The FIFA World Cup 2026 is bringing together the world’s best soccer players, and along with their incredible skills on the field, their body art is getting a lot of attention. From religious symbols to family tributes and career milestones, the tattoos of stars like Lionel Messi, Neymar, Vinicius Jr, and Memphis Depay tell deep personal stories. These designs are not just for show. They represent faith, love, ambition, and the journeys that made these athletes who they are today.
Lionel Messi: Family, Faith and Football Milestones
The Argentine captain has built a meaningful collection of tattoos over the years. His right arm features a detailed sleeve that includes a portrait of Jesus Christ wearing a crown of thorns, showing his strong Christian faith. On the inside of his bicep, there is an eye and a crown, which are widely believed to represent his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. She has a matching crown tattoo in the same spot. A rose window, inspired by Barcelona’s famous Sagrada Familia church, sits over his elbow, surrounded by floral designs and rosary beads.
Messi’s left leg tells a story of transformation. The lower half is covered by a bold block of black ink, which covers older tattoos like a sword and a red rose. Peeking through are the handprints of his first son, Thiago, along with the number 10 shirt and the FC Barcelona crest. On his right ankle, he has the names and birthdates of all three of his sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. One of his earliest tattoos is a portrait of his mother, Celia, on his left shoulder blade. She runs the Leo Messi Foundation, which helps children around the world.
Messi does not have a direct World Cup trophy tattoo, but he has a faint Five of Cups design on his left leg. This refers to a Spanish tarot card. The number five represents his early squad number and his five family members. It also connects to a premonition he had during a card game with teammates before winning the Copa America in 2021.
Neymar: A Living Canvas of Faith and Victory
The Brazilian star is one of the most heavily tattooed players in soccer, with over 40 designs across his body. His collection includes the phrase Tudo Passa (Everything passes) on his neck, a pair of praying hands, and several Bible-inspired designs. On his hand, he has a cross, and near his elbow, there is an eye. On one thigh, Neymar has written: “No one understands how obsessed I am with winning.” He also has the symbol of Santos FC, the club that discovered him. On his other hand, a lion is tattooed, and just above it is the Olympic symbol, marking the gold medal he won with Brazil in the 2016 Rio Olympics. His son Davi Lucca’s name is also featured prominently in his collection.
Vinicius Jr: Honoring Sports Legends
The Brazilian forward has used his body to honor four sporting icons: Michael Jordan, Pelé, Kobe Bryant, and Muhammad Ali. He sees these tattoos as reminders of the greatness he aims to achieve in his own career. Vinicius Jr also has a portrait of Jesus Christ on his left shoulder, along with roses, eyes, and a lion. One of his most talked-about tattoos is a boy wearing a Number 10 jersey, a tribute to his own journey with the Brazilian national team.
Memphis Depay: The Lion and the Jungle
The Dutch forward has one of the most recognizable tattoos in soccer: a massive lion covering his entire back. Depay explained that the lion represents him because he was “brought up in the jungle.” He told Unscriptd that he went through rough times and rough areas, but he always stayed on his feet.
“I always had a feeling that I’ve been brought up in the jungle. The lion is for me, ‘the king of the jungle,’ and I always stayed on my feet even though it was rough.”
Depay also has a small circle on his wrist, which represents his small, trusted circle of friends. On his ribs, he has Christ the Redeemer from Rio de Janeiro. He got that tattoo after scoring his first World Cup goal for the Netherlands in the 2014 match against Australia.
Also Read:
Lucas Hernández and Other Stars
French defender Lucas Hernández sports an eagle, clockwork designs, and geometric patterns that give his body art a sleek, graphic look. Meanwhile, Argentine defender Nicolás Otamendi has one of the boldest tributes in soccer: a giant tattoo of Lionel Messi lifting the 2022 World Cup trophy on his abdomen. His back also has photorealistic portraits of characters from popular TV shows like Breaking Bad (Walter White), Peaky Blinders (Thomas Shelby), and Game of Thrones (the Night King).
According to a study published by The Conversation, 75% of players on Argentina’s 2022 World Cup winning team had tattoos expressing their religious beliefs, while 80% had tattoos portraying their loved ones. For these athletes, tattoos remain one of the few spaces of personal freedom in a highly controlled professional environment.
Also Read: Waiting for the Next Dating Alys Perez Episode? Here’s the Full Release Schedule
Want to know more about your favorite FIFA World Cup stars? Keep visiting VvipTimes for the latest player stories, match updates, and exclusive sports content.
