When it comes to the FIFA World Cup 2018 teams, the competition doesn't stop when the players leave the field. These athletes are just as serious about their beards as they are about scoring against their opponents. With healthy diets and exercise routines, it's no wonder these players have some massive manicured manes.
Fans may have mourned the losses of eliminated World Cup 2018 teams Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Morocco, Australia, Peru, Iceland, Nigeria, Costa Rica, Serbia, Germany, South Korea, Panama, Tunisia and Poland. However, when you judge their facial grooming and not their soccer skills, many of these teams still offer players with enviable beards. On the other hand, teams like Argentina, Sweden and France still have a leg, or in this case, a face, in both competitions.
Here at Zeus Beard, we assessed all the teams and narrowed it down to the top seven World Cup beard and mustache looks.
1 Adil Rami
Photo via Instagram / @adilrami
COUNTRY : France | POSITION : Defender
Highly respected in Europe, Adil Rami showcased his talent garnering attention and scouting from both France and Morocco. He ultimately chose to pursue his passion and play for France, who he's representing in Russia for the 2018 World Cup. His perfectly styled beard and handlebar mustache make sense once you realize his current beau is former Baywatch babe Pamela Anderson.
2 Ramin Rezaeian
Photo via Instagram / @raminrezaeian
COUNTRY : Iran | POSITION : Defender
Ramin Rezaeian is known for his impeccable dribbling, play-making, crossing and exceptional speed. Understandably, he was Iran's first pick for 2018 World Cup players. When he's not killing it on the field, Rezaeian shows off expensive cars and his tailored beard on Instagram. Moreover, the sharp shape of his beard edges are powerful because they create the look of a more defined jawline.
3 Aron Gunnarsson
Photo via Instagram / @arongunnarsson
COUNTRY : Iceland | POSITION : Midfielder
Aron Gunnarsson made headlines after defeating Croatia in the World Cup. Running shirtless to kiss his pregnant wife after the game, he showed off an amazingly detailed back tattoo of the Icelandic flag and coat of arms. The midfielder has both dedication to his country and to his beard. Gunnarsson clearly invests in an effective beard balm or wax to achieve his sculpted look.
4 Lionel Messi
Photo via Instagram / @luispascualok
COUNTRY : Argentina | POSITION : Forward
With $111 million in earnings and an $84 million salary according to Forbes, Lionel Messi topped Cristiano Ronaldo this year as soccer's highest paid player. While currently repping Argentina in the World Cup 2018 teams, Messi recently signed a new contract with Barcelona. When you're the richest player in soccer, your beard better be one of the best on the field and Messi doesn't disappoint with both fullness and structure.
5 Jimmy Durmaz
Photo via Instagram / @jimmydurmaz
COUNTRY : Sweden | POSITION : Midfielder
Not all things have been positive when it comes to coverage of the 2018 World Cup. Swedish midfielder Jimmy Durmaz was berated on social media being called a "f---ing immigrant" and "suicide bomber," according to Time. Despite the backlash, Durmaz maintained his focus and dedication to his team who will advance into the final 16. One thing haters couldn't possibly pick on is his bold beard. Each bristle is brushed perfectly into its stylish square shape.
6 Gabriel Gomez
Photo via Instagram / @gavilan0328
COUNTRY : Panama | POSITION : Midfielder
Gabriel Gomez is no bench warmer. Quite the opposite, Gomez appeared in more than 140 internationals for Panama and seven Gold Cup tournaments before joining the World Cup 2018 teams. He also doesn't let his beard stay on the sidelines. According to USA Today, many fans think Gomez's dark face framer makes him professional basketball player Kyrie Irving's doppelganger.
7 Mile Jedinak
Photo via Instagram / @milejedinak15
COUNTRY : Australia | POSITION : Midfielder
Australia's team captain Mile Jedinak received respect from his rivals during the World Cup after appealing Peruvian captain Paolo Guerrero's drug suspension. Jedinak's support helped allow Guerrero to represent his country in the competition. Despite his good intentions, Peru was victorious in their matchup, knocking Australia out of the tournament. While he may not be playing in this year's World Cup any longer, his beard deserves major respect in our competition. In addition, the few mixed in gray strands keep his look natural.
