Being "true men" means no "weird" Beckham-like haircuts for China players

Football superstar David Beckham sporting a ponytail. He may be one of China's most idolized football stars, but his ponytail hairstyle, and other "weird" cuts, have been banned among China's under-17 team who must learn how to become "true men".

David Beckham may be one of China's most idolized football stars, but his ponytail hairstyle, and other "weird" cuts, have been banned among China's under-17 team who must learn how to become "true men".

According to a ruling by the China Football Association, weird hairstyles also include shaved heads in the style of Becks Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo.

"Dyed hair, long hair and weird hairstyles are all strictly prohibited in the training camp and all players must cut hair short," said the ruling issued by the Chinese Football Association (CFA), according to the Xinhua news agency.

Feng Jianming, director of the CFA youth department, told the players: "You must learn how to behave as a true man before becoming a soccer star."

Beckham, football's most recognisable star, has in recent years taken to the pitch sporting a mohican cut, shaved head, braids, and long locks.

He currently has a ponytail.