Everton football team tattoos have become more than just body art—they’re personal narratives inked onto skin. At Everton FC, the first-team squad is a fascinating blend of bold designs, subtle symbols, and in many cases, pristine, ink-free skin.
From Jordan Pickford’s full sleeve to Ashley Young’s intricate back piece, some players wear their life journey on their skin. Others, like Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Abdoulaye Doucouré, make their statements in different ways, through fashion, family, or football alone.
In this post, we take a closer look at the Everton players and their tattoos (or lack thereof), exploring not just the artwork but the personal stories and career moments that accompany them. Whether it’s a Marvel tribute, a motivational quote, or a quiet decision to stay ink-free, every choice speaks to who these players are, both on and off the pitch.
#1 – Jordan Pickford – GK (England)
Jordan Pickford, Everton’s number one and England international, sports a detailed sleeve tattoo on his left arm. It includes symbolic imagery like a compass, skull and roses, and a dagger wrapped in flowers – representing guidance, life and death, and resilience. His tattoos have drawn attention during major tournaments, becoming part of his identity on and off the pitch.
Pickford’s left arm is adorned with a sleeve tattoo that extends from his shoulder down to his wrist. This intricate design showcases a blend of traditional motifs:
Dagger Encased in Flowers: A central element of his sleeve is a prominent dagger intertwined with floral patterns. In tattoo artistry, daggers often symbolise bravery, protection, and resilience, while flowers can represent beauty and the transient nature of life. The combination of these elements might reflect a balance between strength and the appreciation for life’s fleeting moments.
Compass: Incorporated within the sleeve is a compass, a symbol traditionally associated with guidance, direction, and the desire to navigate one’s life path with purpose. For an athlete like Pickford, this could signify his journey, both personal and professional, and his commitment to staying true to his course.
Skull and Roses Design: In October 2012, Pickford shared an image on his Instagram account highlighting a tattoo featuring a skull accompanied by roses on the inside of his arm. Skulls in tattoo culture can denote mortality and the celebration of life, while roses often symbolise love and passion. This particular design might represent a juxtaposition of life’s fragility against enduring emotions.
Publications like The Sun have featured articles discussing the meanings behind Pickford’s tattoos, emphasising the prominence of his body art during major tournaments and matches. Such coverage underscores the cultural interest in athletes’ personal expressions through tattoos.
Pickford joined Everton in 2017 as one of the most expensive British goalkeepers at the time and has since become a consistent and reliable presence between the posts. A key figure for both club and country, he’s played vital roles in England’s World Cup and Euro campaigns.
#2 – Nathan Patterson – DF (Scotland)
Nathan Patterson joined Everton in 2022 from Rangers, where he won the Scottish Premiership title. Despite early injury setbacks, the young right-back has shown promise when fit, returning to action in early 2025.
Tattoos
None known.
#5 – Michael Keane – DF (England)
Michael Keane signed for Everton in 2017 after standout spells at Manchester United and Burnley. A dependable centre-back, he’s been a regular figure in the Toffees’ defence and is approaching the end of his current contract in 2025.
Tattoos
None known.
#6 – James Tarkowski – DF – Vice-Captain (England)
James Tarkowski, born on November 19, 1992, in Manchester, England, plays as a centre-back for Everton, and has built a reputation as a solid and reliable defender throughout his career. A no-nonsense centre-back and natural leader, James Tarkowski joined Everton on a free transfer in 2022 after solid stints at Oldham, Brentford, and Burnley. With nearly 200 Premier League appearances under his belt, he’s brought grit, experience, and consistency to the Everton backline, earning the role of vice-captain.
Tattoos
James has made subtle references to tattoos in his public appearances. In a light-hearted interview segment titled “What is James Tarkowski’s secret tattoo?“, he humorously engages in a discussion about a tattoo he had done in Magaluf when he was around 20 years old. His friends had given him the nickname ‘T-Bone’, and he had a small tattoo of two bones in the shape of a T done below his waist.
#7 – Dwight McNeil – FW (England)
Dwight James Matthew McNeil, born on November 22, 1999, in Rochdale, England, plays as a winger for Everton. McNeil is known for his agility, crossing ability, and tactical intelligence on the field. A creative and hard-working winger, Dwight McNeil joined Everton from Burnley in 2022 and quickly became a vital part of their attack. Known for his delivery and discipline, he was named Everton’s Young Player of the Season in 2022–23 and continues to be a regular starter. Dwight is the son of former professional footballer Matty McNeil.
Tattoos
Dwight has a number of tattoos across both arms:
Amongst them are a clock, an eye, and a lion, popular tattoos with many footballers. These ones are a bit more personal to him:
Tribute to Juice WRLD: One of McNeil’s notable tattoos is a tribute to the late rapper Juice WRLD. On his right arm, he has inked the number “999,” a symbol associated with the rapper. Juice WRLD described “999” as a representation of turning negative situations into positive ones. McNeil resonates with this message, especially reflecting on his release from Manchester United’s youth academy at the age of 14. He interprets the tattoo as a reminder to push forward and transform struggles into motivation.
Marvel-Inspired Tattoo: In addition to the “999” tattoo, McNeil has a detailed depiction of Spider-Man on his right arm, which he reveals took 7 hours to complete. This artwork reflects his admiration for Marvel characters, as well as the transformation of his fellow teammates from everyday people into ‘heroes’ when they hit the pitch!
#8 Orel Mangala (on loan from Lyon) – MF (Belgium)
Orel Johnson Mangala, born on March 18, 1998, in Brussels, Belgium, plays as a central midfielder for Everton FC, on loan from Olympique Lyonnais. Mangala is recognised for his energetic style of play, precise passing, and reliable defensive contributions.
Orel Mangala joined Everton in 2024. A graduate of Anderlecht and Borussia Dortmund’s youth systems, he made over 100 appearances for Stuttgart and is now a regular for Belgium. He also helped Lyon reach the 2024 Coupe de France final.
Tattoos
None known.
#9 – Dominic Calvert-Lewin – FW (England)
Dominic Nathaniel Calvert-Lewin, born on March 16, 1997, in Sheffield, England, plays as a forward for Everton. Known for his athleticism, powerful aerial presence, and goal-scoring instincts, Calvert-Lewin has established himself as one of Everton’s key attacking figures. After joining from Sheffield United in 2016, he became a fan favourite and hit his stride in the 2020–21 season, scoring 21 goals and earning the club’s Player of the Season award. He’s also represented England at senior level, including at Euro 2020.
Tattoos
Despite his fashion-forward image, Calvert-Lewin has no known tattoos. Fans have speculated about a butterfly design linked to mental health resilience, but there’s no confirmed ink on display.
#10 – Iliman Ndiaye – FW (Senegal)
Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye, born on March 6, 2000, in Rouen, France, is a versatile attacking midfielder and forward. A versatile forward with flair and creativity, Iliman Ndiaye signed for Everton in 2024 after spells at Sheffield United and Marseille. He played a key role in Sheffield United’s promotion campaign and has quickly settled into Everton’s frontline. Ndiaye also represents Senegal internationally and featured at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Tattoos
None known.
#11 – Jack Harrison (on loan from Leeds United) – FW (England)
Jack David Harrison, born on November 20, 1996, in Stoke-on-Trent, England, is a quick and technically gifted winger who joined Everton on loan from Leeds in 2023. His football journey has taken him from Manchester United’s youth setup to American college soccer and MLS, before returning to England to help Leeds win promotion to the Premier League.
Tattoos
None known.
#12 – João Virgínia – GK (Portugal)
João Manuel Neves Virgínia was born on October 10, 1999, in Faro, Portugal, and plays as a goalkeeper for Everton. This shot-stopper joined Everton in 2018 after developing through the youth systems at Benfica and Arsenal. He’s served primarily as a backup, gaining experience on loan at Reading and SC Cambuur, and has been part of Portugal’s youth teams that won both the U17 and U19 European Championships.
Tattoos
None known.
#14 – Beto – FW (Guinea-Bissau)
Norberto Bercique Gomes Betuncal, known as Beto, was born on January 31, 1998, in Lisbon, Portugal. He joined Everton in 2023 after impressing in Portugal’s top flight and Serie A with Udinese. Known for his physicality and work rate, he has steadily contributed goals for the Toffees. Originally in contention for Portugal, Beto switched allegiance to Guinea-Bissau and made his international debut in 2024.
Tattoos
None known.
#15 – Jake O’Brien – DF (Ireland)
Jake Patrick O’Brien, born on May 15, 2001, in County Cork, Ireland, plays as a centre-back for Everton FC and the Republic of Ireland national team. Standing at 1.97 meters, O’Brien is known for his aerial prowess and defensive capabilities. He joined Everton in 2024 after impressing in Belgium with RWD Molenbeek and in Ligue 1 with Lyon, where he became the first Irish player to feature in the French top flight since 2000. He’s also well known for his inspiring personal journey, having managed type 1 diabetes since his teens.
Tattoos
None known.
#16 – Abdoulaye Doucouré – MF (Mali)
Abdoulaye Doucouré, born on January 1, 1993, in Meulan-en-Yvelines, France, plays as a central midfielder for Everton in the Premier League and represents the Mali national team. Box-to-box midfielder Doucouré has been a driving force for Everton since his arrival from Watford in 2020. Known for his engine, defensive work, and goal threat, he famously scored the goal that secured Everton’s Premier League survival in 2023.
Tattoos
None known.
#17 – Youssef Chermiti – FW (Portugal)
Youssef Ramalho Chermiti, born on May 24, 2004, in Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal, plays as a forward for Everton FC. A rising talent from the Azores, Chermiti joined Everton in 2023 after coming through the ranks at Sporting CP. The young striker has shown promise in his early Premier League appearances and represents Portugal at youth international level.
Tattoos
None known.
#18 – Ashley Young – DF (England)
Ashley Simon Young (born July 9, 1985, in Stevenage, England) is a veteran of English football. Young joined Everton in 2023, bringing leadership, versatility, and a trophy-laden CV. Across a career that’s spanned Watford, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Inter Milan and back, he’s won titles in England and Italy, earned 39 England caps, and played in a World Cup semi-final.
Now in the later stages of his career, Young continues to contribute both defensively and offensively for the Toffees. In 2025, he had the rare chance to potentially face his son Tyler in an FA Cup match — a “goosebump moment” in a remarkable footballing journey.
Tattoos
Full Back Tattoo: “Limitless” Message and Imagery
Ashley Young’s most prominent tattoo is the full back piece he unveiled in summer 2019. It features an inspirational quote across his shoulders, reading:
“Nothing or no one can hold you back when you realise the power you possess is limitless.”
Below the flowing script, the design includes a detailed image of a young child standing before a football terrace (stadium). The artwork covers his entire back from shoulder to waist. Young got this two-part back tattoo during the offseason as part of what he called his “summer tradition” of adding new ink.
Young first showcased this back tattoo in June 2019 via Instagram, thanking the artists and captioning it “Summer tradition Pt.2”. He spent two days in a Bristol tattoo studio to complete the piece, doing the text on day one and the stadium scene on day two.
The powerful message and imagery imply a deep personal significance, symbolising that Young, from his days as a hopeful child, believes in limitless potential when one recognises their own power.
Sleeve Tattoos and Other Body Art
In addition to his back, Ashley Young has full sleeve tattoos on both arms. These sleeves feature multiple elements, including text and imagery.
One of the most notable quotes tattooed on his arm reads:
“If it’s not worth fighting for, it’s not worth having.”
The phrase is inked in a prominent script and was noted by journalists as encapsulating Young’s determined attitude on the pitch. In a 2015 Guardian profile, the writer pointed out this tattoo and how fitting it was. Young had “certainly fought to establish his place” at Manchester United, making this quote a personal mantra.
Young began heavily tattooing his arms around the mid-2010s. During the 2015 off-season, he started work on his left arm sleeve, sharing an update:
“Thanks @tonitattoos for putting some more ink on me. Part one of my left sleeve done.”
By 2017, he revealed a dramatic tiger’s head tattoo on his left hand, covering the back of his hand. The tiger head, roaring in detail, fits the bold, fierce theme of his sleeve and likely symbolises strength and courage. Young got this tiger design during an international break, traveling to Bristol for a dedicated ink session.
Young’s sleeve tattoos include black-and-grey realism designs, intricate patterns, and shading that complement the text-based elements.
Personal Significance and Young’s Comments
While Young hasn’t extensively explained each tattoo, his motivational and autobiographical themes suggest their significance.
- The back tattoo’s quote about limitless power and the arm quote about fighting for what’s worthwhile reflect Young’s football mentality and personal growth.
- The stadium scene on his back appears to represent his childhood dreams of playing professionally.
- His sleeve tattoos blend text with bold imagery, reinforcing his belief in strength, perseverance, and ambition.
Football media outlets have noted how Young’s ink mirrors his mindset. As ESPN once remarked, his arm slogan summed up how he refused to give up his place at Manchester United.
#19 – Vitaliy Mykolenko – DF (Ukraine)
Vitaliy Mykolenko, born on May 29, 1999, in Cherkasy, Ukraine, began his football journey in the youth academy of Dynamo Kyiv. His dedication and skill progression led to his promotion to Dynamo Kyiv’s senior team in 2017, marking the start of his professional career. The left-back joined Everton in 2022 from Dynamo Kyiv, where he won the domestic league and cups and was named Best Young Player in 2018–19. A calm and consistent performer, he reached 100 appearances for Everton in early 2025 and played a key role in Ukraine’s run to the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.
Tattoos
None known.
#22 – Armando Broja – FW (Albania)
Armando Broja was born on September 10, 2001, in Slough, England, to Albanian parents from the Malësi e Madhe District. Broja joined Everton on loan from Chelsea in 2024, bringing pace and power to the front line. He’s had loan spells at Vitesse, Southampton, and Fulham, and became the first Albanian to score in the Premier League. He’s now a regular with Albania’s national team.
Tattoos
None known.
#23 – Séamus Coleman (Captain) – DF (Ireland)
A true Everton legend, Séamus Coleman has been with the club since 2009 after arriving from Sligo Rovers for just £60,000. Known for his consistency, leadership, and loyalty, he’s made over 360 Premier League appearances and has captained both Everton and the Republic of Ireland. In 2024, he signed a one-year extension to begin his 16th season at Goodison Park. Coleman was born on October 11, 1988, in Killybegs, County Donegal, Ireland.
Tattoos
None known.
#24 – Carlos Alcaraz – MF (Argentina)
Carlos Jonas “Charly” Alcaraz Durán was born on 30 November 2002 in La Plata, Argentina. Alcaraz made his professional debut for Racing Club at just 17 years old, and soon became a promising figure in the team. Dynamic and technically gifted, Carlos Alcaraz joined Everton on loan from Flamengo in January 2025. The Argentine midfielder made an instant impact, scoring the winner and providing an assist in his first Premier League start. A record signing for Flamengo just months earlier, Alcaraz has also earned a senior Argentina call-up and is seen as one to watch for the future.
Tattoos
None known.
#27 – Idrissa Gueye – MF (Senegal)
Idrissa Gana Gueye was born on 26 September 1989 in Dakar, Senegal. A midfield engine and fan favourite, Gueye returned to Everton in 2022 after a successful spell with PSG, where he won multiple trophies and played in a Champions League final. Known for his elite ball-winning ability, Gueye has earned over 120 caps for Senegal and helped guide them to their first-ever AFCON title in 2021.
Tattoos
There has been some speculation online suggesting Idrissa Gueye has tattoos – particularly an image of a man with leg tattoos said to be tributes to his children. However, closer examination reveals that the names inked in that photo do not match the names of Gueye’s children, and the individual pictured is highly likely not him. Gueye has never referenced any tattoos in interviews, and matchday and training photos show no visible ink. So, while rumours have circulated, there is no reliable evidence that Idrissa Gueye has any tattoos.
#29 – Jesper Lindstrøm – FW (Denmark)
Jesper Grænge Lindstrøm was born on 29 February 2000 in Taastrup, Denmark. Lindstrøm joined Everton on loan from Napoli in July 2024, bringing flair and energy to the wings. A Danish Superliga champion with Brøndby and Europa League winner with Frankfurt, Lindstrøm has also featured at the 2022 World Cup for Denmark. He chose Everton’s number 29 shirt — a nod to his leap-year birthday.
Tattoos
Lindstrøm sports a distinctive smiley-face tattoo on his arm. The cheerful symbol aligns with his upbeat personality and has been noted by observers since his arrival at Everton. Aside from this design, there are no other confirmed tattoos on Lindstrøm, and he has not publicly revealed any additional body art or their meanings. This lone smiley tattoo thus stands out as a personal emblem, reflecting the winger’s positive outlook on and off the pitch.
#31 – Asmir Begović – GK – (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Born on June 20, 1987, in Trebinje, SFR Yugoslavia (now Bosnia and Herzegovina), Asmir Begović‘s early life was marked by upheaval due to the Bosnian War. His family fled to Germany when he was four and later settled in Canada.
A seasoned goalkeeper with over 60 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Asmir Begović brought experience and leadership to Everton. His career includes Premier League spells with Portsmouth, Stoke, and Chelsea (where he won the league in 2016–17) and even a loan to AC Milan. In 2013, he famously scored from his own box, setting a Guinness World Record for the longest goal in football history.
Tattoos
None known.
#32 – Jarrad Branthwaite – DF (England)
A composed and commanding centre-back, Jarrad Branthwaite has emerged as one of Everton’s most promising young players. Signed from Carlisle United in 2020, the composed centre-back gained experience with loan spells at Blackburn and PSV, where he won the KNVB Cup. Since returning, he’s cemented his place in the Everton XI and earned a senior England call-up in 2024.
Tattoos
Though relatively private about their meaning, Branthwaite sports a detailed tattoo on his left upper arm. The design appears to include a young child, a football, and a quote – possibly reflecting personal values or family inspiration. While the exact wording of the quote remains unclear, the imagery strongly suggests themes of youth, ambition, and identity rooted in the sport. As of now, Branthwaite hasn’t spoken publicly about the significance of the artwork.
#37 – James Garner – MF (England)
James Garner, born on March 13, 2001, in Birkenhead, England, plays as a midfielder for Everton. A former Manchester United academy product, Garner joined Everton in 2022 after a standout loan spell at Nottingham Forest, where he helped the club win promotion to the Premier League. Known for his passing range and composure, he’s been steadily establishing himself as a key part of Everton’s midfield.
Tattoos
None known.
#42 – Tim Iroegbunam – MF (England)
Timothy Emeka Iroegbunam was born on June 30, 2003, in Great Barr, England. Iroegbunam joined Everton in 2024 from Aston Villa, becoming the club’s first signing of the summer window. A powerful and technically sharp midfielder, he’s already a UEFA U19 European Champion with England and made his Premier League debut for Everton on the opening day of the 2024–25 season. Off the pitch, he’s fluent in British Sign Language – both of his parents are deaf – highlighting his communication skills and grounded character.
Tattoos
None known.
More Than Skin Deep
Tattoos may not affect a player’s performance, but they do offer a unique lens into the human side of professional football. They tell stories of childhood dreams, personal struggles, victories, and inspirations, each piece of ink adding depth to the faces we cheer for every weekend.
At Everton, the diversity is striking: some players choose bold, meaningful artwork to mark their journey, others let their boots do all the talking. Either way, what’s clear is that every member of this squad brings their own style, substance, and story to Goodison Park!
