Footballers aren’t just athletes — they’re artists, storytellers, and global icons. And for many of them, tattoos are more than just ink. They are personal maps of where they come from, what they’ve endured, and who they are off the pitch. There are many messages behind the ink
As the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 brings together the best clubs from every continent, it also unites some of the most heavily tattooed, expressive players in the game. From tributes to family to spiritual symbols, these tattoos offer a glimpse into the players’ identities — raw, honest, and often emotional.
Let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing stories behind the tattoos of players competing in this year’s tournament.
🇧🇷 Pedro (Flamengo) – The Wrist That Points to the Sky
Flamengo’s forward Pedro is known for his calm finishing and powerful headers. But eagle-eyed fans will notice a small yet meaningful tattoo on his wrist — a cross with initials of family members, including his late grandfather, who helped raise him.
After every goal, Pedro kisses the tattoo and points to the sky. It’s a gesture of thanks, remembrance, and spiritual grounding.
Ink Meaning:
“Every goal I score is for my grandfather. He’s the reason I never gave up on football.”
🇦🇷 Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan) – Map of His Journey
Inter Milan’s striker Lautaro Martínez carries his past with him — literally. Inked across his left arm is a compass, map lines, and a quote from his mother, symbolizing his journey from Bahía Blanca, Argentina to becoming a global star.
The design blends traditional black-and-grey shading with South American symbolism, showing his roots and ambition.
Ink Meaning:
“I always wanted to keep a part of home with me — no matter where I play.”
🇪🇬 Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly) – Faith Behind the Ink
Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy of Al Ahly keeps his ink discreet, but one tattoo on his upper arm has caught attention — an Arabic script quoting the Qur’an, which he says reminds him to stay focused, humble, and spiritually grounded.
The placement is personal — it’s not about showing off, but staying true to his values even in the most pressurized moments.
Ink Meaning:
“It’s not for others. It’s for me and for God.”
🇺🇸 Denis Bouanga (LAFC) – The Warrior Spirit
LAFC’s star striker Denis Bouanga brings flair to the pitch and expression to his body. His most striking tattoo is a Gabonese tribal design running down his right forearm — a tribute to his heritage, warrior ancestry, and African pride.
The detailed ink includes bold geometric shapes that represent endurance and spiritual protection.
Ink Meaning:
“My tattoos are my armor. They represent where I’m from and how I fight.”
🇫🇷 Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) – Name, Number, Legacy
Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembélé has several minimalist tattoos, but his standout is a small number “11” and a line of script over his ribs — a nod to his first professional contract and his jersey number growing up.
It’s a quiet tribute to the sacrifices his mother made for him to pursue football.
Ink Meaning:
“She believed in me when no one else did. This tattoo is for her.”
🇦🇷 Claudio Echeverri (River Plate) – The Boy Who Dreamed
The teenage sensation from River Plate, Claudio Echeverri, has quickly become a fan favorite — and so have his tattoos. One on his left forearm reads: “Nacido para esto” (Born for this), etched beside a football and goalpost.
It’s a bold statement for a young player, but one that reflects his mindset and destiny-driven motivation.
Ink Meaning:
“It reminds me every day that I’m living my dream. I was made for this.”
🇯🇵 Shinzo Koroki (Urawa Reds) – The Hidden Ink
Veteran forward Shinzo Koroki is known for his humility — and his very discreet ink. Unlike many players, his only tattoo is a tiny cherry blossom on his ankle, representing resilience, beauty in impermanence, and the spirit of Japan.
It’s subtle, respectful of Japanese culture, and deeply meaningful.
Ink Meaning:
“It’s a symbol of life — fragile, beautiful, and short. That’s how I play.”
🇵🇹 João Neves (Benfica) – Inked Wisdom
Benfica’s rising midfield star João Neves has a full sleeve of classical imagery: a lion, an hourglass, a quote about patience, and a candle. Each element represents phases of his career — time spent on the bench, fighting through injuries, and waiting for his big moment.
Ink Meaning:
“Every piece is a reminder: success takes time, and pain is part of the process.”
💬 Tattoos as Identity in Football Culture
For modern footballers, tattoos are more than just body art. They are biographies in ink — permanent reminders of struggles, roots, and personal beliefs. In tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, these stories are worn on sleeves, arms, legs, and hearts.
From spiritual symbols to artistic expressions, these tattoos speak when words can’t. In a tournament that brings together so many backgrounds, faiths, and languages, ink becomes a universal language of football emotion.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is more than just a tournament of elite clubs — it’s a celebration of culture, identity, and passion. And some of the most powerful stories aren’t told in interviews or stats. They’re etched on skin.
Next time you watch a goal celebration or a walkout shot, take a closer look at the ink. Every tattoo has a story. And every story has a heartbeat.
📲 Explore more stories, fan culture, and Club World Cup coverage at soccernpopcorn.com
I’m a Brazilian copywriter and the voice behind Soccer n Popcorn. I’ve been in love with football for as long as I can remember — especially the electric energy of stadiums and the stories that unfold off the pitch. From fan chants to behind-the-scenes rituals, I’m here to explore everything that makes the game more than just 90 minutes.
