At one time in our lives, we've all done it. A spur of the moment decision that will haunt us forever. Whether it's that snap decision to get you hair braided on a beach holiday, or buying those white cords that you're convinced will look great with your blue suede shoes. Bad style choices are a universal affliction, and one football is not immune to. As we prepare to celebrate the finest footballers on the planet at Brazil 2014, it's also an ideal time to recoil in horror at some of the more outrageous styles the tournament has thrown up in its 84-year history.
The Oh-so beautiful game —
At one time in our lives, we've all done it. A spur of the moment decision that will haunt us forever. Whether it's that snap decision to get you hair braided on a beach holiday, or buying those white cords that you're convinced will look great with your blue suede shoes. Bad style choices are a universal affliction, and one football is not immune to. As we prepare to celebrate the finest footballers on the planet at Brazil 2014, it's also an ideal time to recoil in horror at some of the more outrageous styles the tournament has thrown up in its 84-year history.
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England's Bobby Charlton belonged to a different generation, when men were men and premature baldness was embraced -- even if it meant styling your hair into a combover at the age of 28. What remained of Charlton's flowing locks are weaved into English sporting history, with the powerhouse midfielder helping the country to achieve its only World Cup triumph on home soil in 1966.
Bobby's barnet —
England's Bobby Charlton belonged to a different generation, when men were men and premature baldness was embraced -- even if it meant styling your hair into a combover at the age of 28. What remained of Charlton's flowing locks are weaved into English sporting history, with the powerhouse midfielder helping the country to achieve its only World Cup triumph on home soil in 1966.
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This is Socrates, the late Brazilian libero who oozed cool during his World Cup appearances in 1982 and 1986. An effortless star, he was part of a Brazil team which, although it never won the World Cup, enraptured spectators with its vibrant, captivating attacking play. That said, even Socrates, one of the slickest players to have ever laced up his boots, must have felt a tad insecure patrolling the midfield in shorts which are almost indecent by modern standards.
Who wears short shorts? —
This is Socrates, the late Brazilian libero who oozed cool during his World Cup appearances in 1982 and 1986. An effortless star, he was part of a Brazil team which, although it never won the World Cup, enraptured spectators with its vibrant, captivating attacking play. That said, even Socrates, one of the slickest players to have ever laced up his boots, must have felt a tad insecure patrolling the midfield in shorts which are almost indecent by modern standards.
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The USA 1994 World Cup was a treasure trove of iconic football styles. The host nation was well represented by Alexi Lalas, a defender whose rugged tackles were matched by his disheveled long locks and wizard-like beard. But even Lalas' admirable shabby chic couldn't save the U.S. jersey...<br />
Lalas' locks —
The USA 1994 World Cup was a treasure trove of iconic football styles. The host nation was well represented by Alexi Lalas, a defender whose rugged tackles were matched by his disheveled long locks and wizard-like beard. But even Lalas' admirable shabby chic couldn't save the U.S. jersey...
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Someone at the United States Soccer Federation owes Marcelo Balboa a huge apology. Aside from failing to warn him that a mullet would date horrifically in the 20 years since this photograph was taken, it also forced him to pose wearing a combination of stonewash and giant white stars. While the World Cup was a new high for U.S. soccer, this jersey marked a nadir for football fashion.
Stonewashout —
Someone at the United States Soccer Federation owes Marcelo Balboa a huge apology. Aside from failing to warn him that a mullet would date horrifically in the 20 years since this photograph was taken, it also forced him to pose wearing a combination of stonewash and giant white stars. While the World Cup was a new high for U.S. soccer, this jersey marked a nadir for football fashion.
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When it comes to hairstyles, no footballer has ever done more for the popularity of the afro than Carlos Valderrama. The elegant playmaker appeared for Colombia at three World Cups (in 1990, 1994 and 1998) and made over 100 appearances for his country, but he will forever be remembered for the nest of peroxide blonde curls which sat atop his moustachioed face.
Carlos' curls —
When it comes to hairstyles, no footballer has ever done more for the popularity of the afro than Carlos Valderrama. The elegant playmaker appeared for Colombia at three World Cups (in 1990, 1994 and 1998) and made over 100 appearances for his country, but he will forever be remembered for the nest of peroxide blonde curls which sat atop his moustachioed face.
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After missing out to Michael J. Fox for the lead role in the 1985 movie Teen Wolf, Bulgarian Trifon Ivanov was forced to pursue a career in football. Luckily for the defender, it all worked out for the best as he formed a vital part of the Bulgaria team which shocked the world to reach the semifinals of USA '94. An international centre-back for 10 years, Ivanov was a fearsome opponent -- especially during a full moon.
Terrifying Trifon —
After missing out to Michael J. Fox for the lead role in the 1985 movie Teen Wolf, Bulgarian Trifon Ivanov was forced to pursue a career in football. Luckily for the defender, it all worked out for the best as he formed a vital part of the Bulgaria team which shocked the world to reach the semifinals of USA '94. An international centre-back for 10 years, Ivanov was a fearsome opponent -- especially during a full moon.
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Roberto Baggio's Jedi-inspired style gave rise to arguably the greatest nickname in sport. "The Divine Ponytail" dazzled on his World Cup debut in 1990, scoring the goal of the tournament in Italy's group stage win over Czechoslovakia before going on to score five times at USA '94. But he will always be remembered for missing his spot kick in Italy's penalty shootout defeat to Brazil in the final, leaving "Il Divin' Codino" feeling less than divine.
'The Divine Ponytail' —
Roberto Baggio's Jedi-inspired style gave rise to arguably the greatest nickname in sport. "The Divine Ponytail" dazzled on his World Cup debut in 1990, scoring the goal of the tournament in Italy's group stage win over Czechoslovakia before going on to score five times at USA '94. But he will always be remembered for missing his spot kick in Italy's penalty shootout defeat to Brazil in the final, leaving "Il Divin' Codino" feeling less than divine.
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Mexico goalkeeper Jorge Campos played with distinction for "El Tri" at two World Cups, leaving his sartorial mark on both USA '94 and France '98. The Aztec-inspired number sported by Campos 16 years ago was impressive (more on that shortly), but arguably his finest fashion hour arrived four years earlier. This florescent assault on the senses worn by Campos in the U.S. was burned into the memories, and retinas, of football fans across the globe.<br />
By Jorge! —
Mexico goalkeeper Jorge Campos played with distinction for "El Tri" at two World Cups, leaving his sartorial mark on both USA '94 and France '98. The Aztec-inspired number sported by Campos 16 years ago was impressive (more on that shortly), but arguably his finest fashion hour arrived four years earlier. This florescent assault on the senses worn by Campos in the U.S. was burned into the memories, and retinas, of football fans across the globe.
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It was enough to have ancient Aztecs turning in their graves. Mexico's jersey for the 1998 World Cup is unforgettable, for all the wrong reasons. Fortunately for stylistically-sensitive observers, the team of star striker Luis Fernandez only lasted four matches in France, before being beaten by Germany in the round of 16.
Aztec aberration —
It was enough to have ancient Aztecs turning in their graves. Mexico's jersey for the 1998 World Cup is unforgettable, for all the wrong reasons. Fortunately for stylistically-sensitive observers, the team of star striker Luis Fernandez only lasted four matches in France, before being beaten by Germany in the round of 16.
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Already assured of qualification for the round of 16 ahead of its final group game at the 1998 World Cup, the Romania team could afford to let its hair down -- or dye it blonde. Romania finished top of Group G ahead of England, Colombia and Tunisia, proving that blondes really do have more fun.
Ride together, dye together... —
Already assured of qualification for the round of 16 ahead of its final group game at the 1998 World Cup, the Romania team could afford to let its hair down -- or dye it blonde. Romania finished top of Group G ahead of England, Colombia and Tunisia, proving that blondes really do have more fun.
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Tales of Taribo West's dreadlocked ponytails reached the ears of eager fans in the build-up to France '98 and, when the Nigerian defender appeared for the "Super Eagles," he didn't disappoint. West played for his country for eight years, appearing at two World Cups and also turning out for Italian giants Inter and AC Milan.
It's not easy being green —
Tales of Taribo West's dreadlocked ponytails reached the ears of eager fans in the build-up to France '98 and, when the Nigerian defender appeared for the "Super Eagles," he didn't disappoint. West played for his country for eight years, appearing at two World Cups and also turning out for Italian giants Inter and AC Milan.
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The eyes of the world were fixed firmly on Ronaldo ahead of Brazil's 2002 World Cup semifinal against Turkey, but for once no one was looking at the striker's feet. The man known as "Il Fenomeno" took to the field with what appeared to be an unfinished buzz cut. Whatever the reason behind his partly-shaven scalp, it did the trick. Ronaldo scored the winner against Turkey before finding the net twice in Brazil's 2-0 defeat of Germany in the final, bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase "getting a Brazilian."
The Brazilian —
The eyes of the world were fixed firmly on Ronaldo ahead of Brazil's 2002 World Cup semifinal against Turkey, but for once no one was looking at the striker's feet. The man known as "Il Fenomeno" took to the field with what appeared to be an unfinished buzz cut. Whatever the reason behind his partly-shaven scalp, it did the trick. Ronaldo scored the winner against Turkey before finding the net twice in Brazil's 2-0 defeat of Germany in the final, bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase "getting a Brazilian."
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Cameroon's "Indomitable Lions" headed off for the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea with no fear, and no sleeves. With the bulging biceps to make the minimal look a success, Cameroon were set to make a stir at Asia's first World Cup. But, before we could enjoy this NBA-esque jersey, football rulemakers FIFA stepped in and insisted Cameroon must add sleeves to its "vests." The result was a not-so-cool, more conventional, strip, leaving us to ponder what might have been.
FIFA gets shirty —
Cameroon's "Indomitable Lions" headed off for the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea with no fear, and no sleeves. With the bulging biceps to make the minimal look a success, Cameroon were set to make a stir at Asia's first World Cup. But, before we could enjoy this NBA-esque jersey, football rulemakers FIFA stepped in and insisted Cameroon must add sleeves to its "vests." The result was a not-so-cool, more conventional, strip, leaving us to ponder what might have been.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images/file
Modern man, style icon and part-time England football captain, David Beckham was at the center of a British media storm when he opted for a mohawk ahead of the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea. The midifelder who made it OK for men to wear sarongs is also the most capped outfield player in his country's history.
David's do —
Modern man, style icon and part-time England football captain, David Beckham was at the center of a British media storm when he opted for a mohawk ahead of the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea. The midifelder who made it OK for men to wear sarongs is also the most capped outfield player in his country's history.
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Argentina's Rodrigo Palacio sports a rat tail in the group stage of the 2014 tournament.
Photos: Crazy World Cup styles —
Argentina's Rodrigo Palacio sports a rat tail in the group stage of the 2014 tournament.
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