Hair transplants have become increasingly common at the elite level of football, but AI has projected what certain stars might look like if it was never an option

Harry Kane and others would look way different if they shed their locks (again)

A wise man once said it’s all about the confidence – but what if that feeling of self-belief was suddenly robbed?

Fifteen figures past and present from the Premier League are about to find out after getting a glimpse at what they might look like if hair transplants did not exist. That goes for some players who have had them – and some who might need them in the future. The procedure has become commonplace for footballers who are lacking a bit up top, and we don’t mean being short of forwards.

1. Antonio Conte

   Former Chelsea and Tottenham chief Antonio Conte goes about his work with such intensity that it’s any wonder how the Italian has managed to retain his transplanted barnet this long. That being said, it’s no wonder why he got one in the first place.

2. Cesc Fabregas

   A prime example as to why these kinds of procedures are vital for society’s survival and should be protected at all costs. Patchy Cesc Fabregas is still a catch, but he doesn’t quite stand up to the fully mopped version.

3. Slaven Bilic

   As if former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic didn’t already intimidate enough with his Slavic swagger, ‘Bald Bilic’ is another level of scary.

4. Wayne Rooney

   We’ve already done this dance after Wayne Rooney appeared in a Nike advert ahead of the 2010 World Cup, complete with beard and fading barnet. Safe to say if the wool wanes once more for Waz, keeping the facial fur is a solid option.

5. Dimitar Berbatov

   Ex-Manchester United and Tottenham hitman Dimitar Berbatov looks reborn since opting for a hair transplant a couple of years ago. Which seems apt considering baldness makes him appear as though he’s fresh out of the womb.

6. Harry Kane

   Though Harry Kane is not thought to have visited a clinic, speculation suggests England’s all-time top scorer and skipper might have had a little filling in done up top.

   Can you really blame him? Because this is what he might look like if he lets it all go.

7. Andros Townsend

   A veteran among rug replacements, Andros Townsend was way ahead of the curve in swapping out his ebbing ‘fro for a thriving flat top. As one can see, he’d be devastated to let nature take its course.

8. Sadio Mane

   Ex-Liverpool and Southampton star Sadio Mane wouldn’t look too shabby at all in the event he does let his locks go at one point.

   Apparently, he’d also transform into N’Golo Kante.

9. Xherdan Shaqiri

   They say the camera adds 10 pounds. But in Xherdan Shaqiri’s case, losing his hair would also add 20 years.

10. Jurgen Klopp

    Jurgen Klopp once famously described his tactics as ‘heavy metal’ in contrast with Arsene Wenger’s orchestra-like rhythms. So of course, the Liverpool manager would hang onto some sliver of hair until the end, just so he had something to headbang.

11. Ryan Giggs

    Ryan Giggs without hair. Less ‘Manchester United icon’ and more ‘No, you can’t have your ball back.’

12. David Beckham

    If ‘Golden Balls’ was to lose his hair, it represents the end of an era given David Beckham’s locks became a brand all of its own for much of the early 21st century.

    The face is still immaculate, of course, but that gleam off the dome is something else.

13. Steven Fletcher

    Big Issue? Not in Steven Fletcher’s case, as the ex-Sunderland and Wolves striker -now at Wrexham – appears pretty clean-cut with the shaved-on-top, party-on-the-bottom look.

14. Rob Holding

    If this is the end product Rob Holding can look forward to with an uncoated noggin, the Arsenal defender should never have gone for treatment in the first place.

15. Gabriel

    It’s giving ‘Michael Jordan Stop It, Get Some Help’ meme. Arsenal enforcer Gabriel appeared to get his confidence back after filling in his follicles, and long may the mane remain if this is the alternative.