In the world of modern soccer, not only on-field performance matters, but also personal image. More and more players are choosing to improve their physical appearance with cosmetic treatments. One of the most common is the hair transplant.
In recent years, top-level figures have decided to undergo this procedure with surprising results.
The procedure, which used to be a taboo in locker rooms, has become a common practice among footballers, coaches, and even executives. The list of cases is growing longer, and in many of them, the physical change has been remarkable.
Ter Stegen, the latest to undergo surgery
The most striking case is that of Marc-André Ter Stegen. The FC Barcelona goalkeeper, one of the club's most important footballers in the past decade, decided to undergo a hair transplant to improve the density of his hair. His renewed image has been the subject of comments on social media, where many followers have highlighted the player's wise decision.
Ter Stegen isn't the first to do so at the elite level. In the past, other footballers from Real Madrid and FC Barcelona had already chosen the same treatment. Even club presidents, such as Joan Laporta, also turned to hair transplants to improve their public presence.
Laporta doesn't have problems with alopecia, but he has fixed the early receding hairline that was starting to show. He also dyes his gray hair, has used botox, and is now busy losing weight to improve his health and image.
Footballers who have undergone a hair transplant
The list of names is long and well-known. Jordi Alba, former Barça player, chose this procedure a few months ago. Wayne Rooney was one of the pioneers in bringing visibility to hair transplants.
Croatian Ivan Rakitić, formerly of Sevilla and Barça, also underwent this type of treatment. Diego Simeone, Atlético de Madrid coach, did the same, and his physical change after the transplant was evident. Even figures from other sports, such as Rafa Nadal, have also undergone surgery in search of a definitive solution against hair loss.
The most famous footballers who have restored their hair are David Beckham, Mohammed Salah, Nemanja Gudelj, Munir El Haddadi, Kyle Walker, Magalhaes, Diego López. Also Antonio Conte, Braithwaite, Iker Casillas, Jan Oblak, Alfonso Pérez, Mendieta, Jürgen Klopp.
Limitations for athletes
The hair transplant isn't a complicated operation, but it does require special care during the first few weeks. During that period, it's recommended to avoid intense physical exercise and, especially, contact sports. Sweat and blows to the head can compromise the survival of the transplanted follicles.
Doctors usually recommend waiting at least one month before returning to demanding training. From then on, players can return to normal without major risk. The final results aren't immediate, and they usually become noticeable between 12 and 15 months after the procedure.
A growing trend
More and more footballers are turning to specialized clinics in Türkiye and Spain, countries where hair transplants have reached a high level of specialization. Prices vary depending on the technique used and the number of follicles implanted, but the final results are considered very satisfactory.
The hair transplant is no longer a taboo subject in elite sports. Today, it's a treatment as common as a meniscus operation or a ligament recovery. Judging by the names that have already undergone surgery, everything suggests that the list will keep growing in the coming years.