Football is called the Beautiful Game for what happens not only on the pitch but off it as well. Top footballers are some of the richest individuals on the planet, and hence it is only right that they also look the part off the field.
Nowadays, players are in danger of being photographed everywhere they go. While most players manage to look at least presentable, there are plenty who just do not seem to care.
Take a look at the 10 best-dressed footballers in the modern era:
#10 Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck is one player who is probably more appreciated for his dressing sense than his footballing contributions. With the ability to sport half zip sweaters, skinny ties and sharp shouldered sweaters, Welbeck is a stylish dresser off the football pitch.
Probably the trendiest player in England today, Welbeck may have something to fall back on after his football career.
#9 Samuel Eto’o
When it comes to fashion, Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o is not one to go all out and dress to the nines. Sporting new colours and designs almost every time he makes an appearance, Samuel is a trend-setter away from the pitch. From bright red chinos to gaudy yellow sweaters, the ex-Barcelona striker has the ability to pull it all off.
#8 Iker Casillas
Casillas has won numerous titles for Spain and Real Madrid. He has also succeeded in a similar manner off the pitch. The Spaniard has a casual, understated style and elegance. The Spanish keeper featured on the cover of GQ magazines often in the past. He has a penchant for the casual but knows when to change it up.
#7 Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry is right up there with the best when it comes to dressing. Consistent in his ability to terrorise defences all across the globe, he is also consistent with his apparel. His dressing sense, like vintage wine, just keeps getting better with age.
Generally favouring traditional classics like straight leg jeans and a classic blazer, Henry also classes it up when required. The Frenchman was single-handedly responsible for bringing skin tight suits to England on his appearances as a television presenter!
#6 Hidetoshi Nakata
Japanese footballer Hidetoshi Nakata became more famous after retirement unlike the others on this list. He has posed for the likes of Calvin Klein, Japan GQ and Vogue Italy. On a mission to reinvent Japanese style and culture, Hidetoshi has started his own fashion and jewellery line, too.
#5 Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo has not only mastered the world of football but has also taken the fashion world by storm. While he is often flashy on the pitch thanks to his Nike sponsorship, off the pitch, a sponsorship deal with Emporio Armani has meant that the Portuguese is always dressed to his finest. From slim fit suits to Bombers to white dress shirts, Cristiano has got it all.
It has become a common sight to see Ronaldo in a top notch designer suit at special events. Following in Beckham's footsteps, Ronaldo has become a fashion icon for young fashion followers.
#4 Keisuke Honda
Keisuke Honda laid down a new marker for Asian fashion. With a style that’s a cross between Italian chic and Japanese street, Honda’s flashy blond hair catches everyone’s eye on the streets of Milan.
Willing to take risks and stand out from the crowd, Honda is considered to be the next David Beckham of fashion. Keisuke blends style and has the ability to pull off any look of his choice including Prada, Jil Sander and Helmut Lang.
#3 Xabi Alonso
When Alonso is not playing football for great clubs, he spends his time modelling for Ralph Lauren, Polo, Prada and several other fashion labels. He is also the spokesperson for Emidio Tucci, a leading fashion house in Spain.
He was voted by Spanish Media as the best-dressed footballer in the world in 2010. With the ability to balance smart and casual, the former Real Madrid star’s style is exactly what a Spanish celebrity’s should be. Alonso is the Classic Gentleman in every sense of the word. There are just 2 words to describe such a man. Pure Class.
#2Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo, as well as being the heart and soul of Italian football for decades, is also one of the best-dressed footballers of all time. The addition of the hair and beard adds to his modelesque looks. Cool and functional, Pirlo’s dressing style is synonymous with his football.
The Italian featured on the covers of Surface and Vanity Fair and took part in photoshoots for the Dolce & Gabbana calendars. Pirlo has the ability to handle the elegance of casual style as well as the luxury of a suit.
#1 David Beckham
David Beckham is responsible for influencing modern day culture and starting mass trends in the fashion world, too. One of the Premier League’s best footballers, Becks has established himself as the sport’s best-dressed man.
From suits to hoodies, chunky boots, leather and tattoos, Beckham’s pulled off any style. He has most recently settled on a slicked back 50s-style hair, beard, tailored suits, crisp shirts and striped ties. With wife Victoria running her own fashion house, Beckham is expected to retain his title as the best-dressed footballer for years.
