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Experts from Dream AI have put Rodrigo De Paul, Kai Havertz, and Noni Madueke in the top three most handsome faces at the 2026 World Cup, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi ranked 45th and 117th.
Conducted by Dream AI SRL, the study analyzed the 150 most-searched 2026 World Cup players on Google. The researchers fed the players' images into a tool that calculated their facial proportions based on the Golden Ratio, a mathematical formula originating in ancient Greece used to determine physical perfection through symmetry and detailed measurements.
Argentina midfielder De Paul claimed the top spot with a score of 74.18%. Known for his physique, fashion sense and tattoos, the Inter Miami star has consistently appeared in polls for the world's most attractive footballers over the years.
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Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul poses for a photoshoot ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Photo by FIFA |
Germany's Havertz closely followed in second place with 74.10%, while England's Madueke is third with 73.29%. The top five was rounded out by Egypt's Mohamed Salah (73.27%) and Brazil's young prodigy Endrick (73.25%).
Other prominent names in the top 25 included Cody Gakpo, Bruno Fernandes, Alisson Becker, Neymar and Jude Bellingham.
Despite being one of the most marketable athletes in history, Ronaldo is only 45th most handsome with a score of 70.98%, narrowly edging out Brazil's Vinícius Jr. (70.97%). Messi fell significantly further down the list to 117th.
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Cristiano Ronaldo during the friendly between Portugal and Nigeria in Leiria, Portugal, on June 10, 2026. Photo by AP |
"This ranking is not an evaluation of style, fashion sense, confidence, or marketability," said Dream AI CEO Georgi Dimitrov, as quoted by Daily Mail. "It was analyzed based solely on facial proportions. What makes this ranking interesting is that it does not reflect a player's fame or recognition. Ronaldo, ranking 45th, is a prime example."
To apply the Golden Ratio (approximately 1:1.618) to human faces, modern scientists measure the ratio between face length and width, along with three key segments: from the hairline to the eyes, the eyes to the nose tip, and the nose tip to the chin. A face is deemed mathematically ideal when these segments are equal and symmetrical.
