Modern Salon
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

A Modern Edge to Classic Styles in the 2014 World Cup

Players of the 2014 World Cup have paid special attention to their hair to establish their own unique identities on the field – and we’ve noticed! From classic hard parts to slicked back height to lighter, brighter accent pieces, these team players know how to attract their own personal fans.

Elizabeth Jakaitis
Elizabeth JakaitisAssistant Editor
July 1, 2014
2 min to read


Players of the 2014 World Cup have paid special attention to their hair to establish their own unique identities on the field – and we’ve noticed! From classic hard parts to slicked back height to lighter, brighter accent pieces, these team players know how to attract their own personal fans.


Hard Parts: Cristiano Ronaldo, Mathieu Debuchy and Olivier Giroud

Ad Loading...

Miguel Veloso by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Ermin Bicakcic by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Olivier Giroud by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images


Ronaldo, Debuchy and Giroud are all sporting classic undercuts with severe hard parts. The shaved sides with slicked back length on top toes the line between sophisticated and cool. Ronaldo has worn three unique hair styles in three games. Apparently the third time’s the charm: it was with this hair cut he scored his first goal of the tournament.


Lightening and Brightening: Neymar, John Boye and Dani Alves

Mathieu Debuchy by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

Neymar by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

John Boye by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images


Brazil seems to be taking its cue from the Romania World Cup team of 1998, who all lifted their hair color to varying shades of blonde in camaraderie. Several Brazil players picked up this trend before the game with Mexico, with Neymar adding blonde highlights that accentuate his fringe, and Alves lightening his hair to a silvery blonde shade. Ghana’s John Boye got on board as well, adding a golden finish to his mohawk.


Pompadour Height: Miguel Veloso, Ermin Bicakcic and Panagiotis Kone

Dani Alves by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

Panagiotis Kone by ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo by Warren Little/Getty Images


These gents put a modern twist on a retro standard, with the shaved sides of an undercut once again, but instead of a part, they’ve gone for height. Veloso, Bicakcic and Kone all have a slicked-back look that is clean cut, but with enough length to make it versatile.

More In The Know

A man cuts a man's hair
In The Know|Articles|Aug 6, 2026

In Dubai, Clients Visit the Salon Every Week. Here’s What That Market Can Teach You

In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.

Ad Loading...
A woman with long brown hair, a black sleeveless blouse, and a beaded headband.
In The Know|Articles|Jul 2, 2026

Mireya Villarreal Announces From Chair to Boss Live, a New Business Education Event for Beauty Professionals

Mireya Villarreal, founder of From Chair to Boss™, is bringing together beauty industry leaders for a new one-day educational event designed to help salon professionals strengthen the business side of their careers. From Chair to Boss Live! will take place September 28 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Ad Loading...
In The Know|News|May 22, 2026

Aura Salonware Announces 2026 Scholarship Winners

Aura Salonware is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients. This first-time scholarship in partnership with the Professional Beauty Association awarded three different scholarships to support beauty professionals at every point in their professional journey.

Ad Loading...