Zlatan Ibrahimović

Top 10 Highest Paid Soccer Players 2015

November 27, 2014 by Khabir Uddin Mughal

Highest Paid Soccer Players 2015

Soccer is one of those sports that, apart from its spirit and thrill, also features among the top paying games in the current time. It is viewed by almost 250 million people around world. The soccer players are in the spotlight, and have their own fan following, too. They not only enjoy popularity, but also a huge pay, and not just from the national teams or clubs they represent. They have big earnings from being the faces of megabrands. Brands like Nike, Adidas, Pepsi, etc. used the recent FIFA World Cup of 2014 as a platform to choose the best players and roped them in into contracts, paying huge compensations. So, let us look at the Top 10 Highest Paid Soccer Players 2015.

Top 10 Highest Paid Soccer Players 2015

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $73 million

Legendary soccer player of recent days Cristiano Ronaldo aka CR7 plays for the Portuguese national soccer team and also for the Real Madrid in the Spanish Liga BBVA. Ronaldo earns $49 million as the yearly salary from the club and $24 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $73 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. CR7 appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors that include companies such as Nike, Samsung, Fly Emirates, Herbalife and Tag Heuer. He earned a total net worth of $206 million for his 5 years contract with Spanish club Real Madrid. Last year Cristiano launched his own brand of underwear with the CR7 name which also increased his yearly income. Besides being the highest paid soccer player, he is also counted among the highest paid athlete in the world.

Bonus: Cristiano Ronaldo Net Worth 2015

2. Lionel Messi – $65 million

Legendary soccer player of modern days Lionel Andrés Messi aka Leo Messi plays for the Argentina national soccer team and also for the Barcelona in the Spanish Liga BBVA. Messi earns $42 million as the yearly salary from the club and $23 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $65 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Messi appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors that include companies such as Adidas, Pepsi, Samsung, Herbalife and Turkish Airlines. Messi achieved a record consecutive four times the FIFA Ballon d’Or. Adidas before the recent FIFA World Cup launched his own signature shoe last year. Spanish tax authority ordered him pay $6.5 million last year.

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – $34 million

Amazing soccer player of modern days Zlatan Ibrahimovic aka the best bicycle kicker plays for the Swedish national soccer team and also for the Paris Saint-Germain in the French Ligue 1. Ibrahimovic earns $30 million as the yearly salary from the club and $4 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $34 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Ibrahimovic appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors that include companies such as Volvo and Nike. He became the top scorer of French league with 30 goals which is a record in last 20 years. Irrespective of his efforts on the ground, the Swedish national team was not able to qualify for recent 2014 FIFA World Cup.

4. Neymar Jr – $28 million

Amazing soccer player of modern days Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior aka Neymar Jr. plays for the Brazilian national soccer team and also for the Barcelona in the Spanish Liga BBVA. Neymar Jr. earns $12 million as the yearly salary from the club and $16 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $28 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Neymar Jr. appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors that include companies such Nike, Panasonic, Castrol, Volkswagen and L’Oreal. He signed a contract with the Spanish club Barcelona for $124 million in 2013. He was also given a total of $13 million signing bonus in his transfer from the Brazilian club Santos.

Bonus: Neymar’s Net Worth 2015

5. Radamel Falcao – $26 million

Amazing soccer star of modern days Radamel Falcao García Zárate aka Falcao García plays for the Colombian national soccer team and also for the Manchester United on loan from AS Monaco in the English Premier League. Falcao García earns $23 million as the yearly salary from the club and $3 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $26 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Falcao García appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors that include companies such Gillette, Puma and Samsung. After he scored 34 goals in 41 caps during his days with Atletico Madrid, he was also nicknamed El Tigre. French team AS Monaco signed him in a 5 years contract.

6. Gareth Bale – $15 million

One of the most prolific soccer stars of modern days Gareth Frank Bale or just Gareth Bale plays for the Wales’s national soccer team and also for the Real Madrid in the Spanish Liga BBVA. Gareth Bale earns $15 million as the yearly salary from the club and $9 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $24 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Gareth Bale appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors that include companies such Adidas, Lucozade and EA Sports. He earns up to $456,000 in weekly wages for his recent contract with Spanish club Real Madrid in 2013. He was transferred to Real Madrid from English Premier League Tottenham Hotspur with a transfer fee worth of $118 million.

7. Wayne Rooney – $22 million

One of the most amazing soccer stars of modern days Wayne Mark Rooney or just Wayne Rooney plays for the English national soccer team and also for the Manchester United in the English Premier League. Wayne Rooney earns $18 million as the yearly salary from the club and $4 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $22 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Wayne Rooney appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors that include companies such as Samsung, Harper Collins and Nike. After playing for the Manchester United for last 10 years, he was recently resigned for the team in 2013 for a contract fee of $104 million. His marketability also made him the fan favorite in terms of jersey sales.

8. Sergio Aguero – $21 million

One of the most amazing soccer stars of modern days Sergio Leonel Agüero Del Castillo or just Sergio Aguero plays for the Argentine national soccer team and also for the Manchester City in the English Premier League. Sergio Aguero earns $17 million as the yearly salary from the club and $4 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $21 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Sergio Aguero appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors that include companies such as Pepsi, Puma and Gillette. He signed an extension till the 2017 football season with the club. Puma signed an endorsement deal in 2011 with him which made him their highest paid soccer player.

9. Yaya Toure – $21 million

One of the most prolific soccer stars of modern days Gnégnéri Yaya Touré or just Yaya Touré plays for the Ivory Coast national soccer team and also for the Manchester City in the English Premier League. Yaya Touré earns $18 million as the yearly salary from the club and $3 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $21 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Yaya Touré appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major Puma. As a charitable component of his long-term deal with Puma, shoes and clothing to underprivileged in West Africa will be donated as a charitable component. He earns a total of $334,000 weekly salary after the recent contract extension with the Manchester City.

10. Fernando Torres – $20 million

One of the most prolific soccer stars of modern days Fernando José Torres Sanz or just Fernando Torres plays for the Spanish national soccer team and also for the A.C. Milan in the Italian Serie A on loan from the English club Chelsea F.C. Fernando Torres earns $17 million as the yearly salary from the club and $3 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $20 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Fernando Torres appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors which include Adidas, Pepsi. He switched his boot sponsors to Adidas from Nike and became a brand face of the company in 2013. He was also the front face of the Adidas campaign for the recent FIFA 2014 World Cup.

Several other players are also in the list of the highest paid soccer players. For instance, the legendary Dutchman Robin Van Persie currently bags a whopping $16 million from Manchester United and another $3 million from his endorsements. On the other hand, third runner-up for the 2013 Ballon d’Or Franck Ribery draws a handsome salary of whopping $7 million from Bayern Munich, and another $1 million from endorsements.

Top 10 Most Handsome Soccer Players 2015

November 27, 2014 by Khabir Uddin Mughal

Most Handsome Soccer Players 2015

Soccer is a sport that is capable of bringing huge fame and also money to the players. Soccer players enjoy the same adulation and glamour as the Hollywood celebrities do. In fact, soccer players are often even more popular than celebrities associated with other sports, because their viewership is spread all over the world. They are featured on the magazine covers and are often roped in by them for modeling assignments. Their fan base is spread across the world and these people follow their every move. A video footage of a soccer player on Youtube can obtain millions of hits within moments of being uploaded, and there are social media like Facebook or Twitter through which they are followed by the fans. The Paparazzi keeps a close eye on the players, observing even the slightest change in their hairstyle. Soccer players manage to stir up a lot of sensation, often without meaning to. If a player has good looks with great talent, he seems to find a permanent place in the heart of the fans and followers. Media often talks about their style and makeovers, and they have already gotten busy, focusing on the same when the soccer players displayed new styles in the latest season. Let us take a look at the Top 10 Most Handsome Soccer Players 2015.

Top 10 Most Handsome Soccer Players 2015

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro or simply Cristiano Ronaldo presently plays for the Portuguese National Football Team and also Real Madrid in the Spanish Liga BBVA. The 29-year old footballer was born in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal on 5 February 1985. He usually plays as a forward for his teams and has a listed height of 1.85 meters. From 2003 to 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo made 84 goals in 196 appearances for Manchester United. From 2009 till now, he also scored 195 goals out of 175 appearances he made for Real Madrid. He scored 52 goals out of 117 appearances that he made from 2003 till date for his national team Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo became FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008 and achieved FIFA Ballon d’Or in 2008 and 2013, and FIFA Puskás Award in 2009.

2. Ricardo Kaka

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite or simply Ricardo Kaka presently plays for the Brazilian National Football Team and also for Orlando City in the Major League Soccer. The 32-year old footballer was born in Gama, Federal District, Brazil on 22 April 1982. He usually plays as an attacking midfielder for his teams and has a listed height of 1.86 meter. From 2003 to 2009, Ricardo Kaka made 70 goals in 193 appearances for AC Milan. From 2009 till 2013, he also scored 23 goals out of 85 appearances he made for Real Madrid. He scored 29 goals out of 89 appearances that he made from 2002 till date for his national team Brazil. Ricardo Kaka became World Soccer Player of the Year in 2007 and achieved FIFA Ballon d’Or in 2007, and Onze d’Or in 2007.

3. Robin Van Persie

Robin Van Persie or simply just Van Persie presently plays for the Netherlands National Football Team and also Manchester United in the English Premier League. The 31-year old footballer was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands on 6 August 1983. He usually plays as a striker for his teams and has a listed height of 1.83 meters. From 2004 to 2012, Robin Van Persie made 96 goals in 194 appearances for Arsenal. From 2012 till now, he also scored 41 goals out of 68 appearances he made for Manchester United. He scored 49 goals out of 96 appearances that he made from 2005 till date for his national team Netherlands. Robin Van Persie became FWA Footballer of the Year in 2012 and achieved Rotterdam Sportsman of the Year in 2006, and Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year in 2013.

4. Gerard Pique

Gerard Piqué i Bernabeu or simply Gerard Pique presently plays for the Spain National Football Team and also for Barcelona in the Spanish Liga BBVA. The 27-year old footballer was born in Barcelona, Spain on 2 February 1987. He usually plays as a centre-back for his teams and has a listed height of 1.92 meters. From 2006 to 2007, Gerard Pique made 2 goals in 22 appearances for Real Zaragoza. From 2008 till now, he also scored 12 goals out of 170 appearances he made for Barcelona. He scored 4 goals out of 63 appearances that he made from 2009 till date for his national team Spain. Gerard Pique became La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2009 and achieved La Liga Best Defender in 2010, and Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit in 2011.

5. Xabi Alonso

Xabier Alonso Olano or simply just Xabi Alonso presently plays for the Spain National Football Team and also for Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga. The 32-year old footballer was born in Tolosa, Spain on 25 November 1981. He usually plays as a midfielder for his teams and has a listed height of 1.83 meter. From 2009 to 2014, Xabi Alonso made 4 goals in 158 appearances for Real Madrid. From 2014 till now, he also scored 1 goal out of 10 appearances he made for Bayern Munich. He scored 16 goals out of 114 appearances that he made from 2003 till date for his national team Spain. Xabi Alonso became La Liga Best Midfielder in 2012 and achieved Premier League Goal of the Month in November 2004, and Spanish Player of the Year in 2003.

6. Cesc Fabregas

Francesc Fàbregas Soler or simply just Cesc Fabregas presently plays for the Spain National Football Team and also for Chelsea in the English Premier League. The 27-year old footballer was born in Arenys de Mar, Spain on 4 May 1987. He usually plays as a midfielder for his teams and currently has a listed height of 1.75 meter. From 2011 to 2014, Cesc Fabregas made 28 goals in 96 appearances for Barcelona. From 2014 till now, he also scored 1 goal out of 9 appearances he made for Chelsea. He scored 13 goals out of 94 appearances that he made from 2006 till date for his national team Spain. Cesc Fabregas became PFA Young Player of the Year in 2008 and achieved Golden Boy in 2006, and Bravo Award in 2006.

7. David Villa

David Villa Sánchez or simply David Villa presently plays for the Spain National Football Team and also for New York City in the Major League Soccer. The 32-year old footballer was born in Langreo, Spain on 3 December 1981. He usually plays as a striker for his teams and has a listed height of 1.75 meters. From 2010 to 2013, David Villa made 33 goals in 77 appearances for Barcelona. From 2013 till 2014, he also scored 13 goals out of 36 appearances he made for Atlético Madrid. He scored 59 goals out of 97 appearances that he made from 2005 till date for his national team Spain. David Villa became USSA Male Athlete of the Year in 2010 and achieved UEFA Euro 2008 Golden Boot, and 2010 FIFA World Cup Silver Shoe.

8. Lukas Podolski

Lukas Josef Podolski or simply just Lukas Podolski presently plays for the Germany National Football Team and also Arsenal in the English Premier League. The 29-year old footballer was born in Gliwice, Poland on 4 June 1985. He usually plays as a forward for his teams and currently having a listed height of 1.82 meters. From 2009 to 2012, Lukas Podolski made 33 goals in 88 appearances for 1. FC Köln. From 2012 till now, he also scored 19 goals out of 57 appearances he made for Arsenal. He scored 47 goals out of 121 appearances that he made from 2004 till date for his national team Germany. Lukas Podolski became FIFA World Cup Best Young Player in 2006 and achieved UEFA Euro 2008 Silver Boot, and Second Bundesliga top goalscorer in 2005.

9. Olivier Giroud

Olivier Giroud presently plays for the France National Football Team and also for Arsenal in the English Premier League. The 28-year old footballer was born in Chambéry, France on 30 September 1986. He usually plays as a striker for his teams and has a listed height of 1.92 meter. From 2010 to 2012, Olivier Giroud made 33 goals in 73 appearances for Montpellier. From 2012 till now, he also scored 28 goals out of 72 appearances he made for Arsenal. He scored 9 goals out of 35 appearances that he made from 2011 till date for his national team France. Olivier Giroud became UNFP Ligue 2 Player of the Year in 2010 and achieved Ligue 2 Top Goalscorer in 2010, and Ligue 1 Top Goalscorer in 2012.

10. James Rodriguez

James David Rodríguez Rubio or simply James Rodriguez presently plays for the Colombian National Football Team and also the Real Madrid in the Spanish Liga BBVA. The 23-year old footballer was born in Cúcuta, Colombia on 12 July 1991. He usually plays as an attacking midfielder for his teams and has a listed height of 1.80 meter. From 2013 to 2014, James Rodriguez made 9 goals in 34 appearances for Monaco. From 2014 till now, he also scored 4 goals out of 11 appearances he made for Real Madrid. He scored 12 goals out of 31 appearances that he made from 2011 till date for his national team Colombia. James Rodriguez became Ligue 1 Assist Leader in 2014 and achieved Portuguese Golden Ball in 2012, and FIFA World Cup Golden Boot in 2014.

When thinking of the best players, what actually should matter is the skill of the player and not the looks. The performance of the player, boosted by their gameplay, speed, focus and athleticism, is what creates memorable moments on the field. Unfortunately, many people judge the players based on their looks, instead of their talent and skill. Off the ground, good-looking players might be able to charm the people, but, that should not be the determining factor for considering a player to be one of the best, because the real worth of a sports star lies in his performance on the field.

Top 10 Hottest Soccer Players 2015

November 27, 2014 by Khabir Uddin Mughal

Hottest Soccer Players 2015

Sports, these days, give great importance to the glamour factor of the players like most of the other fields of entertainment. In the past decade, soccer has seen players like David Beckham who are highlighted for the attractiveness they bring to the football ground besides their excellent gaming skills. In modern days, soccer is much more than the sport itself, since the footballers make sure that they step on the football field with their unique hairstyles setting them apart from the rest of the team, and those hairdos also inspire millions of their fans. Besides their active football career, they also make appearances at various photo shoots, events and programs. They appear in many of the magazine covers and advertisements with their killer looks and well-shaped physique. They have well-exercised chiseled physique to their package besides having a good face, as well as a sense of fashion. And here is the list of Top 10 Hottest Soccer Players 2015.

Top 10 Hottest Soccer Players 2015

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is the captain of the national soccer team of Portugal. He was born as Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro in Funchal, Madeira in Portugal on the 5th of February 1985. He is also player of the Real Madrid club. He plays in the position of a forward, and has the jersey number 7. Since his joining in 2009, he has played 176 matches for Real Madrid and has succeeded in scoring 197 goals. On the other hand, he joined Portugal in 2003, and in 118 matches, has made 52 goals. For his notable performances and contributions, he has been conferred with such honorable titles as the ESPY Awards Best International Athlete in 2014, the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award in 2013–14 and the LFP Best Player in 2013–14. The 29 year old has a listed height of 1.85 meters, and is considered one of the most handsome men in the world of sports.

2. Cesc Fàbregas

Cesc Fàbregas is the member of the national soccer team of Spain. He was born as Francesc Fàbregas Soler in Arenys de Mar, Spain on the 4th May 1987. He is also a player of the Chelsea club. He plays in the position of a Midfielder, and has the jersey number 4. Since his joining in 2014, he has played 9 matches for Chelsea and has succeeded in scoring 1 goal. On the other hand, he joined Spain in 2006, and in 94 matches, has made 13 goals. For his notable performances and contributions, he has been conferred with such honorable titles as the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2007–08, the UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament in 2012 and the FIFA U-17 World Championship Golden Ball in 2003. The 27 year old has a listed height of 1.75 meters, and is capable of turning quite a few heads with his killer looks.

3. Radamel Falcao

Radamel Falcao is the member of the national soccer team of Colombia. He was born as Radamel Falcao García Záratein Santa Marta, Colombia on the 10th February 1986. He is also a player of the Manchester United club. He plays in the position of a Striker, and has the jersey number 9. Since his joining in 2014, he has played 4 matches for Manchester United and has succeeded in scoring 1 goal. On the other hand, he joined Colombia in 2007, and in 54 matches, has made 21 goals. For his notable performances and contributions, he has been conferred with such honorable titles as the GQ Spain Sports man of the year in 2012, Globe Best Footballer in 2012 and the Onze de Bronze in 2012. The 28 year old has a listed height of 1.77 meters, and is considered one of the hottest football players of today.

4. Gerard Pique

Gerard Pique is the member of the national soccer team of Spain. He was born as Gerard Piqué i Bernabeu in Barcelona, Spain on the 2nd February 1987. He is also a player of the Barcelona club. He plays in the position of a Centre-back, and has the jersey number 3. Since his joining in 2008, he has played 170 matches for Barcelona and has succeeded in scoring 12 goals. On the other hand, he joined Spain in 2009, and in 65 matches, has made 4 goals. For his notable performances and contributions, he has been conferred with such honorable titles as the La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2009, the UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament in 2012 and the La Liga Best Defender in 2010. The 27 year old has a listed height of 1.92 meters, and can set the temperature soaring with his hotness.

5. David Villa

David Villa is the member of the national soccer team of Spain. He was born as David Villa Sánchez in Langreo, Spain on the 3rd December 1981. He is also a player of the Melbourne City club. He plays in the position of a Striker, and has the jersey number 9. Since his joining in 2014, he has played 4 matches for Melbourne City and has succeeded in scoring 2 goals. On the other hand, he joined Spain in 2005, and in 97 matches, has made 59 goals. For his notable performances and contributions, he has been conferred with such honorable titles as the FIFA World Cup Silver Shoe in 2010, the FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball in 2010 and the USSA Male Athlete of the Year in 2010. The 32 year old has a listed height of 1.75 meters, and is counted among the best-looking men in the football world.

6. Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard is the member of the national soccer team of England. He was born as Steven George Gerrard in Whiston, Merseyside, England on the 30th May 1980. He is also a player of the Liverpool club. He plays in the position of a Midfielder, and has the jersey number 8. Since his joining in 1998, he has played 483 matches for Liverpool and has succeeded in scoring 113 goals. On the other hand, he joined England in 2000, and in 114 matches, has made 21 goals. For his notable performances and contributions, he has been conferred with such honorable titles as the IFFHS World’s Most Popular Footballer in 2006, the Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2007 and the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year in 2005. The 34 year old has a listed height of 1.83 meters, and is quite a treat to the eyes.

7. Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos is the member of the national soccer team of Spain. He was born as Sergio Ramos García in Camas, Spain on the 30th March 1986. He is also a player of the Real Madrid club. He plays in the position of a Defender, and has the jersey number 4. Since his joining in 2005, he has played 298 matches for Real Madrid and has succeeded in scoring 38 goals. On the other hand, he joined Spain in 2005, and in 124 matches, has made 10 goals. For his notable performances and contributions, he has been conferred with such honorable titles as the La Liga Best Defender in 2014, the La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2005 and the FIFA World Cup Castrol Index Winner in 2010. The 28 year old has a listed height of 1.83 meters, and is rather soothing for the eyes as well.

8. Georgios Samaras

Georgios Samaras is the member of the national soccer team of Greece. He was born as Georgios Samaras in Heraklion, Greece on the 21 February 1985. He is also a player of the West Bromwich Albion club. He plays in the position of a Left winger, and has the jersey number 30. Since his joining in 2014, he has played 4 matches for West Bromwich Albion but has not succeeded in scoring any goals. On the other hand, he joined Greece in 2006, and in 81 matches, has made 9 goals. For his notable performances and contributions, he has been conferred with such honorable titles as the SPL Player of the Month Winner in September 2008, the Celtic Supporters’ Player of the Year in 2013 and the FIFA World Cup awards Man of the match in Greece vs Ivory Coast in 2014. The 29 year old has a listed height of 1.92 meters, and is very much a representation of a rather athletic and stylish, modern Greek God.

9. Lukas Podolski

Lukas Podolski is the member of the national soccer team of Germany. He was born as Lukas Josef Podolski in Gliwice, Poland on the 4th June 1985. He is also a player of the Arsenal club. He plays in the position of a Forward, and has the jersey number 9. Since his joining in 2012, he has played 57 matches for Arsenal and has succeeded in scoring 19 goals. On the other hand, he joined Germany in 2004, and in 121 matches, has made 47 goals. For his notable performances and contributions, he has been conferred with such honorable titles as the UEFA Euro Silver Boot in 2008, the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt in 2010 and the Second Bundesliga top goal scorer in 2005. The 29 year old has a listed height of 1.82 meters, and can get a number of people drooling, just with looks.

10. Ignazio Abate

Ignazio Abate is the member of the national soccer team of Italy. He was born as Ignazio Abate in Sant’Agata de’ Goti, Italy on 12th November 1986. He is also a player of the A.C Milan club. He plays in the position of a Right back, and has the jersey number 20. Since his joining in 2003, he has played 144 matches for A.C Milan and has succeeded in scoring 1 goal. On the other hand, he joined Italy in 2011, and in 21 matches, has made 1 goal. The 28 year old has a listed height of 1.80 meters, and is capable of keeping all eyes on him, not just with his performance but his looks, too. Abate is noted for his skill and focus on the football field which places him at par with the top players but is yet to receive any notable title or honor as a professional soccer player.

Those days are in the past when women were the only beings whose looks mattered besides their skills. These days, every public figure, irrespective of gender, is expected to look best. Many fans of football are also there who give skilled footballers more credit for their looks than their amazing talent that they shows on ground, while ignoring altogether many talented footballers with not so great looks. But a true sports addict never judges any player on the basis of looks but only with their god-gifted and well-practiced skill set.

Top 10 Best Haircuts in Football World Cup

September 7, 2014 by Khabir Uddin Mughal

Best Haircuts in Football

Style: that’s what comes after their skills with the ball during FIFA world cups. After the constant vigilance of the paparazzi, even the players don’t hesitate to flaunt their looks as they come up with different varieties of wardrobe and haircuts. Media and all the sports fans were speechless when football legend Gheorghe Hagi and his Romanian teammates showed up in 1998 FIFA World Cup with their bleached blonde hair look. They looked almost the same whenever they stood up for their national anthem before matches, and it was even more difficult to differentiate the players of the Romanian National team during the gameplay. After they had made it to the top of their group which also contained England and reached pre-quarterfinal, they revealed that the all blonde style was actually to quickly spot team members on the ground for better passing accuracy. Throughout the history of FIFA World Cups or its qualifier rounds, players had some amazing hairdos, of which some were better than the others. So here is the list of 10 Best Haircuts in Football World Cup.

Top 10 Best Haircuts in Football World Cup

10. Ronaldinho

Brazilian legend Ronaldinho was enlisted in the world’s greatest living players called FIFA 100 compiled by Pelé. This ever-smiling curly haired star was also included in FIFPro World XI from 2005 till 2007. Ronaldinho was a huge attraction for media before the 2002 World Cup for his skills and also for his marvelous hairstyle. All the audience on the ground also shook their hairs along with the star himself when he scored his first goal against China in the group stage. He adopted his famous ‘curly hair with a sweatband’ style during his early days mostly because his natural hair is curly. This long-haired star was also an attraction for big brands. Ronaldinho had endorsements with many companies, including Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Nike, Gatorade and EA Sports, which earned him over $19 million in 2006.

9. Carlos Valderrama

In 1990s, Carlos Valderrama played a major role during the golden era of Colombian football. Besides his wonderful passing and dribbling ability on the ground, he was also very much appreciated for his blondish orange Afro. His hairdo was idolized by many during the 1990 FIFA World Cup. The hype was increased when he made a crucial pass to his teammate Freddy Rincon to equalize in the last minute of a group stage match against Germany, which saved his national team into the next round. This hairstyle is also featured in his 22 feet bronze statue in his birthplace Santa Marta created by Colombian artist AmilkarAriza in 2006. He may not have won the World Cup for Colombia but has stayed in the heart of many fans even today.

8. Zlatan Ibrahimović

Zlatan Ibrahimović was ranked as the third-best player in the world by The Guardian. With incredible styling sense, this super tall footballer is a legend of his time. His wide popularity rose after he became the captain of the Swedish national team. Along with his super speed and agility during the match, he is also famous for his rugged personality and his top knot hairstyle. His rising pony was widely copied after he scored an international hat-trick against Scandinavian rivals Norway at the Friends Arena in 2013. His fantastic bicycle kick with a super samurai appeal won the 2013 FIFA Puskás Award for Goal of the Year. He started his hair journey from a big man’s top knot and is still carrying a similar version of it with a mix of a pony-tail, during his legacy with Paris Saint-Germain in recent days.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo is always a style icon and remains the same for the football fans starting from his early days. He started with a Mohawk, complemented by a bit of faux and mullet; then came his famous all gel era, and after that, the blonde spike which suits him the best. This two-time Ballon d’Or winner was admired by media, when he showed up with his spike look in 2010 FIFA World Cup. Even during his recent World Cup appearance in 2014, he won millions of hearts by his zigzag hair style on the side of his dome. Ronaldo was always a money machine for his style sense as he was a very popular attraction for big brands. He secured third place in the list of world’s highest paid footballers after David Beckham and Lionel Messi, with €30 million per year according to France Football.

6. Mario Balotelli

Recently, this Italian football star created huge media attention when his girlfriend Fanny Neguesha, who is a dancer, actress and singer, publicly spoke about their engagement. He is always an eye catcher, even when he is out of the ground, for the media. His huge number of fans saw him with various haircuts such as the Afro, clean shave or just a strand in the middle of his dome. He went insanely popular on Twitter before 2014 World Cup, for the shaved tribal patterns on the sides of his head. Balotelli was always as crazy as his low Mohawk. When he was involved in a car crash carrying £5,000 cash within few days of joining Manchester City, he was taken to the police custody and when police officers asked why he had such a large sum of cash, he replied, “Because I am rich.”

5. Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand once stated “I always as a kid wanted to do something different,” and he successfully did that while adopting various hairstyles throughout his career. He showed up with his crazy anger appeal for the first time internationally during 2002 FIFA World Cup when he scored for his team against Denmark on the second round match, although some suggested it was Thomas Sorensen’s own goal. His ultra-skinny cornrows in his early career earned him a huge popularity in the media. In June 2006, Ferdinand made his début appearance as a sportscaster in Rio’s World Cup Wind-Ups on the day of the England national team’s opening World Cup group match against Paraguay.

4. Ronaldo

Ronaldo was named in the greatest ever starting eleven in 2007 by France Football magazine. No one from the soccer field can ever forget his amazing skills with the ball, super agility inside the penalty area and his famous hairstyle during FIFA World Cup 2002. He showed up with a clean shaved head except for a small wedge patch at the top of his forehead which went viral among all the fans within 24 hrs of his appearance with the new hairstyle. Lene de Paula, a street corner barbershop owner of Ronaldo’s birthplace, said during the 2002 World cup season, ”Since Ronaldo cut his hair this way; I’ve done more than 50 heads.” Even recent day superstar Neymar stated while remembering Ronaldo, “In 2002, I had a haircut like Ronaldo’s.”

3. Roberto Baggio

Italian star Roberto Baggio won Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1993 and also placed in the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players in 2004. This attacking midfielder is widely known as ‘the divine ponytail’ for his hairdo during 1994 FIFA World Cup. Mullet was a favorite hairstyle during early 90’s, and he took it to the ultimate level when he mixed his mullet with braids. It seems he was a bit confused about what to choose between mullet and braid, and ended up in braided rattail mullet hair. This eccentric hairstyle was so popular during the 1994 FIFA World Cup that half of his fans started to grow their hairs the way their favorite star did. His football journey was ended with his official retirement, but his skills and hairstyle will remain popular forever.

2. Chris Waddle

Chris Waddle missed the decisive penalty in 1990 FIFA World Cup semi-final shootout against West Germany but remains as a heartthrob for his huge number of fans. This former England winger showed up in his top form with his famous mullet when he led his team to the semi-final in 1990 World Cup. Remembering his favorite hairstyle, he once said, “I once had a penalty shootout with Rudi Voller to decide who had the best mullet.” He might not have pioneered the mullet, but he made that hairstyle widely popular among all the soccer fans. Complementary to his popularity, he wrote a column in The Sun newspaper and appeared on BBC Radio Five Live as a summarizer at Premier League after his retirement.

1. David Beckham

During his career all of his fans wanted their hair to bend it like Beckham. He has often been in the news and various covers of world’s top magazines for his innovative and sexy hairstyles. At the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, Beckham appeared with a mix of faux and Mohawk above his head which created a sensation within a very short time. Everybody sat in front of their televisions to see style icon Beckham with his fauxhawk. Due to this famous ‘fake-mohawk’ fauxhawk, Adee Phelan, his hairdresser, had also become very popular in the hair styling field. No one needs to say anything about Beckham’s popularity, but as a side note, Adee won the image of the year award 2002 after he created David Beckham’s mohawk in the GQ shoot.

Starting from the very first World Cup that was conducted till the recent World Cup in Brazil, the World Cup had seen some amazing hairstyles of the footballers which wwere emulated more than a million times by their fans. A new app called Nike Barbershop is also there in the Android market to adorn a selfie with ten famous footballers’ amazing hairstyles that can be also shared with friends through social media.