With the Euro 2020 group stage coming to an end and the competition heating up, many people will be enjoying cheering on their team after the tournament was delayed a year due to the pandemic.
And while fans will be gripped by 90th minute equalisers and whether or not that goal was off-side, others have been distracted by footballers’ hairdos on the pitch.
From Welsh hero Gareth Bales’ famous man bun to the ever-changing lid of French midfielder Paul Pogba, some looks have certainly drawn the attention of fans across the world.
Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, Ricky Walters, owner of the celeb-loved Salon64 in London, said that some of the looks are ‘a little out of hand’.
‘With the football in full swing, I have certainly caught “Euro Fever” however I can’t help but get distracted by the creative haircuts and fashion statements I am seeing the players sporting while on the pitch,’ he said.
‘I am no stranger to the fast paced world of footballers’ hair having cut Gary Neville’s for years, however I feel some of the latest pitch trends are getting a little out of hand.’
Here, Ricky and Ruby Hook, owner of Ruby at Brown’s in Northamptonshire, reveal the best, worst and boldest looks at Euro 2020.
Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka: Trendy Eminem look
Arsenal midfielder and Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka turned heads when he appeared on the pitch with bleach blonde hair last week.In doing so, Xhaka has joined the trend that’s seen a lot of famous male face bleach their hair – but Ricky says he may have gone too light
Arsenal midfielder and Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka turned heads when he appeared on the pitch with bleach blonde hair last week.
In doing so, Xhaka has joined the trend that’s seen a lot of famous male face bleach their hair – but Ricky says he may have gone too light.
‘Scalp bleach for men is a huge trend however I would love to offer Granit some purple shampoo,’ he explained.
‘With too many brassy tones and shades a small toner appointment followed by at home purple shampoo would make the world of difference. Think more white blond and less Eminem.’
Ruby added that it may even put opposing players off who weren’t expecting the look.
‘His hair has gone from dark brown to bleach blonde. It was such a big change for him and it came with mixed reviews. I wouldn’t say it was a tactic for the matches to be played, but it would throw some players off as they weren’t or weren’t expecting in,’ she added.
‘I think that the look and colour suit him and he has a really good cut that makes the look stand out better.’
England’s Phil Foden: Gazza ’96-inspired look
Like Xhaka, England and Manchester City’s Phil Foden appeared at the Euros with a shock of white blonde hair.
Many have likened his hairstyle to a England legend Paul Gascoigne, who sported a very similar look at Euro 96 – where England were knocked out on penalties in the semi-finals.
Ricky said he’s ‘a big lover of Phil Foden’s new blonde hair.
Many have likened Phil Foden’s (left) hairstyle to a England legend Paul Gascoigne (right in 1996) who sported a very similar look at Euro 96 – where England were knocked out on penalties in the semi-finals
‘We are seeing a huge rise in scalp bleaches for men this year and it’s all about a white silver tone as much as possible. Combined with a tight fade and short crop I think this look is perfect for the up and coming young footballer,’ he said.
‘With Phil Foden, I feel he has taken inspiration from football legend Paul Gascoigne’s hair at Euro 96. It has been noted that he has been compared to him and could believe that by cutting his hair like him, it may bring the team luck in this year’s Euros.’
Northern Macedonia’s Ezgjan Alioski: Cool icy blonde
Another player opting for the trend of going blonde is North Macedonia’s Ezgjan Alioski.
The Leeds United star also sports a long front and shorter side, in a more traditional manner than Foden or Xhaka.
‘I would say his look is a cool icy blonde with a typical short back and sides with more weight at the top,’ Ruby said. ‘It much blonder than his previous look but it suits him.’
Another player opting for the trend of going blonde is North Macedonia’s Ezgjan Alioski. The Leeds United star also sports a long front and shorter side, in a more traditional manner than Foden or Xhaka.
Wales’ Gareth Bale: Dated man bun
On top of the bleach blonde look, another seen across many players is a longer style, with some sporting a man bun.
Leading the pack is Wales legend Gareth Bale, who is often thought of as one of the best players in the world.
And while his football skills may be second-to-none, Ricky says the Real Madrid star is behind the times with his look.
‘Although a huge fan of the man bun when first hitting the streets of Soho I am fast finding this top knot a little dated,’ he explained.
‘Gareth Bale clearly has incredible hair and should show this off with a “man Bob'” undone shorter look. He has shaved the sides to make his amount of hair more manageable but I feel Gareth should simply embrace his incredible hair with a fresh new haircut still keeping hold of some of the length.
While his football skills may be second-to-none, Ricky says the Real Madrid star is behind the times of his look, as Gareth sports a ‘dated’ man bun
Ruby added that the winger is probably just going through a ‘hair phase’.
‘It has been noted that Gareth Bale hair has got longer and longer,’ she observed. ‘I feel he is just going through a hair phase, as he could not be sure what to have or do next.
‘However, the long hair look is a big thing at the minute and rocking a man bun/top knot. He could be doing either, but I think he is pulling off the look.’
France’s Antoine Griezmann: Simple, trendy style
Also sporting the longer hair look is France’s Antoine Griezmann, who like Bale is known for his tied back locks.
But Ruby says the Barcelona forward is well suited to his hair, which is more trendy than his welsh hair counterpart.
‘I feel like he has been growing his hair since 2020 and it has just got longer,’ Ruby said.
‘Again, this could be part of the fashion trend of long hair, top knots, buns and ponytails. It could be he isn’t sure what to do with it, it is a simple style that can be easily maintained.’
Also sporting the longer hair look is France’s Antoine Griezmann, who like Bale is known for his tied back locks
England’s Jack Grealish: 90s but needs stylising
Another British star to sport a longer ‘do is England winger Jack Grealish – who rocks a 90s-inspired look.
While Ricky praises his length, he thinks it could do with more styling and losing the hairband.
‘Although I love the length and quality of Jack’s hair, I don’t think it’s a matter of the cut that is an issue,’ he said. ‘Jack needs to simply use more product and style his hair and without a doubt LOSE the hair band.
Another British star to sport a longer ‘do is England winger Jack Grealish – who rocks a 90s-inspired look. While Ricky praises his length, he thinks it could do with more styling and losing the hairband
‘Product and styling will help keep those locks out his eyes when running around.’
Meanwhile, Ruby added that the star is bringing back the ‘curtains’ look, alongside a surge of 90s trends.
‘The curtains and 90s look seems to be coming back,’ she said. ‘I think he could have been inspired by the David Beckham look from the late 90s. It is again an iconic look rocked with a head back to keep the heavy curtain look out of his face.’
Slovakia’s Marek Hamsik: A brave mohawk
Perhaps the boldest look of the competition is sported by by Marek Hamsik, who is captain of Slovakia’s team.
Alongside his football skill the player is known for his mohawk – which Ricky says is one of the ‘most controversial’ hairstyles on the pitch.
‘Rarely does such a strong look suit it’s wearer and this case is no exception,’ Ricky said. ‘I recommend supporting a shaved head or growing out to a more subtle Mohawk. This said I appreciate his ability to stand out regardless.’
Perhaps the boldest look of the competition is sported by by Marek Hamsik, who is captain of Slovakia’s team. Alongside his football skill the player is known for his mohawk – which Ricky says is one of the ‘most controversial’ hairstyles on the pitch
Meanwhile, Ruby says that the look has got even more bold for the competition.
‘He taken his hair a lot shorter than usually, opting for a shorter mohawk look.
‘I would say it is neater and probably a strategic move depending on how far they get. Like most men, they are loyal to their barbers and if he had left his hair at his usual length it could have gotten too long to maintain.’
England’s Kalvin Phillips: Sporty and low maintenance
England’s Kalvin Phillips has won praise for his stylish braids as well as his skill on the pitch.
‘I think Kalvin gets away with his braids for a sporty low maintenance look,’ Ricky said. ‘Not something I would recommend outside of the sporting world but a great idea for those with longer thicker hair needing to keep it out the way and off your face.’
Ruby agreed that it’s low maintenance, saying it was a good, strategic look.
England’s Kalvin Phillips has won praise for his stylish braids as well as his skill on the pitch.
‘Kalvin is known for rocking a ponytail/man bun at most games/matches,’ she said.
‘This currently look could also be a strategic move over maintenance depending how long the team last in the games. It is an easy up-keep and he won’t have to worry too much.’
France’s Paul Pogba: A subtle touch of blonde
Manchester United and France start Pogba is known for his cool hairstyles, from shaving his own name into the side of his head to brightly coloured mohawks and even leopard print dye.
But the midfielder has opted for a more subtle look this tournament with a gentle dash of blonde with short back and sides.
Ricky said that the star could even go bolder.
Manchester United and France start Pogba is known for his cool hairstyles, from shaving his own name into the side of his head to brightly coloured mohawks and even leopard print dye
‘It’s hard to get such level of lift in dark hair but think this subtle touch of blonde looks great,’ he said.
‘Although I think Paul would even get away with this if he decides to go blonde all over’.
Ruby added: ‘His current look and style is quite a subtle look. He usually is seen or known for rocking bright colours, patterns and/or logos. I feel again this is a simple low maintenance look.’