This wasn’t just a random haircut. Neymar debuted this look in the summer of 2017, right as he completed the most expensive transfer in football history—leaving Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain for €222 million. The haircut was a statement. It said: I’m the new king. I’m flashy. I’m bold. Watch me.

The 2017 Neymar Haircut: When Football and Fashion Collided

While Neymar has cycled through countless looks (from mohawks to buzz cuts to braids), the 2017 blonde-fade remains his most iconic. It perfectly captured the era: a time of flashy football, high drama, and players becoming as known for their brand as their ball control.