Bald XI of world football 2014

In an age when everything about the lifestyles of footballers is scrutinised, their hairstyles are inevitably a major point of concern. But what about the players who have little or no hair at all? Amidst the fancy mohawks and afros, some of the world’s top players go about their jobs with shiny heads, while many others have quickly receding hairlines. What you’re about to read is an effort to list football’s best bald players. It’s a team that was put together taking into consideration ‘the degree of baldness’ and of course the quality of the players. Only players who are currently active have been picked. And yes, the bulk of the team are on the wrong side of 30; but what it lacks in age, it makes up with experience – loads of it. Between them, the players have won almost all there is to win at club and national level. Presenting football’s bald XI. 

#1 Tim Howard

In goal is Tim Howard, the custodian of Everton and the US national team. Howard has a superb beard to go with his bald head. He is one of many bald keepers who have come to England from the land of the bald eagle: Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan all have similar-looking heads and have all played in the Premier League. There’s no doubt that he is easily the pick of the bunch. The 35-year old New Jersey native has racked up over 300 appearances for Everton since moving there in 2006 after a relatively unhappy stay at Manchester United.

At international level, Howard was awarded the Golden Glove for the best keeper at the 2009 Confederations Cup while he also broke the record for most number of saves in a World Cup during this year’s event in Brazil.