Famous footballers without tattoos

By Peter Ochieng

Footballers across the world have been seen with various forms of tattoos dotting their bodies – from hands to legs, declaring their love for something or someone.

A tattoo can be described as a form of body modification made by inserting ink, dyes or pigments, either indelible or temporary, into the layer of the skin to form a design. 

Staunch Christians will tell you that one having a tattoo or tattoos is actually against the will of God.

The bible forbids tattooing in Leviticus 19:28 which reads, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.”

On the other hand, there is no clear prohibition on tattoos in the Quran. However, the general principle in Islam is that the body should not be altered or mutilated in any way.

Let us have a look at a rare breed of famous footballers without tattoos.

1. Christiano Ronaldo

With over 1 billion followers across his social media platforms - Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Chinese social media sites Weibo and Kuaishou, the Portuguese captain is arguably the most famous athlete on earth.

Unlike his close rival, Argentine Lionel Messi, Ronaldo leads the pack of famous footballers without tattoos.  

“I don’t have tattoos so that I can donate blood more often,” Ronaldo disclosed during an interview in 2012.

The Al Nasr striker will be 40 years old on February 05, 2025, but he isn’t close to hanging his boots after over 20 years featuring for Benfica, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al Nasr in the Saudi Arabia Pro League.

2. Mohamed Salah

One of the best paid footballers in the English Premier League.

The Egyptian King has entered the last 6 months of his contract at Premier League leaders, Liverpool, with reports indicating that he may leave at the end of the season for free if the Reds fail to tie him to a new contract.

Imagine losing Salah for free? If he leaves England, Saudi Arabia is most likely to be his next stop.  

Salah’s 18 goals and 13 assists so far this season have propelled Liverpool to the summit of the Premier League table.   

Once queried on why he doesn’t have tattoos, the winger responded, “I don't have tattoos, I don't change hairstyles, I don't know how to dance. I just want to play football."

3. Rodri

Rodrigo Hernández Cascante simply known as Rodri is the reigning FIFA Ballon d’Or holder.

The Manchester City and Spain midfielder is a classic player – to say the least, with his influence in the middle of the pack leading City and Spain to multiple titles over the years.

His boss at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has previously spoken highly of him.

“He doesn't have tattoos or earrings. His hair, he looks like a holding midfielder! A holding midfielder must be like this, think about the rest of the team."

4. Robert Lewandoski

The Polish international is 36 years, and like Ronaldo, he isn’t close to hanging his boots.

Besides not having a tattoo, he is highly regarded by his peers and coaches for his high work ethic, with his former manager at Barcelona, Xavi Hernandes being among those to have previously praised him.

"That's how Robert is, insatiable, the way he trains, the way he helps the team, his humility, his work-rate. I can't praise him enough.”

5. Ngolo Kante

During his heydays at Leicester City and Chelsea, a joke went round that 70% of the world is covered by water while Kante covers the rest, due to his ‘out of this world- energy’ in midfield battles.

The France international is currently on the books of Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia where he continues to boss the midfield.

Mentions

Sadio Mane – Al Nasr and Senegal

Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco

Matthijs de Ligt – Manchester United and Netherlands

Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid and France