Bundesliga players and beards – do they go together?

Football & Shaving – Famous Beards of the Bundesliga

What does football have to do with shaving? Günter Netzer already knew when he said: "Everyone wants to touch my hair." As the second half of the season kicks off, we take a look at some of the most striking facial hairstyles of former and current Bundesliga players – and ask ourselves: Would a clean shave have been the better choice?

Franz Beckenbauer – “the emperor’s new beard”

Beckenbauer was known not only for his playing style but also for his looks. Sometimes with a mustache, later with a Henriquatre, but we say: a men's wet razor would have given him a smoother and more timeless look.

Werner Schneider played over 339 league games in his career. His sideburns were a must-have feature at MSV Duisburg back then.

Paul Breitner – 1974 World Champion, thanks in part to his penalty kick in the final. Back then, he sported a sickle on his face and wore a Jägermeister jersey while playing for Eintracht Braunschweig.

Frank Ribéry with a scruffy beard. Oh well. At least his wife likes it. 

Marco Seiler has the longest beard in the league. At least, that's the story. We have no idea about the rest of his body. Seiler hasn't shaved since November 1, 2014. He says the beard brings him luck and is therefore letting it continue to grow.

During his time at Hannover 96, Abel Xavier was probably more noticeable for his magnificent hair than for his performance. He had his stylist in Portugal, where he flew regularly whenever he had time.

A beard that even we support: As a sign of peace and his demonstration against the war in Iraq, Kevin Kuranyi shaved his beard as a symbol of pacifism.