Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho has ignited a storm on social media after unveiling a radical new braided hairstyle in a TikTok video posted during his summer vacation.
The 21-year-old Argentina international opted for shoulder-length, tightly braided hair styled close to his scalp while enjoying time off with family after being left out of Lionel Scaloni's World Cup squad.
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The dramatic change quickly divided public opinion online, with multiple users accusing the winger of appropriating a style that holds deep historical and cultural significance within African communities.
"Does Garnacho know this is Cultural appropriation?" questioned one user on social media.
Critics note that styles like cornrows and box braids have long been used to represent identity, social status, and cultural traditions, making the style problematic when adopted by non-Black individuals.
"Did you not get the memo about how cultural appropriation is wrong, or do you just not care?"
another critic commented.
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Other online observers looked past the cultural debate and simply criticized the aesthetic appearance of the Chelsea attacker's new look.
"Does he not realise that it's cultural appropriation orrrr?" asked a third user.
Garnacho joined Chelsea from Manchester United last summer on a £40 million transfer, signing a long-term contract running until 2032 worth approximately £110,000 per week.
The young attacker endured a difficult debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, scoring just once in 24 Premier League appearances under circumstances where the Blues missed out on European football.
However, he found more success in cup tournaments, scoring seven times across 19 total matches in the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup.
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Garnacho is expected to return to the Cobham training ground shortly for pre-season under incoming manager Xabi Alonso before Chelsea travels to Australia and Hong Kong for July fixtures against Western Sydney Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur, and Juventus.
