Top 20 Ponytails in World Football History

What is it with footballers and hair?

From the weird to the undeniably cool, footballers have a long history of customizable coiffures. Today's entry: The ponytail.

The ponytail can come in various shapes, colors, sizes and styles. But one thing remains constant: The strand of hair sticking out from the back of the player's head.

That's it, really. For us, everything else is open to interpretation.

Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments.

Roberto Baggio

One doesn't earn the nickname "Divine Ponytail" by having a bad hairdo.

That's why Italian legend Roberto Baggio tops our list. Extra points for the mullet leanings up top, the random beads that appeared and disappeared throughout his career, and his connection to Buddhism.

Keep on livin' the dream, o divine one.

Emmanuel Petit

Emmanuel Petit, the French World Cup winner who helped power Arsenal's central midfield during the double-winning 1997-98 season, really should have tried out for Hanson.

He totally would have been better than that other dude as the firm but fair fatherly figure.

Ronaldinho

The ponytail Ronaldinho wore while playing for Barcelona really didn't help dissuade anyone who thought he might actually be a horse in disguise.

You decide.

Brian Kilcline

Brian Kilcline looked a lot—repeat, a lot—like the character Waingro from the 1995 movie Heat.

Kilcline would have been about 32 during the time of filming, so we're not ruling out the possibility that they're one in the same man.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

AC Milan's Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic rarely sports one hairstyle for more than a few weeks.

In this case—a tasteful up-do pulled tight—we really can't understand why.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto

The same can be said of Tottenham Hotspur's Benoit Assou-Ekotto, who has also been known to sport an Afro.

We're gonna have to give a slight edge to the Afro this time.

Francisco Palencia

Francisco Palencia, who played 17 seasons with various clubs in Mexico, Spain and the United States, wasn't afraid to keep his hair shiny and flowing.

That's no surprise. Francisco doesn't quite strike us as a guy you'd want to mess with.

Kieran Richardson

Kieran Richardson, on the other hand, definitely seems like a guy you'd want to mess with.

It's hard to see from this picture, but it's there: Richardson once sported a rat tail that was so nasty, it prompted his removal from the man club.

David Seaman

And then there's the case of David Seaman, old "Safe Hands," the long-time goalkeeper of both Arsenal and England.

Or is he really Ron Jeremy's thinner, skankier brother? You can't convince us that David Seaman isn't a porn name.

Kenwyne Jones

Kenwyne Jones and his multi-colored ponytail have only one thing to say to you.

Talk to the hand!

Harry Kewell

Some guys can pull off a ponytail. Some guys look like idiots.

We'll let you figure out what we think of Harry Kewell's entry.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos

Sotirios Kyrgiakos is a scary, scary man.

He's scary when his ponytail flaps around while he's doing his daily jumping jacks.

David Beckham

David Beckham can't just do a ponytail.

For Beckham, it has to be a chic, finely styled, pirate-friendly affair.

Dado Prso

Dado Prso, who doesn't seem to have enough vowels in his name, has plenty of hair on his head.

He also isn't afraid to sport the old-school 90s butt cut.

Rafa Marquez

Mexican international Rafa Marquez, hasn't won many friends in the New York Red Bulls locker room.

But he eared mad respect for his awesome ponytail at Barcelona. Well done.

Andriy Voronin

Ukrainian striker Andriy Voronin spent a forgettable three seasons at Liverpool, scoring just five league goals.

But he left an unforgettable hairstyle in the minds of the Anfield faithful.

Andy Carroll

True story: Liverpool were ready to offer only £30 million to Newcastle until they saw his ponytail.

Only then did the two parties settle on the improved £35 million fee.

Jonas Gutierrez

Carroll might have found his ponytail inspiration from Jonas, whose full-bodied ponytail-slash-shag hairstyle is an inspiration to women everywhere.

Unrelated story: Jonas is also known for a Spiderman goal celebration.

Mauro Camoranesi

Has anyone ever noticed that Mauro Camoranesi looks a lot like Real Madrid's Mesut Özil? And has anyone ever seen them in the same room?

Just throwing that out there.

Darren Peacock

It's hard to see, but everyone knows it's there.

Go ahead, Mr. Peacock. Shake ya tailfeather.