Brazil 2014: Crazy World Cup styles

England's Bobby Charlton belonged to a different generation, when men were men and premature baldness was embraced -- even if it meant styling your hair into a combover at the age of 28. What remained of Charlton's flowing locks are weaved into English sporting history, with the powerhouse midfielder helping the country to achieve its only World Cup triumph on home soil in 1966.

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Bobby Charlton, the King of the Combover

Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskas mastered the classic slicked-back hairstyle. Very Wall Street.

This is Socrates, the late Brazilian libero who oozed cool during his World Cup appearances in 1982 and 1986. An effortless star, he was part of a Brazil team which, although it never won the World Cup, enraptured spectators with its vibrant, captivating attacking play. That said, even Socrates, one of the slickest players to have ever laced up his boots, must have felt a tad insecure patrolling the midfield in shorts which are almost indecent by modern standards.

Socrates, the coolest player in World Cup history, rocking the Jesus look.

When it comes to hairstyles, no footballer has ever done more for the popularity of the afro than Carlos Valderrama. The elegant playmaker appeared for Colombia at three World Cups (in 1990, 1994 and 1998) and made over 100 appearances for his country, but he will forever be remembered for the nest of peroxide blonde curls which sat atop his moustachioed face.

Carlos Valderrama, the World Cup's Biggest Hair Hero. 1990 World Cup

The USA 1994 World Cup was a treasure trove of iconic football styles. The host nation was well represented by Alexi Lalas, a defender whose rugged tackles were matched by his disheveled long locks and wizard-like beard. But even Lalas' admirable shabby chic couldn't save the U.S. jersey...

Someone at the United States Soccer Federation owes Marcelo Balboa a huge apology. Aside from failing to warn him that a mullet would date horrifically in the 20 years since this photograph was taken, it also forced him to pose wearing a combination of stonewash and giant white stars. While the World Cup was a new high for U.S. soccer, this jersey marked a nadir for football fashion.

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After missing out to Michael J. Fox for the lead role in the 1985 movie Teen Wolf, Bulgarian Trifon Ivanov was forced to pursue a career in football. Luckily for the defender, it all worked out for the best as he formed a vital part of the Bulgaria team which shocked the world to reach the semifinals of USA '94. An international centre-back for 10 years, Ivanov was a fearsome opponent -- especially during a full moon

Roberto Baggio's Jedi-inspired style gave rise to arguably the greatest nickname in sport. "The Divine Ponytail" dazzled on his World Cup debut in 1990, scoring the goal of the tournament in Italy's group stage win over Czechoslovakia before going on to score five times at USA '94. But he will always be remembered for missing his spot kick in Italy's penalty shootout defeat to Brazil in the final, leaving "Il Divin' Codino" feeling less than divine.

Mexico goalkeeper Jorge Campos played with distinction for "El Tri" at two World Cups, leaving his sartorial mark on both USA '94 and France '98. The Aztec-inspired number sported by Campos 16 years ago was impressive (more on that shortly), but arguably his finest fashion hour arrived four years earlier. This florescent assault on the senses worn by Campos in the U.S. was burned into the memories, and retinas, of football fans across the globe. 

It was enough to have ancient Aztecs turning in their graves. Mexico's jersey for the 1998 World Cup is unforgettable, for all the wrong reasons. Fortunately for stylistically-sensitive observers, the team of star striker Luis Fernandez only lasted four matches in France, before being beaten by Germany in the round of 16.

Already assured of qualification for the round of 16 ahead of its final group game at the 1998 World Cup, the Romania team could afford to let its hair down -- or dye it blonde. Romania finished top of Group G ahead of England, Colombia and Tunisia, proving that blondes really do have more fun.

Tales of Taribo West's dreadlocked ponytails reached the ears of eager fans in the build-up to France '98 and, when the Nigerian defender appeared for the "Super Eagles," he didn't disappoint. West played for his country for eight years, appearing at two World Cups and also turning out for Italian giants Inter and AC Milan.

Taribo West - girl's hair but you wouldn't tell him to his face.

The eyes of the world were fixed firmly on Ronaldo ahead of Brazil's 2002 World Cup semifinal against Turkey, but for once no one was looking at the striker's feet. The man known as "Il Fenomeno" took to the field with what appeared to be an unfinished buzz cut. Whatever the reason behind his partly-shaven scalp, it did the trick. Ronaldo scored the winner against Turkey before finding the net twice in Brazil's 2-0 defeat of Germany in the final, bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase "getting a Brazilian."

Brazil's Ronaldo couldn't be arsed to wait for his hairdresser to finish the job in 2002.

Cameroon's "Indomitable Lions" headed off for the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea with no fear, and no sleeves. With the bulging biceps to make the minimal look a success, Cameroon were set to make a stir at Asia's first World Cup. But, before we could enjoy this NBA-esque jersey, football rulemakers FIFA stepped in and insisted Cameroon must add sleeves to its "vests." The result was a not-so-cool, more conventional, strip, leaving us to ponder what might have been.

Modern man, style icon and part-time England football captain, David Beckham was at the center of a British media storm when he opted for a mohawk ahead of the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea. The midifelder who made it OK for men to wear sarongs is also the most capped outfield player in his country's history.

Beckham celebrates his goal against Colombia in the 1998 World Cup

Claudio Caniggia could really use some conditioner. And a haircut.

Rudi Voller. One of the few haircuts that looked better with spit in it. 1990 World Cup

Christian Ziege proved that Germans shouldn't try to pretend that they're mavericks. 2002 World Cup

Rene Higuita, aka the lion from the Wizard of Oz.  1994 World Cup

USA forward Clint Mathis, another fan of Taxi Driver, apparently.

Unit Davala of Turkey goes all Travis Bickle in 2002.

Jose Perlaza of Ecuador, photographed at the 2006 World Cup. He's not a famous player but this should be a famous hairstyle, as it's indescribably bad.

Cameroon's Rigobert Song looks on during a team training session at the Green Point stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, Wednesday June 23, 2010. Cameroon plays in Group E at the soccer World Cup.

World Cup 2010: Marek Hamsik, Slovakia - Flash hair, flash feet

World Cup 2010 Ever-present: Djibril Cissé is never far away from any worst haircuts list, and this year is no different

What about a comb over? Ivory Coast's Gervinho adopts a novel approach to premature hair loss...

FIFA World Cup 2014 has been about goals, fans, star players and the heat. But there is something more to this. The players are adding to

the heat with their 'hairdos.'

The latest to wear a new hairstyle is none other than Portugal star Cristanio Ronaldo.

Cameroon's Benoit Assou-Ekotto reacts during their match against Mexico June 13, 2014.

Ivory Coast's Geoffroy Serey Die is seen from the back during their match against Japan June 14, 2014. 

Italy's Mario Balotelli celebrates after scoring a goal past England's goalkeeper Joe Hart June 14, 2014.

Kyle Beckerman helped lead the U.S. past Ghana

Brazil's national soccer team player Neymar (R) reacts next to teammate Dani Alves as they practice June 16, 2014. 

Portugal's Raul Meireles holds the ball during a training session June 19, 2014

Mexico's national soccer players Giovani dos Santos and Guillermo Ochoa attend a training session June 14, 2014. 

Croatia's Danijel Pranjic during their match against Cameroon June 18, 2014. 

Brazil's Luiz Gustavo, Marcelo and David Luiz sing the national anthem before the match against Mexico June 17, 2014. 

Ivory Coast's Gervinho (10) celebrates with teammate Didier Drogba (11) after Gervinho scored his side's second goal during the group C World Cup soccer match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, Saturday, June 14, 2014.

Chile's Jorge Valdivia celebrates scoring a goal against Australia June 13, 2014

Ghana's John Boye jumps for the ball with Jermaine Jones of the U.S. during their match June 16, 2014.

England's Raheem Sterling (R) talks with his teammate Wayne Rooney during a training session June 18, 2014

France's national soccer team player Paul Pogba attends a news conference June 10, 2014. 

Cameroon's Charles Itandje reacts during their match against Croatia June 18, 2014. 

Uruguay's Diego Forlan watches the ball during their match against Costa Rica June 14, 2014. 

Portugal's Nani stands in the rain during a training session June 19, 2014. 

Ghana's Asamoah Gyan attends a training session June 15, 2014. 

Referee Pedro Proenca of Portugal sends off Cameroon's Alexandre Song for a challenge on Croatia's Mario Mandzukic June 18, 2014. 

Cameroon's Benjamin Moukandjo reacts after missing a chance to score a goal against Mexico June 13, 2014

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