The Unique Story Behind the Tattoos of World Soccer Stars

The popularity of tattoos may have touched all world famous footballers. The players seemed to make it a mandatory accessory on the field, a package with the shoes and costumes they wore. But the tattoos that adorn the bodies of the green field stars are not without stories. Each motif and picture has its own story. Each season passes, the players have a million reasons to add tattoo or tattoo on the body that is still empty.

"Menato is a way to tell a story," said Leonardo Miralles, an artist from Argentina. Mirales's ability to tattoo was highly valued by Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, so the Spaniard even built a studio for him in London. "They used paper and ink before, but now people prefer to use their skin," he continued.

Miralles' remarks are appropriate for Italian goalkeeper Federico Marchetti. He claims to have seen the image of the Virgin Mary as he waited to be rescued when trapped in a car accident in 2005. Cagliari goalkeeper then decided to tattoo his right arm with writing that contains a prayer to the iconic holy woman in the Catholic religion. While on his left arm, printed the names of Andrea and Francy, two of his best friends who were killed in the accident.

Known as a tattoo trendsetter, David Beckham also has a number of religious motifs in adorning his body. In addition to the icon of Jesus in his right abdomen, the former England national team player also has two angels "nested" in his body. One was in his right hand, while the other — the winged guardian angel icon — nearly filled the star's back.

Similar motives also encourage players like Ezequiel Lavezzi (Lazio), Salvador Cabanas (Paraguay), Robbie Keane (Ireland) Naldo (Brazil / Werder Bremen) and Spanish midfielder who is now playing in the Turkish league with Besiktas, Guti. Guti even took the idea of ​​a mural in Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel for his tattoo.

It is not only religious images that inspire players. According to Patricio Hinojosa, a tattooist who often uses his services by Chile players, the family is also a source of ideas for tattoo motifs. "More than anything the players asked me to describe portraits of their children, wives or their family names," Hinojosa explained.

Arturo Vidal for example. The La Roja midfielder is proud to "carry" his mother's face to the gridiron. Meanwhile, Barcelona's Brazilian fullback Daniel Alves has his right back with his wife's face and the names of their children in his hands.

Numbers and dates are also a popular choice among footballers. According to legend, one time a former Monterrey player Jesus Arellano had lost the numbers 2 and 8 in his costume while training. The next day he decided to tattoo the number "28" on his back.

Meanwhile, Spanish duo Fernando Torres and Sergio Ramos have more sentimental reasons. Torres etched the date when he first kissed his wife, while Ramos chose the date "9/11" as a warning to the victims killed in a terrorist attack on the twin towers of the WTC, New York. Ramos also tattooed the date of the train bomb attack in Madrid in 2004.

There is also a unique story behind dozens of tattoos that adorn the body of Intermilan defender Marco Materazzi. Tattoo on his body increases every time the club he defended won the title. Uniquely, the tattoo image of the Italian defender is also adjusted to the shape of the trophy obtained by the Nerazzuri. "I still have a lot of room for other trophies. What I need to do is win it, "he joked.

For the stars of the gridiron, inspiration for tattooing the body can come from anywhere. A sense of nationalism made Wayne Rooney pinned the British flag on his right back. Other masculine icons can also be found on

Fransesco Totti (Roman army tattoo),

Fabio Cannavaro (Japanese samurai),

Danier Agger (Viking).

Daniel Agger agrees contract extension with Liverpool

Agger who is also a tattooist even promised to tattoo all his colleagues in Liverpool if they won the EPL title in 2009. Unfortunately the promise was not fulfilled.

Zodiac, animals and plants are also a source of inspiration. But body tattooing can also be a source of regret for a player. Dutch midfielder Andy van der Meyde is confident that his entire career as a footballer will be spent defending the club in his hometown, Ajax Amsterdam. He also tattooed the name of the club on his knee. A decision that seemed to be regretted earlier this year when he joined Ajax's arch enemy, PSV Eindhoven.

Share this post