Carlos Valderama

Legendary Colombian midfielder who captained his country at three World Cups in 1990, 1994 and 1998, with a record 111 caps for Los Cafeteros (the Coffee Growers). Over and above his ever-presence though was his blonde afro, which made him one of the most recognisable faces in football. Should Colombia win this year’s tournament however, he’s pledged to shave it off but somehow we think his barber’s summer holiday plans are safe.

Ronaldo

Initially billed as a diversionary tactic to stop people talking about his injuries pre-tournament, Ronaldo, who had infamously bottled it in the 1998 final, later admitted the inspiration for leaving a semi-circle of hair on his forehead at the 2002 World Cup was down to a Brazilian cartoon character named Cascao from Turma da Monica (Monica’s Gang). Anyway, it worked, he scored eight goals to help Brazil become champions for a record fifth time.

Chris Waddle

Somewhere between England’s quarter-final win over Cameroon at Italia 90 and their subsequent semi-final exit to West Germany on penalties, Waddle - who missed a decisive penalty in that defeat - lost his mullet. Quite where it went no one knows, but legend has it he lost his power and ability to shoot post trim, and should have kept his mane if he wanted to help the Three Lions advance.

Taribo West

The Nigerian defender’s bright green dread bundles emanating from either side of his head and wound around to flow down his back, certainly took the attention off rumours regarding his real age at the 1998 World Cup – it was once alleged that he was seven to 12 years older than he claimed to be. It also added some colour to a tournament where the Super Eagles reached the last 16.

Rodrigo Palacio

When competing for space upfront for Argentina alongside Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain, you have to make a statement. Palacio took that to unusual lengths at the 2014 World Cup with this asymmetric rat-tail, which had to be endured all the way to the final. Quite what he was thinking will never be known, but despite his bit-part off the bench role, we are all still talking about him.