The 16 best soccer haircuts of all time

1. George Berry

I know what you’re thinking: “That guy must be a Welsh international who was born in Germany.” No? What else is notable about this player then? Ah yes, the enormous afro.

Best of all, the above image is far from the best example of the magnificence of George Berry’s hair. Exhibit B, from a sticker book:

Holy moly. George Berry went about his business with bigger hair than your average touring funk musician would have done at the time. His afro was modeled on the Jackson Five; Berry surpassed them and then some. His luxuriant beard only added to his remarkable image.

Berry played in a different era, in many ways. His manager once locked him and his teammates into a pub for a lock-in. They once won an international pre-season tournament, and were presented with a barrel of beer, and tankards in lieu of medals. Sadly, he also played at a time when racial abuse from the terraces was commonplace. It even came from his own fans.

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Alas the magnificent afro is no more. Speaking in 2008, Berry said “When I became follicly challenged in my mid-thirties I went through anger, denial and finally acceptance. It’s a shame I’m not still playing or I could have got Gillette to sponsor my haircut.”

George Berry may have played internationally for Wales, won the League Cup with Wolves and become the PFA’s senior commercial executive. But surely the greatest accolade he has received in his eventful life is first place in the 16 best soccer haircuts.