In football, there’s something we all notice but might not give much thought to: footballers with dreadlocks. Some players not only stand out for their incredible skills but also for their distinctive dreadlock hairstyles.
In this guide, I will share with you the top 10 famous soccer players with dreadlocks as of 2025.
Let’s dive in.
1. Gervinho
Gervinho, born Gervais Yao Kouassi in May 1987, is a famous Ivorian footballer known for his trademark dreadlocks and explosive style of play.
He is one of Africa’s most iconic footballers with dreadlocks, having begun his career at ASEC Abidjan before moving to Belgium with Beveren.
After early years at Le Mans, he found success at Lille, helping the club secure both the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France in 2011..
That success earned him a move to Arsenal, followed by spells at Roma, Hebei China Fortune in China, and Parma in Italy, where he scored some unforgettable goals.
Gervinho later played in Turkey with Trabzonspor and in Greece with Aris.
He was also a key figure for the Ivory Coast, earning over 80 caps, playing in different Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, and two World Cups.
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2.
Allan Saint-Maximin is one of the most recognizable footballers with dreadlocks, known as much for his flair on the pitch as for his unique style.
Born in 1997 in the Paris suburbs, he started his professional career at Saint-Étienne before moving through Monaco, Bastia, and Nice.
It was at Newcastle United that he became a household name, due to his rapid bursts forward and trademark headbands.
Later, he moved to Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, spent time on loan at Fenerbahçe, and in 2025 signed for Club América in Mexico.
3. Nathan Aké
Nathan Aké is one of the most popular footballers known for his signature dreadlocks.
Born in The Hague, Netherlands, in 1995, he began his career at Feyenoord before joining Chelsea’s academy at 15.
He made his Premier League debut as a teenager and later gained experience through loan spells at Reading, Watford, and Bournemouth.
At Bournemouth, Aké proved his quality, became a key defender, and even captained the side.
In 2020, Manchester City signed him for £41 million, and since then, he has grown into a reliable part of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
He helped City win multiple trophies, including the Champions League in 2023, completing the club’s historic treble.
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4. Jules Kounde
Jules Koundé is another amazing player with lovely dreadlocks. Koundé kicked off his professional adventure with Bordeaux. He debuted in a thrilling Coupe de France match against US Granville, giving his all for a full 120 minutes on January 7, 2018.
The budding star then stepped onto the Ligue 1 stage in a 1–0 victory over Troyes on January 13, 2018, which marked the beginning of his top-flight career.
On February 10, 2018, Koundé not only scored his first Ligue 1 goal but also netted the opening goal in a 3–2 home win against Amiens. Sevilla showed Interest in 2019, shelling out a reported €25 million for the French defender.
Koundé’s first season with Sevilla was spectacular, having played an important role in the club clinching the UEFA Europa League for a record sixth time, earning his spot in the competition’s team of the season.
But the plot thickened when Barcelona announced its agreement with Seville in July 2022 to bring Koundé to Camp Nou.
The anticipation soared, but a twist of fate saw him miss the initial La Liga matches due to Barcelona exceeding the league’s salary cap limit.
The football world held its breath until August 26, 2022, when Koundé was finally registered with La Liga. Two days later, he made his official debut in a 4–0 triumph over Real Valladolid at Camp Nou.
5. Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze is a young, famous football sensation with cool dreadlocks, and he conquered it. His journey began after he landed a successful trial with Queens Park Rangers (QPR).
His debut in 2017, marred by injury, didn’t dim his determination. Eze signed a contract extension, which shows his commitment until 2019.
A loan to Wycombe Wanderers in 2017 proved key as Eze’s talent is outstanding, helping Wycombe gain promotion. Back at QPR, he became a regular under Ian Holloway.
The 2018–19 season saw him score vital goals, including the only goal against Sunderland. As QPR transitioned under Steve McClaren, Eze thrived.
A new three-year contract and the coveted number 10 shirt signaled his importance. The 2019–20 season showed Eze’s brilliance, a dazzling 14 goals, and numerous assists, earning him accolades and a spot in the EFL Championship Team of the Season.
In 2020, Eze stepped into the Premier League with Crystal Palace, leaving an immediate impact with a debut goal against Southampton.
Despite an Achilles injury setback, he continued to be excellent, securing a permanent starting spot. His 2022–23 season at Palace proved stellar, with Eze becoming the top scorer with 10 goals.
The highlight of the season for him was a mesmerizing solo effort against Leeds United, which secured a 2–1 victory. Contract extension talks in November 2023 further solidified his commitment to Crystal Palace until 2027.
During his time at Palace, Eze was a fan favorite, scoring stunning goals and forming a strong partnership with teammates like Michael Olise.
Despite facing injury setbacks, he bounced back and was instrumental in Palace’s historic 2025 FA Cup victory, scoring the winning goal against Manchester City.
In August 2025, Eze made a dream move to Arsenal, his boyhood club, for a reported £60 million.
Given the number 10 shirt, he followed in the footsteps of legends like Ian Wright.
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6. Renato Sanches
Renato Sanches ranks among the most popular footballers known for dreadlocks.
The Portuguese midfielder started his career at Benfica before making a high-profile move to Bayern Munich in 2016.
Although his time in Germany was difficult, he showed his talent by winning the Golden Boy award and later finding form on loan spells and with Lille in France.
At Lille, he became a key player, helping the club win the Ligue 1 title in 2021.
His strong performances earned him a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, where he continued to build his career.
Sanches also had a loan spell at Roma before returning to Benfica and then moving to Panathinaikos on loan in 2025.
7. Trevor Chalobah
Trevor Chalobah is one of the well-known footballers who proudly rock dreadlocks on the pitch.
He joined Chelsea’s academy when he was just eight years old and grew through the youth system, winning trophies like the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League.
Though he was named on the bench for the 2018 FA Cup final, his real professional career began with loan spells at Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town, and French club Lorient.
Chalobah finally made his mark at Chelsea in 2021, scoring on his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace and later netting in the Champions League against Juventus.
In 2024, he went on loan to Crystal Palace, impressing with three league goals before being recalled to Chelsea in early 2025.
8. Jeremy Doku
Jérémy Doku, the Belgian winger with his trademark dreadlocks, has become one of football’s most exciting young stars.
He joined Manchester City in August 2023 on a five-year deal and scored in just his second Premier League game.
Doku has earned praise from Pep Guardiola, who called him a “proper winger” and even described him as unstoppable in tight spaces.
During his first season, he scored and assisted in key matches, including the Champions League and FA Cup.
He also set a Premier League record by making four assists in a single game at just 21 years old.
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9. Michael Olise
Michael Olise is currently one of the most exciting footballers with dreadlocks.
The French winger first made a name for himself at Crystal Palace after joining in 2021.
He impressed fans, scoring goals and creating chances, even becoming the youngest Palace player to score in the Premier League since 1998.
By 2023, Olise had set records for assists and proved himself as one of the brightest young talents in England.
In 2024, he moved to Bayern Munich for around €60 million. His debut season in Germany was a huge success, finishing with 12 goals and 15 assists while becoming the Bundesliga’s top creator.
He also impressed on the European level, scoring twice on his Champions League debut.
10. Rafael Leão
Rafael Leão is also one of the famous footballers with dreadlocks. In 2019, AC Milan snatched him up for €35 million, and he signed on for five years.
Things kicked off with a bang as he debuted in Serie A against Udinese in August 2019. In 2020, Leão scored his first goal against Fiorentina.
However, there was a bit of a hiccup when the Court of Arbitration for Sport said he owed Sporting CP €16.5 million for leaving them hanging. But let’s talk about the good stuff.
In 2020, he scored against Juventus in a 4–2 win. During the 2021–22 season, Leão took Milan by storm. He scored goals, assisted like a boss, and helped Milan secure their first Serie A title in 11 years.
He even bagged the Serie A MVP award! Now, in the 2022–23 season, he’s still tearing it up. He scored a brace against Napoli in a 4–0 win.
And don’t get me started on his acrobatic bicycle kick against Roma, that was pure magic. In April 2023, he pulled off another stunner, a brace against Napoli in a 4–0 win.
Sadly, he missed the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Inter due to an injury, but he made a comeback in the second leg, even though Milan lost.
Just before the end of the 2022–23 season, Leão extended his contract with AC Milan until 2028. The guy’s commitment is unreal.
And now, he is wearing the number 10 shirt, previously worn by legends like Seedorf and Baggio. Leão continues to cause a stir in the 2023–24 season, scoring acrobatic bicycle kicks and helping Milan triumph over PSG in the Champions League.
Kenneth is a an avid soccer follower, fan and writer. He is a consistent follower of the sport and is a fan of Chelsea FC.