The best body art from the tournament in Brazil.
If there is one thing that is almost universally common with modern footballers it’s tattoos, with Ballon d’Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo the only high profile name without any body art – for the highly commendable reason that he gives blood on a regular basis.
Therefore there are naturally a number of players at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with inked bodies and CaughtOffside has picked out the 10 best.
10. Mauricio Pinilla, Chile
There’s a reason this effort from Chilean Pinilla looks so red and that is because it has been done during the tournament, in fact to remember the moment when forward hit the bar in extra-time against the hosts in the last-16.
9. Ezequiel Lavezzi, Argentina
Clearly not scared of a needle, Paris Saint-Germain attacker Lavezzi supports his Catholic faith with the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ and several crosses, although our favourite has to be the image of Argentine legend Diego Maradona heading the ball.
8. Kevin-Prince Boateng, Ghana
The controversial Schalke 04 star – who was sent home from the World Cup for unprofessional behaviour – uses his body to show his career so far, with an AC Milan tattoo and a map of Ghana prominent.
7. Raheem Sterling, England
Growing up in West London teenage winger Sterling was right on the doorstep of the home of football – Wembley Stadium – and has the famous arch on his forearm to commemorate his rise to stardom.
6. Neymar, Brazil
The young Brazilian that carries a nation’s pride on his youthful shoulders has a few tattoos to inspire him, including ‘Turda Passa’ or ‘Nothing Lasts’ in English – which fortunately applies to the 7-1 defeat his team suffered to Germany on Tuesday.
5. Daniele de Rossi, Italy
A relatively iconic image now, tough tackling Italian midfielder de Rossi arrives with a warning on his leg to opposition players that they may be aware of his presence during a game.
4. Sergio Ramos, Spain
It may not have been the best of World Cups for Ramos and the rest of the reigning champions from Spain, but having won every trophy possible with club and country we think these calf tattoos are pretty good.
3. Nigel de Jong, Netherlands
This impressive artwork takes its inspiration from Indonesian warriors, which seems quite fitting for the way de Jong plays – as Xabi Alonso can attest to.
2. Tim Howard, USA
Equally as impressive is this full body effort from Everton goalkeeper Howard and some of you may be as surprised as we were that the American looks like this with no shirt on.
1. Raul Meireles, Portugal
Finally it’s a former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder who’s body is harder to find an area without a tattoo on it than it is to spot the body art, with his right leg a story of his life – with the red phone box a tribute to England.
SEE ALSO: The 50 best players at the 2014 World Cup.