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The GOAT(ee).
Especially seeing as Movember is coming up, there is no shortage of sports stars making an attempt to let their facial hair grow. While some are a lot more successful than others, there can only be one king of the beards.
It takes hard work and dedication to be the best. Not to mention patience, as only those blessed with the right mentality can develop a respectable mane of manliness.
7. Aidan Devaney – GAA footballer
We stayed close to home for our first addition to the list. Sligo goalkeeper Aidan Devaney is blessed with a rough and red bushy beard that reminds us of Tormund from Game of Thrones.
Maybe he could have done his stunts for season eight? It’s not an easy look to pull off.
6. Roy Keane – Republic of Ireland Assistant Manager
While he does shave it off from time to time, Keano’s effort is a thing of beauty. As intimidating as he is at the best of times, adding that grizzled mane only makes him even more so.
We reckon he should let it grow out for a while. It would be interesting to see what effect a Gandalf-esque Roy Keane staring at them from the dugouts would have on opposition players.
5. Tyson Fury – Professional boxer
What a man. Apart from his phenomenal body transformations before fights, The Gypsy King is also capable of pulling off an excellent beard.
He’s undefeated so far in his career, but we’ve yet to see whether or not having a bearded cushion under his chin will make a difference against Deontay Wilder. Every little bit helps, Tyson, every little bit helps.
4. David Meyler – Republic of Ireland player
Not a player we’d consider having on this list until recent times, but credit where it’s due. It isn’t a short beard, but he does a fairly good job of maintaining it.
Hopefully, he’ll do as good a job maintaining Ireland’s midfield in the next round of the UEFA Nations League…
3. Conor McGregor – MMA fighter
The Notorious has always kept his beard in order, and it’s a huge part of his overall look. It’s gotten to the stage where we probably wouldn’t recognise him if he picked up a pair of razor blades and trimmed it off.
Whatever your opinion on the man, you can’t deny that he has always taken his facial hair very seriously.
2. John Muldoon – Bristol Rugby defence coach
While the former Connacht man’s set of whiskers isn’t currently as bushy as years gone by, he still looks like a chap not to be trifled with. All those years slugging it out in the Sportsground have definitely had an effect on his beard.
A beard for the ages.
1. Jason Kelce – NFL player
Our winner is none other than Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. The perfect fusion of ruggedness and upkeep, there aren’t many people who would be able to grow such a masterpiece.
He already won the Super Bowl this year, but we’re sure he’ll be even more delighted to have won what is the Super Bowl of beards. You’re welcome, Jason.
Fancy seeing the world’s greatest beard in action? In association with Just For Men, official sponsor of the NFL for Ireland, the UK, France, and Germany, we’re giving you the chance to win two tickets to the NFL London Games on Sunday, 28 October in Wembley Stadium.
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