Which Premier League Inspired Men’s AfroHairstyles Are Trending Right Now (And How To Book Them)?

Some of the most requested cuts we see at Toni’s Barbers in Manchester are inspired by Premier League footballers who are everywhere on TV and socials. Think:

• Clean fades that survive 90 minutes in the rain

• Long hair that still looks sharp in a headband or bun

• Curls and texture that actually work with your hair – not against it

So if you’ve ever sat watching the match thinking, “I want that trim,” this one’s for you.

1. Bukayo Saka – High-Top / Drop Fade

Saka has become a real hair reference for younger lads – a high-top, textured afro combined with a strong fade at the sides. Some barbers break it down as a high-top or drop fade that follows his head shape, with the curls left free on top.

It’s bold enough to stand out in the stadium, but still clean enough for school, college or the office.

Ask your barber for:

• A high-top or slightly rounded top, not too squared unless you really want that boxy look

• A mid or high fade / drop fade that dips towards the back of the head

• Proper shaping with scissors and clippers to keep the silhouette smooth from all angles

• Curl sponge or twist-enhancing product to bring out your natural texture

  
  

Good for you if:

• You like a bit of height and want your hair to be part of your whole outfit

• You’re into streetwear, football shirts and trainers – this cut suits that aesthetic perfectly

• You’re happy to pop in every 2–4 weeks for a shape-up so the top doesn’t lose its shape

2. Mohamed Salah – Iconic Curls with a Sharp Fade

Salah’s look is all about those tight curls on top with clean, controlled sides. Over the years he’s gone from a bigger, looser afro to shorter, more intentional curls with a subtle fade around the edges.

It’s simple, recognisable and looks just as good in a Liverpool shirt as it does with a smart fit on date night.

Ask your barber for:

• A short to medium curly top – not too long, just enough to show texture

• A low or mid fade on the sides and back (nothing skinhead harsh unless you want it)

• A natural but tidy hairline, not overly boxed or drawn-on

• Optional: a slight Mohican/Mo-hawk shape if you like his more recent, slimmer silhouette through the middle

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Good for you if:

• You’ve got naturally curly or coily hair and want it to do the talking

• You want a low-maintenance matchday cut – a bit of curl cream and you’re good

• You like something recognisable but not too flashy – Salah levels of chill

3. Marcus Rashford – Taper Fade with Line-Up

Rashford’s cut is already a classic: a taper fade with a clean line-up and short afro curls on top. Barbers and men’s hair sites literally talk about it as his signature style.

Sometimes he’s worn it with dyed blonde ends, sometimes darker and more subtle – but the structure stays the same: fresh fade, defined curls, sharp edges.

Ask your barber for:

• A taper fade (rather than full skin fade) – gradually shorter towards the ears and nape

• A short, even afro/top, no big sponge twists – just tight curls

• A crisp line-up around the forehead and temples

• Optional: lightened/blonde tips if you want that “Rashford 2021” vibe

  
  

Good for you if:

• You want something that looks professional at work and elite on the pitch

• You’re happy to visit the barber every 2–3 weeks to keep that fade and line-up clean

• You like subtle detail over big, dramatic changes (the kind of cut people notice without knowing why it looks so good)

  
  

4. Virgil van Dijk – The Slick Man Bun with Undercut

Van Dijk’s hair is almost as commanding as his defending. Long curls pulled back into a low, slick man bun with the sides and back kept neatly tapered or undercut – it’s become a proper signature for him.

On the pitch it’s practical and out of the way; off the pitch it looks refined and put-together.

Ask your barber/stylist for:

• Long hair – we’re talking at least below your ears before you even think about the bun

• A clean taper or undercut at the sides and back to keep everything neat

• Advice on where to place the bun (Virgil goes for that low, back-of-the-head position)

• A recommendation for a light cream/oil so the hair looks sleek, not frizzy

  
  

Good for you if:

• You’re already growing your hair out or you’re willing to commit to the process

• You like styles that feel masculine but polished

• You play sport, hit the gym, or just want a way to control long curls without chopping them off

  
  

5. Raheem Sterling – Tapered Afro with Low Fade

Sterling has experimented with plenty of looks, but one of the strongest – and one that’s often picked out in men’s hair guides – is his tapered afro with a low fade.

It keeps his natural texture intact on top, with the sides and back cleaned up just enough to feel sharp, not messy.

Ask your barber for:

• A medium-length afro on top, shaped to suit your head (not a box unless you ask)

• A low fade around the ears and nape that blends smoothly, not a harsh jump

• A soft but defined outline – especially around the temples and beard if you’ve got one

• A bit of curl sponge work or twist definition if you like that extra texture

  
  

Good for you if:

• You want your hair to look natural and expressive, not overly structured

• You prefer a bit more length than a Rashford-style crop

• You like switching between full curls, twist-outs or sponge curls without changing the whole cut

  
  

How to Choose the Right Footballer-Inspired Cut for You

When you’re picking a look, think about:

• Face shape –

  • Round faces: taper fades and high-tops (Rashford/Saka) can add height and structure.

  • Oval/long faces: man buns and longer tops (Van Dijk/Sterling) usually sit nicely.

• Hair type –

  • Tight coils and afro hair love tapered afros, fades, and curls left natural (Rashford, Sterling, Saka).

  • Looser curls or wavy hair work well for man-bun styles (Van Dijk).

• Lifestyle –

  • If you’re busy or not into styling products, keep it short and simple like Salah or Rashford.

  • If you love experimenting, colour and extra length, lean more Sterling/Saka/Van Dijk energy.

    
    

Bring screenshots of your favourite version (match photo, Insta pic, or even a clip from Match of the Day) and we can translate that into something that works for your hair, not just theirs.

Ready to book your footballer-inspired look?

If you’re in Manchester and you want to walk out of the shop feeling like you’re walking out of the tunnel:

• Pick your player (or mix a couple together)

• Save a few reference photos to your phone

• Book your appointment with Toni’s Barbers via Booksy

• Turn up, relax, and let us handle the fade, curls, or shape-up

Whether you’re going full Van Dijk with the man bun, Rashford with the taper fade, or Saka with the bold high-top, we’ve got you.