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Football's marvellous mullets ranked as 'business in front and party in the back'

As ex-footballer Chris Waddle turns 64 today (December 14) it only seemed right to take a look back at some the most magnificent mullets that football has ever seen

[The mullet haircut saw plenty of renditions within football]

The mullet haircut saw plenty of renditions within football(Image: Getty Images)

The mullet has made it's return to fashion lately - but no one does it quite like they did in the 1980's.

Although the trim was mainly synonymous with rock bands and surfing Aussie's stunting Speedo's, the controversial haircut found its way into football culture as-well.

One of the most iconic players to ever sport the 'business in the front - party in the back' hairdo was Chris Waddle who turns 64 today. The former attacking midfielder who had stints at Newcastle, Tottenham and multiple other clubs was a mullet master in football.

But where does he rank among the best mullets in the business? Daily Star Sport is on hand to give you a blast from the past.

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7. Charlie Nicholas

[What was Charlie thinking?]

What was Charlie thinking?

We are sitting here thinking what an absolute mess of a mullet Nicholas had on show despite the Scotsman being known for his flair and finesse.

Unfortunately for Champagne Charlie, he played for Arsenal - not Spandau Ballet - though that did not stop him from becoming a top player for the Gunners from 1983 to 1988.

Now scrambling for work after being axed by Sky Sports, maybe its time to bring back the look?

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6. Trifon Ivanov

There were not many reasons for us to shout about at the 1994 World Cup - having missed out completely - but Bulgaria got themselves some neutral fans from these shores simply down to Ivanov.

The defenders curly mullet became the barnet from the Balkans and would make an appearance two years down the line at Euro 1996.

Ivanovs time in football was largely spent across a myriad of clubs including CSKA Sofia, Real Betis and Rapid Wien.

[Trifon Ivanov's majestic curls were quite the look]

Trifon Ivanov's majestic curls were quite the look

5. Mesut Ozil

Modern fans will know Ozil for his silky skills at Arsenal before crashing out after being ostracised by Mikel Arteta but when he was growing up, the playmaker was one of the best in the business.

Coming up through the Schalke academy, the now-retired star was not afraid to make an impact - rocking the mullet in his first senior season with the German club.

[A mullet with frosted tips - Mesut Ozil - ladies and gentlemen]

A mullet with frosted tips - Mesut Ozil - ladies and gentlemen

It must have certainly caught the eye because a few years later, Ozil would be strutting his stuff with Real Madrid - though the hairdo did not make it that far.

4. Cesc Fabregas

[Just one of some strange decisions Cesc Fabregas made upstairs]

Just one of some strange decisions Cesc Fabregas made upstairs

Another graceful technician with the ball, Fabregas must have forgot about his mullet the way it grew out to almost nightmare lengths.

Arsene Wenger was clearly a fan, though, after making the midfielder the youngest Arsenal captain of all-time while the Spaniard would go on to sport some other shocking haircuts - such as the Fallout Boy look and a dodgy soul patch beard that looked more like he had forgot to wipe his gob after dinner.

3. Barry Venison

[Just try looking at that hair for longer than 30 seconds]

Just try looking at that hair for longer than 30 seconds

Probably one of the most iconic mullets of all-time, Venisons do continued with him throughout the 80s into his punditry days.

The mullet itself has its own Facebook page with an almost-cultish following that claims his barnet has powers the likes of which no mortal can understand.

It is hard to argue against that while the former Liverpool defender has recently started a new business called Premier Install Co in the United States that supplies hotels.

2. Chris Waddle

[Chris Waddle gave us the zeitgeist of the 80s with his famous hairdo]

Chris Waddle gave us the zeitgeist of the 80s with his famous hairdo

Our birthday boy must settle for the second place despite his legendary status in the mullet game, where pilgrims would flock from many a mile to see it in action.

A true Renaissance man of his time, he released a song called Diamond Lights along with then-teammate Glenn Hoddle that reached No. 12 in the UK charts - its pure 80s synth gold.

Magic Chris, famed for his ability on the ball, would become a household name with Newcastle and Spurs before joining Marseille in 1989 and returning to England with Sheffield Wednesday in 1992.

1. Gerry Francis

[The Last of the Mullets - Gerry Francis]

The Last of the Mullets - Gerry Francis

Our undisputed top mullet of all-time belongs to QPR legend Francis simply down to his sheer dedication to the do - sticking without throughout his entire adult life.

The former Tottenham manager also turned 61 earlier this month and pips Waddle to the title down to the fact his neck warmer has aged like a fine wine.

When anyone mentions Francis name, it is impossible not to think of those flowing locks on the back of his head while the receding hairline and tuft on top just complete an iconic look - kudos Gerald.

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