Dreadlocks have long been a symbol of flair and individuality in the game, from Ruud Gullit in the 1980s to Edgar Davids in the 1990s. Both men showed that hair could be part of a player’s aura, as recognizable as a number on the back of a jersey. In 2025, dreadlocks are back in the spotlight, not as a fashion throwback but as a living part of the modern game, worn by some of the most dynamic players on the planet.

Across Europe’s top leagues, you’ll find stars whose locks move with every sprint, tackle, or step-over. Some are household names who have lifted trophies, others are young players writing their stories in real time.

Here are the players who define what it means to wear dreadlocks in football today, and why their presence matters beyond simple aesthetics.

Jeremy Doku

If every full-back fears one winger, Doku is that nightmare. His short dreads whip behind him as he cuts in, creating and finishing with intent. A four-goal contribution against Bournemouth early in the season confirmed his arrival as one of the Premier League’s most unpredictable forwards. His ability to break games open at Manchester City has made him a crowd favorite, and the look adds to the spectacle, making him instantly recognizable even at full speed.

Nathan Aké

Ake’s long dreadlocks have become as familiar to fans as his positioning and composure under pressure. Supporters often compare his look to Dutch icons of the past, and it helps cement his image as both modern and timeless. Aké embodies consistency, but his hair adds personality to a player who could otherwise fade into the background amid City’s galaxy of stars.

Eduardo Camavinga

Real Madrid’s midfield Swiss army knife is just 22, but his profile is already enormous. Even after injury, he returned to the rotation with the same thick locs that made him instantly recognizable when he broke out at Rennes. His dreadlocks have become part of his brand—fans copy the look, and younger teammates often joke about how his hair seems to bounce with every tackle. Camavinga combines elegance with relentless energy, and that duality is perfectly mirrored in his distinctive style.

Jules Koundé

At Barcelona, Jules Koundé has settled into the right side of defense and shown he can cover more than one role. He shifts between full-back and center-back depending on what the team needs, and rarely looks out of place. His dreadlocks have become a trademark, whether worn tight or left looser, and they give him a look fans know instantly.

Michael Olise

Michael Olise built his reputation at Crystal Palace with sharp footwork and a calm approach to the game. Since moving to Bayern Munich he has kept that same style, drifting past challenges without rushing. The dreadlocks are part of his image now, a detail that makes him stand out as much as his left foot. Supporters in Germany talk about the way he slows the game down and keeps control, a contrast to the faster pace around him.

Nico Williams

After Euro 2024 stardom, Bilbao wasted no time in locking him down until 2035. His dreadlocks, like his speed, are untouchable. Williams is fearless in one-on-one situations, and the hair only amplifies the spectacle as he surges down the wing. The local Bilbao hero has become a symbol of the club’s identity and their determination to keep young Basque talent at home. His hairstyle? Iconic.

Eberechi Eze

Arsenal’s new $92 million arrival has heavy locs that bounce with every step-over and shimmy. Eze is seen as the player who can bring unpredictability and flair back to Arsenal’s midfield, and his dreadlocks have become a visual marker of that creative energy. Supporters often point out that he plays with the same confidence his style suggests, and that connection between image and performance is part of his appeal. The Emirates already feels like a stage made for him.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is easy to pick out on the pitch: dreads tied back, focused on the winger in front of him. He built his reputation on one‑on‑one defending, often winning tackles that looked impossible. At West Ham he has carried that same reliability, and his hairstyle has become part of how fans picture him. The look and the defensive edge go together, making him one of the most distinctive right-backs in the league.

Alex Iwobi

At Fulham, Alex Iwobi plays as the link between midfield and attack, often carrying the ball through tight spaces and moving play forward. In the past he once joked about hiding his dreadlocks under a balaclava during a casual kickabout, a story that shows how closely people connect him with his hairstyle. These days the dreads are part of his image, and fans see them as a reflection of the confidence and creativity he brings to the team.