Best & Worst: World Cup footballers’ tattoos reviewed
Footballers are never shy of showing off their ink. But while some of this year’s World Cup stars have transformed their bodies into works of art, others are seen sporting a series of shocking designs.
Family, women and err, a cold weather murder demon are a few of the subjects that feature in our rundown of the best and worst tattoos on show in Brazil.
The Best
Dario Srnja
Croatian midfielder Dario Srnja is unlikely to have too many happy memories of this year’s World Cup after his countrymen were eliminated following the group stage.
But despite the 32-year-old’s disappointment he’ll always enjoy the respect of football fans across the globe thanks to a touching tattoo of his brother’s name.
The Shahktar Donestk star has ‘Igor’ tattooed across his chest and dedicates all of his goals to his sibling who suffers with Down’s Syndrome.
Neymar
Brazil’s poster boy may only be 22-years-old but his burgeoning talent and body art has certainly caught the eye.
Famed Danish tattoo artist and founder of sportswear brand Hummell Christian Stadil is one such admirer.
Labelling Neymar’s assortment of tattoos “impressive”, the Brazilian has inked himself with a number of “Portuguese sayings to symbolise his youthful joy.”
The Worst
Theofanis Gekas
Greece striker Theofanis Gekas may try to claim he’s a ‘cold-blooded killer’ but in reality he’s actually just a ‘cold weather murder demon’.
The misquoted phrase that adorns the 34-year-old Konyaspor player’s right arm has baffled Japanese football fans who have highlighted the error on Twitter.
Either way, Gekas will have to channel his self-professed ruthlessness against Costa Rica if Greece are to make the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time in their history.
Tim Howard
No one doubts Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard’s abilities between the sticks.
But his decision making can be called into question when it comes to leaving permanent marks on his body.
His gallery does include some tasteful tributes to his children.
However, his hard work is undone by filling in the rest of his upper body with a seemingly obligatory collection of dragons and Chinese symbols. Oh, and a Superman logo.
Undecided
Raul Meireles
A little more efforts and it’ll be done … and no, It does not hurt! #NewTattoo pic.twitter.com/UxYvgfRxPB
— Raul Meireles (@OficialMeireles) January 2, 2014
Portugal’s former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder is renowned for his penchant for tattoos with his full-leg sleeve a particular highlight.
A Lisbon tram, a clock and the faces of three women all adorn the 31-year-old’s right leg.
Love them or hate them, Meireles’ designs certainly ensures he stands out from the crowd.
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