Footballers with Tattoos at the World Cup
-compiled by gasper crasto...08.06.2014
With the World Cup 2014 set for a grand finale it looks like tattoo artists are in massive demand for ‘footballer’ tattoos.
Many well-known players can be seen sporting tattoos when you watch football on TV, even more will be 'focussed' during the World Cup event.
Football icon David Beckham’s tattoos ‘were’ perhaps the most famous among footballers, but he doesn’t play anymore having already retired from the game. The footballer already has two tattoos - one with his son's name Brooklyn in Gothic script on his lower back and an avenging angel on his neck and shoulders.
Italy’s Marco Materazzi is as famous for being covered in tattoo's as he ‘was’ for taking the Zinadine Zidane blow on his chest in the 2006 World Cup final. He has his arms covered with colorful tattoos and even has a rendition of the World Cup which the Italians won.
Portugal’s attacking midfielder Raul Meireles has a massive dragon on his back and a rosary tattooed around his neck.
Daniel Agger has a splendid artwork across his body, including an impressive viking scene, however his country Denmark does not feature in the World Cup.
Italy’s Mario Balotelli’s has a Genghis Khan quote tattooed on his chest that reads: ‘If you had not committed great sins, God would not have sent a punishment like me upon you.’
US star Clint Dempsey chose to pay homage to his home state of Texas, with an outline around his elbow and a star representing his hometown.
Jermaine Jones is a German playing for USA. His tattoos include the names of his children, wife, best friends and most recently, the American flag.
Greek player Giorgos Katidis has ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin' tattooed just above his 'junk'.
Argentinian Ezequiel Lavezzi has a portrait of Diego Maradonna balancing a soccer ball tattooed on his abdomen. Nobody seems to be really sure why. But it is amazing.
Kevin Prince-Boatneg has two neck tattoos (playing cards and a crown). Mr. Boateng also has a tattoo on the inside of his mouth.
Argentina’s Sergio Aguero’s signature tattoo is written in a fictional language.
Dani Alves also has an impressive set of tattoos up his sleeves, including a traditional portrait of Jesus Christ on his left arm representing the spirituality that was crucial to his upbringing.
While superstar Messi has 'unseen' tattoos engraved on his left calf, Portuguese icon Cristian Ronaldo is perhaps among the few famous footballers who does not believe in 'tattooism'.