Tattooed Titans: 6 Athletes Who Wear Their Stories

Once marked as a decoration, a modification to the skin done by outlaws and hippies, tattoos are one of the most debatable forms of self-expression. Nevertheless, in sports, it's a declaration. Declaration of pure ambition and rebellion. It is a visual art that cries of the unsaid resilience on the skin. If you are die-hard fan of cricket, you'd not need to guess twice when asked to name the player with most tattoos! You know Surya Kumar Yadav, happens to have the highest number of tattoos, 18, inked on his skin. For athletes inking is a way to wear their stories like amours.

But boil down the art of inking to mere self-expression does not necessarily encompass the visual autobiography of these men. It speaks of their personal identity, their openness to not completely conform to the societal norms and expectations, but to move beyond that to establish their identity. Although, some "ragret" getting a tattoo and many are unaware that inking has been part of many societies since ancient times, today, this form of body art that has deep connection with the world of popular culture. Also, they are almost the staple of masculine identity and a rite of passage for modern men.

A badge of the modern gladiator, from Odell to David Beckham, sportsmen have an inkling towards getting tattooed. And here we have a list of athletes with most tattoos. The tattoos on these athletes are well-executed and have sharp and clean details. The placements are also not random, have are meaningful ones with artistic appeal to it.

David Beckham (Football)

With over 70 tattoos, including tributes to his wife, Victoria Beckham and their children, the former England football team captain, David Beckham is one of the most tattoos.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Football)

With an ace of hearts and clubs, a Polynesian tribal design tattoo, and feather and koi fish tattoo amongst other 14 permanent and 50 temporary tattoos, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the famous Swedish footballer has some of the most distinctive tattoos.

Hardik Pandya (Cricket)

The all-rounder Indian cricketer, who is also an avid watch collector, Hardik Pandya adorns at least 12 stylish tattoos on his body some which symbolise his confidence, self-belief, and fierceness.

Ravindra Jadeja (Cricket)

Mirroring his personality and interests, Ravindra Jadeja has a dragon and a horse tattoo that symbolise power and wisdom, and speed and agility, respectively.

KL Rahul (Cricket)

KL Rahul has deeply personal tattoos on his forearm, shoulder that symbolise strength, knowledge and courage.

Virat Kohli (Cricket)

Known for his sense of fashion and cricketing skills, Indian cricket team captain, Virat Kohli has around 12 tattoos those including a lion, a key with Ram's horns, a phrase from The Dark Knight Rises, an owl, and more.