Is there a connection between a footballer’s hairstyle and their performance on the pitch? It may sound strange, but this question often comes up, especially when discussing Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
Since returning to the Premier League, Pogba’s ever-changing hairstyles have caught the attention of pundits and fans alike. When his performances dip, critics quickly point to his hair, turning TV discussions into something resembling a fashion show. Even former player and pundit Graeme Souness has questioned Pogba’s mindset based on his hairstyles.
If a haircut can be blamed for a poor performance, then logically, a hairstyle could also be linked to a good one. Manchester United legend Eric Cantona made this point after Pogba’s improvement under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Cantona noted that Pogba hadn’t changed his haircut since Solskjaer took charge and suggested this showed Pogba’s focus on football.
Pogba is not alone in facing such scrutiny. Players like David Beckham and Ronaldo Nazario had their hairstyles analyzed, while Lionel Messi’s 2018 decision to shave his beard also sparked debate among fans.
So why the fuss? Pogba’s hair often serves as a form of self-expression. He uses it as a canvas to project ideas or images meaningful to him. For example, after Cantona’s comment, Pogba debuted a tightly shaven, faded blonde hairstyle for a match against Crystal Palace. This style was similar to the one he had when he first rejoined United. Fortunately for fans, the new look did not affect his performance, and he assisted Ashley Young in a 3-1 win. The Daily Mail even said the haircut was “almost as eye-catching as one of his long-range passes.”
Many of Pogba’s boldest hairstyles appeared during his time at Juventus in Italy. Younger and less burdened by criticism, he favored mohawks with blonde highlights. He famously had the word “dab” shaved into his hair, referencing his signature celebration, and ended his stint there with a leopard-skin pattern.
Since moving back to England, Pogba’s style changes have been more subtle, often featuring small designs or blonde touches. Given the pressure of being one of the world’s most expensive footballers, his hairstyles at Manchester United tend to be more restrained.
After France won the 2018 World Cup, Pogba marked the occasion by adding two gold stars to his hair at the start of the 2018-19 season—mirroring the stars on the French national team’s jersey to celebrate his world champion status.
Over the years, Pogba has showcased many hairstyles, often including recurring themes such as animal prints, lightning bolts, and blonde highlights. Fans who want to replicate Pogba’s look can visit his barber, Ahmed Alsanawi, who owns A Star Barbers in Chessington, Greater London.
Pogba often promotes A Star Barbers on Instagram. The barber also serves several other top players, including former Chelsea captain John Terry, Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy, Belgium’s Eden Hazard, Manchester United defender Eric Bailly, Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke, and Man City’s Riyad Mahrez.
Although A Star Barbers is based in Chessington, it is common for Pogba and other players to have the barbers flown to them to ensure they get the perfect cut wherever they are.
