Top 9 Players Who Don’t Have Tattoos
- Think Football Ideas
- Jul 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 31
While we often expect most top-tier footballers to have some sort of ink etched across their body, in some cases from full sleeves to subtle tributes, it isn't always the case. In fact, a surprising number of elite stars have steered clear of the needle altogether.
In a sport that thrives on individuality and expression, tattoos have always been part of the culture. But for some, their statement is in not following the crowd. Whether it’s a deep-rooted personal belief, religious discipline, or simply a quiet defiance of trends, these players have chosen to stay ink-free, and they’re proof that you don’t need body art to leave a mark.
Below Are 9 Popular Players Who Don’t Have Tattoos
1. Mohamed Salah – The Purist of Purpose
Liverpool’s Egyptian king isn’t only known for his dazzling runs and ruthless finishing. He carries himself with a sense of grounded simplicity. Salah has never been drawn to flashy trends. Tattoos, extravagant hairstyles, or choreographed dance celebrations? Not part of his game.
Raised in a devout Muslim household, his decision aligns with Islamic teachings, which discourage tattoos. But more than that, it reflects a no-frills approach to life: train smart, play harder, stay true to your roots.
His discipline is evident every time he steps onto the pitch, and his skin remains a reflection of that clarity.
2. Kylian Mbappé – The Clean Slate Superstar
One of the most electrifying players on the planet, Kylian Mbappé could embrace any trend his fame affords, but ink? Never appealed to him. Despite being a global icon at just 25, he’s consistently maintained a clean-cut, composed image.
While he hasn’t spoken much about it publicly, those close to him point to a Christian upbringing and a preference for classic simplicity. Now at Real Madrid, his unmarked skin feels symbolic, a fresh page in football history, written goal by goal.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – The Selfless Megastar
Cristiano Ronaldo could’ve easily built a tattoo collection as legendary as his career, but he chose a different path. His reason? Selflessness. As a regular blood donor, the Al-Nassr striker, Ronaldo, avoids tattoos to ensure he can donate frequently.
The four-month wait after getting inked would interfere. It all began in 2011 when a teammate’s child needed blood donations. Ronaldo stepped up, not with a photo op, but with genuine action. In a world where image often comes first, that quiet commitment says more than any design ever could.
4. Rodri – The Unbothered Engine
Rodri might be the most understated world-class player around. No earrings, no tattoos, no off-field drama, just tactical brilliance in midfield. Pep Guardiola once quipped that the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, Rodri, “looks like a proper holding midfielder,” neat, direct, and disciplined.
His clean appearance reflects a mindset focused on substance over style. He reads the game like few others, keeps it simple, and lets his performance speak for itself.
5. Robert Lewandowski – The Polished Professional
Lewandowski has shattered records for over a decade, but off the pitch, he remains refreshingly low-key. Calm, measured, and incredibly focused, the Polish legend has always lived with intent.
Tattoos never caught his interest. For Lewandowski, it’s about inner discipline, nutrition, recovery, mindset, and longevity. Even now at Barcelona, his professionalism and humility shine just as much as his finishing.
6. Achraf Hakimi – The Devout and Driven Full-Back
Achraf Hakimi's speed and attacking instinct make him a nightmare for opponents, but off the field, it’s his faith that defines him. A devout Muslim, Hakimi follows teachings that view tattoos as impermissible, and he honours that quietly but firmly.
There’s no flash for flash’s sake. Every choice he makes, from how he trains to how he presents himself, is rooted in discipline, belief, and purpose. He continues to be a key cog of the PSG side that won the 2025 historic treble under Luis Enrique.
7. Matthijs de Ligt – The Low-Key Leader
De Ligt has never chased the limelight. Even as a teenager leading Ajax to a Champions League semi-final under Erik ten Hag, he carried the calm of a seasoned veteran. That same maturity is evident in his lifestyle.
Now at Manchester United, the Dutch centre-back remains one of football’s more grounded figures. No ink, no controversies, all focus. For the Dutchman, De Ligt, leadership isn’t loud; it’s measured, humble, and consistent.
8. Sadio Mané – The Heart-First Winger
Sadio Mané’s career has been about more than goals and glory. From building hospitals to funding education in his hometown, his priorities have always stretched far beyond the pitch.
Tattoos don’t factor into that picture. As a Muslim, they go against his beliefs, and even more broadly, he views them as unnecessary distractions. In his words: “Why would I want ten Ferraris or diamond watches?” The 2020 African footballer of the year's purpose is deeper, and his legacy, more meaningful.
9. N’Golo Kanté – The Humble Icon
If football has a saint, it might be N’Golo Kanté. No social media antics. No luxury displays. No tattoos. The French midfielder is famously grounded, a World Cup winner who once celebrated in prayer rather than parties.
He’s been spotted watching matches in mosques, riding a modest Mini Cooper, and always putting team above self. His tattoo-free skin is just one more reflection of a man who plays and lives with intention.