Football. Futbol. Voetbal. Futebol. Fußball. Fotboll. Calcio.

No matter what you call it, no other sport comes close to matching the worldwide passion for the beautiful game. Not even cricket. Football is a global game. And the World Cup is the biggest and most-watched sporting event in the world. For all the right reasons too! Not only does football have the most popular players, but also the most stylish athletes. Known for their extreme games and edgy personalities, these players carry out new trends with an air of pride.

Except for an occasional stubble, these players have generally been seen sporting a squeaky-clean or a well-groomed look. Seems like #BreakTheBeard has gone international. And clearly, it has worked in favour of these players. Unlike those who chose to keep heavy beards... (ahem ahem, Messi). 

1.

MensXP

Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player of all time! And fans were quick to notice a change in his usual facial hairstyle when he was spotted with a goatee. Maybe this is him subtly trying to acknowledge being the GOAT (both puns intended).

And Bollywood took no time to notice this. After all, the Indian king of fashion, Ranveer Singh spoke about the new development too!

He grew A #GOAT (EE) ?!?! REALLY ??!!  ð

WHAT . A . GUY  ð¤¦ð½‍âï¸ ð @Cristiano #URUPOR

2. 

MensXP

If there's one thing that the French heartthrob, Antoine Griezmann has kept as consistent as his excellent performance on the field, it's his choice of keeping his face prim and proper. While he has switched his hairstyle a lot- remember his long blond tresses?- he has always kept his face clean-shaven.

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MensXP

The Croatian centre-back, Dejan Lovern made his debut for Croatia's national team in 2009. He switches between a clean-shaven look and a well-stylised French beard every now and then, and we have no complaints.  

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MensXP

Clean heart and cleaner face. Paul Pogba dedicated France's semi-final win against Belgium to the 12 boys who survived a harrowing ordeal trapped underground in Thailand. The goodhearted switches between a goatee and a slick look.

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MensXP

He is one of the best players in Croatia's football history, and he is a die-hard advocate of a clean-shaven face. While he might not have spoken about it outright, he has kept his face spotless since he started playing in 2005.

It's pretty clear that a full beard is simply passé, and #BreakingTheBeard is the way forward. Remember how Indian cricketers also opted for cleaner looks in IPL this year? So guys, what's your favourite beard style? Let us know in the comments section!