Footballers are known to be lovers of getting tattooed, with Lionel Messi an avid fan of being inked – though Cristiano Ronaldo is famously devoid of any skin art.
U.S. Men's National Team and Chelsea star Christian Pulisic, however, is on the Messi camp and in favour of getting tattoos, sporting a myriad of unique ink.
GOAL has what you need to know about the midfielder's tattoos, what they mean, where they are located and more.
Christian Pulisic's sleeve tattoos
The USMNT star has several tattoos, and they are all located across the entirety of his entire left arm.
Pulisic has a prominent tattoo of a tiger's eyes across his left forearm, which he has stated is his favourite tattoo.
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There are roman numerals underneath the tiger's eyes tattoo which signify the date (“XII XIII MMXIII”) of when Pulisic scored a goal and assist against Brazil with the USMNT during an international friendly – December 13, 2013 – when he was just 15.
When asked about his favorite tattoo, Pulisic said in an interview: "That's tough. I probably consider them all as one, but I'd probably have to say my tiger one. This is my favourite one, I got this a long time ago. Tigers have always been kinda my favourite animal."
The forward also has a massive tattoo of a bald eagle across his upper arm and shoulder – the United States mascot – with an accompanying American flag behind the eagle.
Below the eagle is a quote by American author Napeleon Hill, which reads: "Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything." Another tattoo in this area is that of a crown and "Philly" written underneath in elaborate lettering.
Following Chelsea's victorious 2021 Champions League final where they defeated Premier League rivals Manchester City, Pulisic got a tattoo of a queen chess piece on his left forearm. Upon closer inspection of the tattoo, it also bears the name "Mate", which is the name of Pulisic's late grandfather as well as his own middle name.
"Chess is a recent passion that I rekindled during all the time indoors in lockdown," says Pulisic. "I’d say N’Golo [Kante] and I are the top two."
Pulisic got the queen chess piece tattooed wearing his Champions League medal in the summer of 2021.
"I had it done after the Champions League final. There’s no great significance to the queen, though it’s a cool piece — versatile, powerful and can move anywhere.
"It was my grandpa who taught me how to play when I was younger. I was nowhere near his level and I wish we’d played more but I’m glad we shared that. It’s a memory I hold close to my heart. That’s why the tattoo is so special to me."