The Premier League is known for world-class football, breathtaking goals, and moments of pure drama. But along with the magic on the pitch, we’ve also seen a whole lot of madness—especially when it comes to players’ haircuts. Whether it’s a bold fashion statement gone wrong or a style that leaves fans wondering “why?”, the Premier League has delivered some truly unforgettable barnets.

Let’s take a trip through time and relive the most questionable haircuts to ever grace the English top flight. You’ve been warned…

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1. Abel Xavier – The Blonde Beard Combo (Liverpool, Everton)

Abel Xavier didn’t just bleach his hair—he bleached everything. The former Portuguese defender sported a platinum blonde mop paired with a matching bleached beard, giving off serious “villain in a 90s action film” vibes. It was bold, it was bright, and it looked like he’d dunked his head in a tub of peroxide.

This look wasn’t a phase—it was a lifestyle.

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2. Phil Foden – The Gazza Tribute (England/Man City)

Just before Euro 2020, Phil Foden decided to honour Paul Gascoigne by dying his hair silver-blonde. But while Gazza’s bleach job in 1996 was iconic, Foden’s version… didn’t quite land the same way.

Credit to Foden for the homage, but the overall look had him trending for all the wrong reasons, with fans comparing him to everything from Draco Malfoy to a young Eminem.

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3. Taribo West – The Green Braided Horns (Derby County)

Taribo West’s hair was part anime character, part art installation. His signature look featured thin green braids styled into pigtail-like spikes—sometimes tied up, sometimes left to hang dramatically.

It was as though his hairstyle had been designed in Create-a-Player mode on FIFA 99. Iconic? Yes. Stylish? Not even close.

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4. Marouane Fellaini – The Giant Afro (Man United, Everton)

Fellaini’s afro wasn’t a haircut—it was a presence. Towering, fluffy, and perfectly circular, it made him instantly recognisable and turned headers into a contact sport.

While we admire the dedication, the hair often looked like it was playing its own game. Whenever Fellaini entered a 50/50 challenge, his opponents weren’t just fighting a midfielder—they were fighting a mushroom cloud of curls.

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5. Gervinho – The Eternal Headband (Arsenal)

Gervinho was a pacey, unpredictable winger… and his hairline was just as unpredictable. But instead of accepting it, he chose to wear a headband. All the time. Like, all the time.

But rather than covering up the issue, the headband somehow highlighted it. The result was a bizarre parting of his braids and a forehead that seemed to stretch to midfield. A classic case of a cover-up gone wrong.

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6. David Beckham – The Cornrows Phase (Manchester United)

Beckham’s hair has been a talking point throughout his career. Mohawks, curtains, topknots—he’s done it all. But his 2003 cornrows might be his most regrettable look.

Worn during a visit to South Africa, it was an attempt at cultural appreciation, but by modern standards, it sparked conversations about cultural appropriation. Even Beckham later admitted it wasn’t his finest moment. Iconic, yes. But still… yikes.

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7. El Hadji Diouf – The Zebra Look (Bolton, Blackburn)

Never one to shy away from controversy, Diouf also made bold choices with his hair. He once dyed stripes into his buzzcut, resembling something between a zebra and a barcode.

It wasn’t just the style—it was the arrogance with which he wore it. Unfortunately, it made him look less like a fashion-forward trendsetter and more like he’d lost a bet.

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8. Giovanni van Bronckhorst – The Mini Ponytail (Arsenal)

Not all bad haircuts are loud. Some are just… confusing. Van Bronckhorst’s decision to grow a tiny ponytail at the back of his otherwise short hair was one of them. It looked like a rat tail you’d expect in the school playground—not on a Premier League pitch.

It didn’t catch on. Thank goodness.

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9. Andy Carroll – The Man Bun (West Ham, Newcastle)

When Andy Carroll embraced the man bun trend, it was already on its way out. But paired with his powerful, old-school style of play, it just didn’t fit. He looked like a medieval knight who got lost on the way to a renaissance fair.

Sure, it’s not the worst on this list—but it definitely clashed with his no-nonsense football.

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Honourable Mentions:

• Jason Lee’s Pineapple – Possibly the most mocked hairstyle in 90s football.
• Bacary Sagna’s Beaded Braids – Precision braiding with a hint of madness.
• Djibril Cissé – The man reinvented his hair every other week.

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Conclusion: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Footballers will always push the limits of fashion—and sometimes, that includes a tragic trip to the barber. These haircuts, while questionable, added colour (literally) and character to the Premier League. And let’s be honest—we loved the chaos.

Got a favourite (or least favourite) that we missed? Let us know in the comments. And remember: form is temporary, but bad haircuts live forever on the internet.