Top 10 best Footballers’ tattoos and the stories behind them

Sergio Ramos returns to Real Madrid. | Imago

Top 10 best Footballers’ tattoos and the stories behind them

Ayoola Kelechi 23:13 - 15.01.2024

Which footballer has the best tattoos in recent history?

Footballers' tattoos often go beyond mere decoration, embodying personal narratives, beliefs, and passions.

The tattoos of some of the world's top footballers are as varied and complex as their careers on the pitch. Let's explore further the stories and meanings behind these fascinating body arts.

Sergio Ramos

Ramos' tattoos are a visual diary of his life and beliefs. In addition to religious imagery like the Virgin Mary and a cross, he has several other significant tattoos.

Sergio Ramos' tattaoos | Imago
Sergio Ramos' tattaoos | Imago

These include a lion, symbolizing strength and leadership, and a clock and map on his back, reflecting a sense of time and place. His tattoos also honour his passion for football, with the FIFA World Cup and Champions League trophies inked onto his skin, celebrating his successful career with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.

David Beckham

Beckham's body is a canvas of his life story. Among his extensive collection, he has a tattoo of four birds representing his children, symbolizing freedom and the importance of family. Additionally, Beckham has a tattoo of a ship, which is believed to be a nod to his father, who worked in a ship's kitchen.

David Beckham is one of the most-followed footballers in the world| Photo Credit: Instagram(@davidbeckham)
David Beckham is one of the most-followed footballers in the world| Photo Credit: Instagram(@davidbeckham)

He also sports a tattoo of a knight, indicative of his English heritage and the idea of chivalry and protection for his family. His tattoos reflect his journey from a young, talented footballer to a global icon and family man.

Daniele De Rossi

De Rossi's tattoos capture his fierce spirit on the field and his softer side of it. His right calf sports a unique design: a triangular warning sign with a tackle taking place, epitomising his aggressive style of play.

Italy's Daniele De Rossi | Imago
Italy's Daniele De Rossi | Imago

The Teletubbies tattoo is a playful contrast, showing his lighter, more whimsical side. De Rossi's tattoos illustrate the duality of his nature - a formidable presence on the field yet a person with a sense of humour off it.

Dani Alves

Alves' tattoos pay tribute to his journey from a small town in Brazil to the pinnacle of world football. Alongside the tattoos of his children, he has a map of his hometown on his chest, symbolising his roots and the journey he has undertaken.

Victim identifies Dani Alves tattoo amid ongoing sexual harassment Investigation.
Victim identifies Dani Alves tattoo amid ongoing sexual harassment Investigation.

His tattoos are a mix of personal dedications and symbols of his career achievements, such as the Olympic rings, reflecting his participation in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Kevin-Prince Boateng

Boateng's body art is a testament to his multifaceted personality. His tattoos include an image of a jester, symbolising his playful nature and perhaps his unpredictable career path.

Kevin-Prince Boateng and Valentina Fradegrada’s marriage is reportedly over| Photo Credit: Instagram(@valentinafradegrada)
Kevin-Prince Boateng and Valentina Fradegrada’s marriage is reportedly over| Photo Credit: Instagram(@valentinafradegrada)

He also has a portrait of Bob Marley, indicating his love for music and possibly his Ghanaian heritage. His tattoos are as eclectic as his career, having played for numerous clubs across Europe and being known for his flair on and off the field.

Neymar

Neymar's tattoos are as expressive as his football style. Along with the tattoos dedicated to his family and heroes, he has a tattoo that reads 'tudo passa' ('everything passes'), which is a nod to his philosophy of life and possibly the challenges he has faced in his career.

Star quality:  Neymar celebrates after scoring against Peru in a World Cup qualifier last month
Star quality: Neymar celebrates after scoring against Peru in a World Cup qualifier last month

His tattoos are a mix of personal delicacies, motivational quotes, and symbols of his achievements, reflecting his journey from a young prodigy to one of the most recognised faces in football.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Ibrahimovic's tattoos mirror his larger-than-life persona and the self-belief that has defined his career. The 'Zlatan Ibrahimović code' on his wrist is not just a series of numbers, but a symbolic representation of the importance of family in his life.

Helena Seger and Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Helena Seger and Zlatan Ibrahmovic spotted in the beach. Source: GC Images/Dailystar Helena Seger and Zlatan Ibrahimovic

His back features a koi fish, representing overcoming obstacles and achieving success against all odds, resonating with his journey in football. Zlatan's tattoos are a combination of personal dedications, cultural symbols, and reflections of his philosophies, making them as distinctive as his on-field exploits.

Lionel Messi

Messi's tattoos have evolved with his career. Initially hesitant about tattoos, his body now tells the story of his life and loves. The tattoo of his mother's face on his back is a tribute to her influence in his life.

Lionel Messi of Paris St Germain leg tattoo during the UEFA Champions League match at Le Parc des Princes/ Image via Imago
Lionel Messi of Paris St Germain leg tattoo during the UEFA Champions League match at Le Parc des Princes/ Image via Imago

Messi's leg tattoos celebrate his love for football, with a football and his shirt number. The tattoos of his children's names and handprints signify family, a central aspect of his life. Messi's tattoos reflect his journey from a shy youngster to a global football icon.

Thierry Henry

Henry's tattoos reflect his journey and milestones. The Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge symbolise his time in the United States, blending his football career with personal experiences. His daughter's portrait is a testament to the importance of family.

Thierry Henry's tattoo | Imago
Thierry Henry's tattoo | Imago

Henry's tattoos encapsulate his transition from a footballer to a cultural icon, blending his achievements with personal milestones.

Djibril Cisse

Cisse's tattoos are an expression of his flamboyant and unique style. The angel wings on his back are perhaps his most famous tattoo, representing freedom and the ability to rise above challenges.

Djibril CIsse's body tattoo | Imago
Djibril CIsse's body tattoo | Imago

His tattoos are diverse, ranging from cultural symbols to personal tributes, echoing his vibrant and unconventional career path, both in football and in his personal life.

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