Tattoos are usually synonymous with athletes – especially football players. And whiles there is myth around the reasons for which players go for these tattoos, the art certainly looks appealing to most fans.

Players choose to get tattooed for various reasons. For some, it is done to make a memorable moment unforgettable. Others also believe that tattoos help shape their identities.

Whichever way it is looked at, the inking of arts on the body has become popular among footballers – and most of them enjoy it.

Pulse Sports brings you a list of ten football superstars who love their tattoos (In no particular order).

David Beckham

The ex-England captain is mostly remembered for his free-kick expertise on the pitch. However, his commitments away from football are part of his success story. As a brand ambassador, and a model, Beckham poses for many ads with his enviable tattoos.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid winger has 40 tattoos. According to him, each has a meaning. In 2015, he explained that all his tattoos represent “the important people in my life”.

Kevin-Prince Boateng

The Ghanaian international simply loves tattoos. Kevin-Prince Boateng began to tattoo his body at a very tender age. At age 17 the former AC Milan midfielder already had his first tattoo.

The German-born Ghanaian has inked various arts on his arms, biceps and his back. On the right arm of the Las Palmas midfielder is a tattoo he calls the “two jokers”. He also explains that he has “the name of my wife and my hometown, Berlin” also tattooed on his body.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The big Swede has so many tattoos on his body, and once confessed in his autobiography that inking arts on his body “became like a drug for me”.

The Manchester United striker has 14 tattoos on his upper arm, with numerous others on his back and belly.

Memphis Depay

Known for his dribbles and skills, the Netherland international also have preference for tattoos.

The Lyon winger has a variety of arts on his body – particularly his chest where he has the words ‘Dream Chaser’ boldly inscribed.

Arturo Vidal

The Bayern Munich midfielder actually has the name of his daughter tattooed on his arm.

His tattoos which cover his belly and all round his back all have meanings, according to him. The Chilean actually had a horse and a jockey tattooed on the right side of his belly because he loves horses.

Jerome Boateng

The world cup winner has interesting tattoos all over his body. From his arms, thighs, biceps, belly et al.

As a family man, Boateng sees the need to have the names of his children inked on his body. His two daughters, Soley and Lamia, have their names pinned on his body. He also has the words “trust”, “believe” and “faith” inked on other parts of his body.

Sergio Ramos

The talented Spaniard is one footballer who really cherishes tattoos. It might sound weird, but the Real Madrid defender actually has tattoos even on his fingers.

The former Sevilla man loves tattoos so much that he got another one inscribed on his body when Real Madrid won their 11th Champions League crown.

Marcos Rojo

Manchester United rareguard, Marcos Rojo, is  huge fan of tattoos, going as far as inking the words ‘pride’ and ‘glory’ on his left and right knees.

He also has tattoos on his chest dedicated to his family and his former club Estudiantes de la Plata, with whom he won the Copa Libertadores.

Raul Meirelas

The Portuguese international is as controversial on the pitch as his tattoos are. Having been tagged as a ‘bad boy’, the midfielder’s tattoos a contributing factor to that notion.

Raul Meireles actually has his whole right leg covered with tattoos, with the picture of a young girl boldly cutting through. The former Liverpool and Chelsea midfielder also has different arts inked on back and forearms.

Alexander Kolarov

The Serbian defender is one footballer who makes so much meaning of his tattoos. The Manchester City man has inked drawings on his arms, chest and back.

Kolarov – as calm as he sometimes looks on the pitch – loves his tattoos, and that makes him one of footballs most popular ink kings.