England, Portugal, and Neymar’s new do: the best hair of the World Cup so far

Alright gents, so maybe I can’t tell you how VAR works just yet (though neither can last night’s referee apparently), but when it comes to haircuts, I do know a point cut from a pompadour. If your eyes have veered upward from the football in the last few World Cup matches, you’ve probably noticed the stellar haircuts kicking about the pitch. Germany, France, and that Brazilian ‘do, I’ve certainly been paying attention. So, for inspiration purposes, and to offer some procrastination (aside from the match you’re secretly watching on your work computer), we’ve rounded up the best styles from our TV screens. Best in game, if you like.

By Rachel Spedding

• 1 Timo Werner: Germany

  The beard-hair fade. Werner’s style balances a coiffed front section with a little designer stubble (overgrown stubble that’s kept in check). The laid-back style is kept to the side with minimal product. Ask your stylist for length left up top, and slight fade at the sides. Streamlined, like a striker should be.
• 2 Sergio Ramos: Spain

  Ramos’ hair gets some attention. Though he’s sported a whole host of styles over the years – from shoulder length, to fully braided – it seems he’s keeping it simple for this years World Cup, with a low-maintenance buzzcut. As easy as it gets. No product required. Ask for a grade 4, or brush cut. Don’t ask for the Ramos, who knows how you’ll walk out the barbers (especially in Liverpool).
• 3 Carlos Vela: Mexico

  Suave. Vela knows how to wear a side-part. The beef of the work lies in the cut with this modern-day comb-over, contrasting shorter sides with longer volume at the crown. Ask your hairdresser for a ‘hard part’ this will make styling your hair easier once you’ve left the salon (and riding solo). A good choice for curly hair, FYI.
• 4 Paul Pogba: France

  Alas, no leopard print on the pitch this year. Pogba’s self-taught stylist knows how to cut some seriously arty looks on the midfielder (though Gareth Crooks may disagree). Pogba even flew his stylist out to Moscow for a 24-hour stay while training: got to keep those lines sharp. His creative coif for 2018 is pretty simple, but we’ll see where he takes it as the tournament continues.
• 5 Dele Alli: England

  The England footballer, and face of Boohoo Man, added blonde tips to his drop fade haircut at the beginning of June. The style is similar to a traditional fade, but lowers gradually at the back of the head and around the front hairline, allowing a sharp outline to the face. It’s well suited to square-shaped faces. I’m not biased, but this is a good cut (I am biased, #England).
• 6 Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal

  There’s a running theme it seems – keeping things calm for this year’s World Cup. So long to the gelled-up tips of previous times for Sir Ronaldo (is that his name yet?). The Portugal forward and all-round hero, was rocking the Ramos cut in his opening match – but with three more goals (ouch). The length is kept short and shaven all over – no time for fuss when there’s hat-tricks to collect. ​
• 7 Neymar: Brazil

  Well, it wouldn’t be a World Cup roundup without a nod to Neymar. Though he can definitely afford a decent haircut, the player divided opinion with his lustrous blonde locks in Brazil’s opening game. If you’re a fan (of the hair, of course), it’s a ‘loose blonde mohawk’, with zero fade on the sides. The hair is bleached up top, so make sure to head to the barbers if you’d like the same. The ‘Neymar’, born in 2018.

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