Soccer players are famous for cutting their hair in unique styles and fashions, making them attractive and captivating to fans.
Some of the best footballer haircuts got inspired by different ideologies and traditions, and among them is the dreadlocks or simply dreads.
Dreadlocks are rope-like sections of hair with a coarse texture created by hair matting.
These hairlocks are very popular among various cultures. While they are mainly associated with African heritage, people of all genders, religions, tribes, and races flaunt dreadlocks.
In this article, TOP SOCCER BLOG brings you 10 famous footballers with dread hairstyles.
1. Nathan Aké (Manchester City)
Nathan Aké has always spotted huge dreads since his days as an upcoming youngster in Chelsea’s academy.
The Dutch centre-back is particularly known for his exceptional hairstyle, that has seen him featured in various celebrity magazines and tabloids.
Although he began as a centre-back, Nathan Aké can play as left-back, and is regarded by some as one of the best left-backs in soccer.
2. Alex Iwobi (Fulham)
The Nigerian midfielder, Alex Iwobi has been rocking a low-hanging dreadlocked hairstyle since his Everton days.
His hairdo, as well as goals, have seen the Fulham midfielder stand out on the pitch.
3. Rafael Leão (AC Milan)
Rafael Leão is known for his trickery and speed on the wings, but the Portuguese winger’s hair also makes him stand out on the field of play.
Undoubtedly one of the best wingers in the world, Leão also has one of the best hairstyles in football.
4. Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
Eduardo Camavinga has been wearing thick dreadlocks since breaking out as a teenage star at Ligue 1 side, Rennes.
His style of dreadlock has become very popular among fans on the internet, especially with the song with his name “Cama ooo, Cama ooo” is playing in the background.
5. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been one of the most famous Premier League soccer players who don dreadlocked haircuts since his days at Crystal Palace.
6. Calvin Bassey (Fulham)
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has a very thick dread hairstyle, which he has been recognizable with since his time at Rangers and Ajax.
The aggressive Nigerian is the brother of English rapper Y.CB.
7. Jules Koundé (Barcelona)
Jules Kounde always make fashion statements with his appearances, which he changes regularly.
Kounde spotted afro hair at Sevilla, but has changed to dreads at Barcelona, and the one he has been spotting this season is unique.
He is widely considered to be one of the best defenders in the world.
8. Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
Eberechi Eze is one of the most tricky dribblers in the Premier League.
The newly-signed Arsenal attacker has many admirers not just for his playing style, but also his heavy dreadlocked hairdo.
9. Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Nico is quickly becoming one of La Liga’s most exciting wingers.
Known for his blistering pace and fearless dribbling, he was a standout at Euro 2024 with Spain, where he helped them lift the trophy.
He is said to be one of the most lethal left-wingers in football now.
His dreads have become part of his trademark look, flying behind him as he leaves defenders in the dust.
With Barcelona and Premier League clubs sniffing around, Nico’s hair isn’t the only thing turning heads.
10. Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)
Doku is pure chaos on the wing. He’s known for his explosive acceleration and fearless one‑v‑one dribbling, the kind of player who makes defenders panic before he even touches the ball.
Last season, he had fans buzzing after a four-goal involvement masterclass against Bournemouth.
His dreads add to the spectacle, bouncing around as he twists and turns defenders into knots. Pep Guardiola calls him “unpredictable,” and that’s exactly why City fans love him.
11. Mathys Tel (Tottenham Hotspur)
Still just a teenager, Tel is already making waves in the Premier League since joining Spurs from Bayern Munich this summer.
He’s known for his versatility in attack, able to play wide or through the middle, and his composure in front of goal.
Spurs fans have quickly warmed to him as a long-term project with serious star potential.
His short, stylish dreads give him that confident, modern look that matches his fearless approach on the pitch.
12. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Olise’s move from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich was one of the biggest transfer stories when it happened.
He’s known for his silky left foot, vision, and ability to glide past defenders with ease. Bundesliga fans are already seeing what Premier League watchers knew, he’s a magician in tight spaces.
His dreads fit perfectly with his cool, composed personality on the pitch, smooth, stylish, and effortless.
13. Noni Madueke (Arsenal)
Madueke’s flair is impossible to ignore. After moving across London to Arsenal, he’s bringing his trademark direct dribbling and creativity to Mikel Arteta’s side.
He’s known for his ability to cut inside and cause chaos in the box, and Gunners fans are excited about what he can add to their attack.
His dreads bounce as he glides past defenders, adding to his street-football vibe, unpredictable, exciting, and always entertaining.
14. Allan Saint-Maximin (Club America)
In the last few years, EPL fans have enjoyed the sight of Allan Saint-Maximin bamboozling opposing defenders while holding his dreads in place with an hairband.
Sadly, the Frenchman wing wizard left Newcastle for Saudi Pro League side, Al-Ahli, two summers ago.
However, this summer he moved to Mexican club, Club America.
15. Renato Sanches (Panathinaikos)
Renato Sanches has been wearing dreads since breaking out as a promising youngster at Benfica.
The Portuguese midfielder kept his hairstyle at Bayern Munich, Swansea, Lille, PSG and now on loan at AS Roma.
Honourable Mentions:
- Trevor Chalobah (Chelsea)
- Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig)
- Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (Chelsea)
- Moise Keane (Florentina)
- Romeo Lavia (Chelsea)
- Mitchy Batshuayi (Fenerbahce).
