Football may be known as the beautiful game, but some of the ugliest footballers like prove that looks aren’t everything. While skill, passion, and determination are what truly count on the pitch, some footballers have stood out as much for their unique appearances as for their performances.

To create a credible and balanced ranking, we relied on data and insights from reputable sports platforms like Ranker and BeSoccer. These funny-looking soccer players have become famous as much for their appearance as for their exploits on the pitch. Here are the ugliest football players.

Iain Dowie is a former striker who played for Southampton, Crystal Palace, and West Ham. He became a cult favourite, not just for his grit on the pitch but also for his unmistakable looks.

With wide-set eyes, a jutting jaw, and a mouth rarely seen shut, his face quickly became iconic for all the wrong reasons. Unsurprisingly, he's landed at the top of several "ugliest players in the Premier League" rankings.

Luke Chadwick began his professional career at Manchester United. He made 25 Premier League appearances.

While his contributions on the pitch were clear to see, public attention often focused more on his appearance than his performance. During his time as a player, he was frequently mocked in the media for his uneven smile, acne-prone complexion, and unkempt hair, which subjected him to repeated ridicule.

Though he's since opened up about how the comments affected him, many fans still remember him as the ugliest footballer ever.

Dirk Kuyt is a Dutch former footballer and current manager of Beerschot. Though he began as a forward, he spent much of his career on the right wing. While his energy won fans over, his looks were often a talking point. With stringy hair, a worn face, and a sharp-toothed grin, Kuyt was seen as tough to look at.

Ronaldinho is one of the most exciting players to ever play the game. He has had stints in major football clubs such as Barcelona, Inter Milan, and PSG.

However, the Brazilian caught the eyes on and off the pitch as well. Fans often commented on his prominent teeth and unique facial structures. This was not a big deal, though, especially since he did most of his talking in the pitch.

Carlos Tevez is an Argentine manager and former professional footballer who played for major clubs, including Manchester United and Manchester City. In his prime, Tevez was a devastating attacker who played as a striker, winger, or second striker. 

Teves's looks often drew attention as much as his on-field prowess. Scars, a broad jaw, and a compact frame gave him a bulldog-like face. However, fans loved his grit and never-say-die attitude.

Héctor Herrera is a Mexican midfielder who has played top-flight football for a long time. He is currently playing for Toluca in Liga MX.

Herrera has frequently been the subject of jokes among fans. Most of them mock the size of his ears and the distinctive shape of his head.

His appearance has sparked plenty of jokes online, especially during national tournaments. Still, his drive and presence in midfield speak louder than the teasing.

Felipe Caicedo is a striker for Barcelona S.C. He's known for his strong build and wide facial features. At Copa América 2011, fans voted him the ugliest player. He took the label with good humour and kept doing what he does best, scoring goals.

Ralf currently plays as a defensive midfielder for Vila Nova. One of his most prominent physical features is his piercing look, especially when playing. His rugged face and deep scars are often striking.

Jannik Vestergaard is a centre-back who plays for Leicester City and the national team. Before moving to Southampton in 2018, he played for several clubs in Denmark and Germany. Fans often point out his long face and striking features. Many online say he looks more like a Viking warrior than a footballer.

Wojciech Szczęsny has been on top of the goalkeeping world for quite some time now. He has played for various top clubs, including Arsenal, Juventus, and Barcelona. Even though his shot-stopping skills are top tier, his looks have also garnered a lot of attention. This is especially true due to his nose appearance and quirky smile.

Many football fans know Diego Costa as the no-nonsense striker who always clashed with defenders. Popular for leading Chelsea to two Premier League titles, the Brazilian-born Spaniard was always aggressive in his play.

Krépin Diatta is a right winger for Monaco and the Senegal national team. He went viral during one of the AFCON tournaments because of his looks. Fans quickly pointed out his long face, full lips, and sharp jawline. His appearance has made him a trending topic ever since. 

Marek Hamšík is a fan favourite in the Serie due to his prolonged stint in SSC Napoli. His standout performances on the pitch gained him a widespread following.

Marek is best known for his trademark mohawk. However, many people see it as a way to draw attention to his unusual looks. He has sharp cheekbones, a wide mouth, and a piercing stare.

Peter Crouch is one of the funniest and jovial players to ever play the game. He has played in the English top flight for clubs such as Spurs and Stoke City. He was also a formidable striker for the Three Lions, earning 42 caps between 2005 and 2010 and scoring 22 goals.

Standing at 6ft 7in, he was hard to miss during his playing days. He has a lanky build, big teeth, and a clumsy stride. All these combined make him look oddly put together. However, his charm, quick wit, and famous robot dance made him a fan favourite.

David Hopkin is a former midfielder and football coach. During his playing career, he featured in the Premier League for clubs like Chelsea, Leeds United, and Bradford City. During his playing days, he was known for his fiery red hair and noticeably large ears. His unique look made him easy to spot on the pitch.

Héctor Reynoso was a centre-back for Guadalajara in Mexico. Solid in defence, he was never seen as a poster boy. His bold jawline, thick brow, and rough features often landed him on lists of football's least photogenic players.

Franck Ribéry is a former French winger. He is renowned for his speed, skill, and precise passing, particularly from the left flank. His face, marked by scars from a childhood accident, became a defining feature.

While many admire the character it shows, others have harshly called him one of the game's least attractive. His unusual teeth only added to the comments

Ángel Di María plays as a right winger for Rosario Central in Argentina. His name is etched in football history, especially being one of the top assisters in Champions League history. Fans often point out his thin face, large ears, and striking features.

William Chiroque is a former Peruvian footballer who played as a striker and winger. He was part of the Peru squad that took bronze at the 2011 Copa América. In South American tournaments, fans often listed him among the ugliest players. His broad nose and uneven smile gave him a look that fans never forgot.

• : Zadar, Croatia

Luka Modrić is a legendary midfielder who captains both Real Madrid and the Croatian national team. Widely seen as Croatia's best-ever footballer, he even broke the Messi-Ronaldo Ballon d'Or streak. 

One striking feature of Luka is his nose. This often brings out an unbalanced feature to his face.

This list of the ugliest footballers in the world demonstrates how some players have become as memorable for their looks as for their skills on the pitch. From Iain Dowie's iconic face to Carlos Tevez's scarred features, these individuals prove that the beautiful game is about far more than surface-level appeal. 

Tuko.co.ke also published an article about famous bald people who have proven that you don't need hair to shine. The article lists the most inspirational figures across entertainment, business, and sports, showing how confidence and success come from within, not from one's hairstyle. 

From Hollywood stars like Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham to sports legends like Michael Jordan and Zinedine Zidane, these icons have embraced baldness and built powerful personal brands. Read on to discover how these celebrities turned baldness into a bold trademark.

Source: TUKO.co.ke