feels neat without being too formal.

The fringe is usually short and forward, while the sides are faded or tapered. It works well because it keeps hair away from the face and needs little styling.

Hair type: straight, thick, or medium-density hair
Ask for: a textured French crop with a short fringe and low or mid fade

You can see more crop ideas in our French crop haircut guide.

17. Trent Alexander-Arnold Braided Fade

A braided fade is practical because it keeps longer hair secure while keeping the sides clean. Trent Alexander-Arnold is a good reference for braided footballer hairstyles with an athletic finish.

The braids add structure, and the fade gives the cut a sharp outline. It can also be a protective option for textured hair.

Hair type: longer textured hair
Ask for: comfortable braids with clean parting and faded or tapered sides

18. Sergio Ramos Slick Back Undercut

Sergio Ramos has worn polished longer styles, including slick backs and undercut variations. This look is more mature and controlled than a messy flow.

The sides stay short, while the top is brushed back with enough length to hold shape. It can look formal off the field and athletic when pushed back.

Hair type: straight or wavy hair with medium thickness
Ask for: short sides with a longer brushed-back top and natural texture

19. Héctor Bellerín Modern Mullet

Héctor Bellerín has helped make longer, fashion-forward footballer hairstyles feel wearable. A modern mullet has more length at the back, but it is cleaner and more shaped than older versions.

The top should have texture, the sides should be controlled, and the back should look intentional.

Hair type: wavy, thick, or medium-density hair
Ask for: a textured mullet with controlled back length and tapered or faded sides
Before cutting: check the side profile before cutting the back longer

20. Darwin Núñez Tied Back Long Hair

Darwin Núñez is a useful reference for long hair that can be tied back during play. The style is less polished than a slick back and more natural than a tight bun.

This works if you want to keep length but need control for sport. It can be worn as a low bun, ponytail, or loose flow depending on the day.

Hair type: long straight or wavy hair
Ask for: long layers that can be tied back without falling heavily into the face
Before cutting: compare long flow, ponytail, and bun before choosing your growth goal

21. Olivier Giroud Classic Side Part

Olivier Giroud’s classic side part is polished, masculine, and easy to adapt. It is less trendy than a design fade, but it works in almost every setting.

The sides are tapered or faded, while the top is combed into a clean part. A soft part looks natural. A hard part looks sharper.

Hair type: straight or slightly wavy hair
Ask for: a side part with a low taper or fade and enough length to comb naturally

22. Paulo Dybala Textured Fringe

Paulo Dybala’s textured fringe is a good reference if you want a forward style with more shape than a basic crop. The fringe softens the forehead, while the sides keep the look clean.

This soccer player haircut works well for straight or slightly wavy hair. It can be styled messy or controlled depending on the occasion.

Hair type: straight or slightly wavy hair
Ask for: a textured fringe with tapered or faded sides
Before cutting: test the fringe length before cutting, especially if you have a round or long face

23. Federico Chiesa Short Textured Cut

Federico Chiesa’s short textured cut is a clean, athletic option that does not feel too plain. It has short sides, a natural top, and enough texture to avoid looking flat.

This is a good everyday soccer player haircut because it is easy to wear and easy to explain to a barber.

Hair type: straight or medium-density hair
Ask for: short textured hair on top with clean tapered sides

24. Vinícius Júnior Short Curls with Fade

Vinícius Júnior’s short curls with fade are a strong reference for a clean, athletic curly haircut. The curls stay short and shaped, while the sides are faded for contrast.

This style is practical for training because the hair stays controlled but still shows texture.

Hair type: curly or coily hair
Ask for: short curls on top with a clean fade and natural shape

25. Declan Rice Classic Taper Cut

Declan Rice’s classic taper cut is simple, clean, and easy to wear. It is not the loudest footballer hairstyle, but that is the point.

The sides are tapered, the top stays natural, and the whole haircut feels tidy without looking too styled. This is a good choice if you want something football-inspired but still subtle.

Hair type: straight or slightly wavy hair
Ask for: a classic taper with natural length on top and clean edges

How to Choose a Player Haircut That Fits You

Use the player as a starting point, not a rule.

Borrow the part you like, then adjust the fade height, top length, texture, color, and finish to fit your own hair. A good soccer player haircut should match your hair type, face shape, and real maintenance level.

If a haircut looks good on a famous player but would take too much styling every morning, choose a softer version.

Best Soccer Player Haircuts by Hair Type

Straight Hair

Straight hair works well with clean shapes and controlled texture.

Good choices:

• Cristiano Ronaldo Slick Back Fade
• Kylian Mbappé Buzz Cut Fade
• Mason Mount French Crop
• Olivier Giroud Classic Side Part
• Son Heung-min Curtains

Wavy Hair

Wavy hair is good for movement. It suits longer and softer footballer hairstyles.

Good choices:

• Jack Grealish Slick Back Undercut
• Luka Modrić Medium Flow
• Erling Haaland Long Flow or Ponytail
• Antoine Griezmann Long Textured Hair
• Héctor Bellerín Modern Mullet

Curly Hair

Curly hair looks best when the shape is controlled but the texture remains visible.

Good choices:

• Jude Bellingham Curly Taper Fade
• Neymar Curly Fade with Design
• Vinícius Júnior Short Curls with Fade
• Mohamed Salah Short Cut with Beard
• Short Curly Crop

Coily or Afro-Textured Hair

Coily and afro-textured hair can look strong with natural volume, clean edges, braids, or protective styles.

Good choices:

• Jude Bellingham Curly Taper Fade
• Vinícius Júnior Short Curls with Fade
• Trent Alexander-Arnold Braided Fade
• Afro Taper
• Buzz Cut with Beard

Thick Hair

Thick hair can hold stronger shapes.

Good choices:

• David Beckham Faux Hawk
• Jack Grealish Slick Back Undercut
• Mason Mount French Crop
• Héctor Bellerín Modern Mullet
• Sergio Ramos Slick Back Undercut

Fine or Thinning Hair

Fine hair usually looks better with shorter, cleaner shapes.

Good choices:

• Kylian Mbappé Buzz Cut Fade
• Lionel Messi Spiky Crew Cut
• Federico Chiesa Short Textured Cut
• Declan Rice Classic Taper Cut
• Short French Crop

Best Footballer Haircuts by Face Shape

Round Face

Try haircuts with clean sides and some height or texture on top.

Good choices:

• Cristiano Ronaldo Slick Back Fade
• David Beckham Faux Hawk
• High Fade with Textured Top
• Lionel Messi Spiky Crew Cut
• Federico Chiesa Short Textured Cut

Square Face

Square faces work well with many soccer player haircuts because the jawline already gives structure.

Good choices:

• Kylian Mbappé Buzz Cut Fade
• Cristiano Ronaldo Slick Back Fade
• Olivier Giroud Classic Side Part
• Mason Mount French Crop
• Declan Rice Classic Taper Cut

Oval Face

Oval faces are flexible and can handle most footballer hairstyles.

Good choices:

• Son Heung-min Curtains
• Luka Modrić Medium Flow
• Jack Grealish Slick Back Undercut
• Jude Bellingham Curly Taper Fade
• Héctor Bellerín Modern Mullet

Long Face

Avoid adding too much height if you do not want the face to look longer.

Good choices:

• Mason Mount French Crop
• Paulo Dybala Textured Fringe
• Son Heung-min Curtains
• Luka Modrić Medium Flow
• Declan Rice Classic Taper Cut

Heart-Shaped Face

Soft movement around the forehead and sides can feel balanced.

Good choices:

• Son Heung-min Curtains
• Paulo Dybala Textured Fringe
• Luka Modrić Medium Flow
• Antoine Griezmann Long Textured Hair
• Jude Bellingham Curly Taper Fade

Easiest to Hardest Player Haircuts to Maintain

Skin fades and design fades need the most frequent touch-ups. Tapers, crops, crew cuts, and medium flow styles usually grow out more naturally.

What to Tell Your Barber

Bring one front photo and one side photo of the player haircut you like. Then be ready to explain the details, not just the player’s name.

Check these before the cut:

• Fade height: low, mid, high, burst, drop, or no fade
• Top length: buzzed, cropped, medium, long, or tied back
• Front shape: fringe, brushed back, spiky, curtains, curls, or natural flow
• Finish: matte, natural, shiny, sharp lineup, or soft edges
• Maintenance: how often you are willing to come back for touch-ups

A player name gives your barber the direction. These details help them make the haircut fit your hair.

Try the Safer Version First

A famous player’s haircut often has one detail that makes it harder to wear: a higher fade, longer top, sharper part, shaved design, or stronger color.

Before cutting, try a safer version first. That could mean:

• a lower fade instead of a high fade
• a textured crop instead of a full buzz cut
• a soft side part instead of a slick back
• a natural curl shape instead of a shaved design
• a tied-back medium length instead of very long flow
• natural color before trying platinum or highlights

You can use RightHair AI to compare the player-inspired version with a softer everyday version. Bring the one that looks best on your own face to your barber.

Details to Adjust

A high fade can look too sharp. A platinum crop can change how your skin tone and eyebrows look. A fringe can make the face look shorter. A slick back can expose the hairline. Long flow hair needs enough density, and shaved designs grow out quickly.

Use the player haircut as the reference, then soften the parts that do not fit your face or routine.

Game-Day Styling Tips

• For fades and crops, use a small amount of matte clay or paste.
• For slick backs, keep the product light so the hair can still move.
• For curls, use curl cream or leave-in conditioner and avoid dry brushing.
• For braids and cornrows, make sure the style is comfortable, not too tight.
• For long hair, keep a headband or hair tie ready.
• For buzz cuts, focus on clean edges and scalp care.
• Before a match, avoid heavy product because sweat can make it sticky.

Related Guides

For more soccer-inspired looks, start here:

• Soccer hairstyles guide
• Soccer haircut ideas

FAQ

What haircut do most soccer players get?

Many soccer players get some kind of fade, taper, crop, or short textured cut. These haircuts keep the sides clean, stay practical during training, and still look sharp off the field.

What is the easiest soccer player haircut to maintain?

The easiest option is a buzz cut fade like Kylian Mbappé’s. It needs almost no styling, dries quickly, and works well for sport.

What soccer player haircut is best for curly hair?

Jude Bellingham’s curly taper fade and Vinícius Júnior’s short curls with fade are strong references. They keep texture visible while cleaning up the sides.

What footballer haircut works best for long hair?

Erling Haaland’s long flow or ponytail, Virgil van Dijk’s man bun, and Luka Modrić’s medium flow are good references. Choose based on whether you want loose movement or tied-back control.

Should I copy a famous footballer’s haircut exactly?

Usually, no. Copy the idea, then adjust it. For example, use Ronaldo’s brushed-back shape, Bellingham’s curl outline, or Mbappé’s short length, but change the fade height or top length to fit your own face.

How do I ask my barber for a soccer player haircut?

Bring one or two player photos and describe the haircut details: fade height, top length, front shape, texture, finish, and maintenance level. If you used AI try-on, bring that preview too so your barber can see how the style looks on your own face.