Headbands are common accessories on the soccer pitch. Some players use sophisticated padded headbands to offer impact protection from collisions, which is very common in junior leagues for growing players. Others have moisture-wicking headbands to stop sweat from getting in their eyes during intense games. Quite a few players also wear headbands to maintain their hair and style on the pitch. These are all valid reasons to add a headband to your soccer kit, but what you want your headband to do will determine the type of headband that is best for you.

In this article, we'll take you through our top picks for the best soccer headbands and how to choose the right one for you. For league certified headbands that offer both protection and absorb sweat, check out Storelli.com, where you will find professional soccer gear for men, soccer gear for women, and special collections like youth goalie gear.

Our Favorites

• Serious Head Protection – Storelli ExoShield Soccer Head Guard
• Low-Profile Protection – Storelli ExoShield Head Guard Slim
• Best Sweat Absorption – SweatHawg Sweat Headband
• Best Eco-Friendly Sweatband – adidas Alphaskin Headband 3.0
• Best for Casual Style or Kids – Crazy Soccer Headband with Ball Logos

The Best Soccer Headbands

Storelli ExoShield Soccer Head Guard – Serious Head Protection

Storelli offers a range of elite, compliant headgear, and this is their maximum coverage option with full wraparound coverage. The padding is advanced 9-12mm militaary-grade foam shown to reduce risk of head injury by 84%. While offering great protection, it is lightweight at just 8oz, so it doesn't feel like you are wearing a helmet. Of course, it is sweat-wicking with an anti-bacterial liner for hot conditions. This makes a great part of goalkeeper protective gear.

Pros:

• 9–12mm Zorbium® foam protection to absorb impact
• Full wraparound design with extended back and side protection
• ASTM, FIFA, and NFHS compliant
• Sweat-wicking, anti-bacterial liner

Cons:

• Higher price than other options
• Needs accurate sizing

Ideal For: Competitive players who need maximum head protection

Where to Buy: Available at premium sports gear retailers like Storelli.com

Storelli ExoShield Head Guard Slim – Low-Profile Protection

If you want something more lightweight, the ExoShield Head Guard Slim combines elite protection with a low-profile design. Built with 9–10mm of military-grade foam, it’s engineered to absorb and disperse impact without adding bulk. Weighing just 8 oz, it molds to your head like a second skin, and a sweat-wicking, anti-bacterial liner keeps you fresh.

Pros:

• Military-grade protective foam
• ASTM-certified
• Ultra-light and breathable
• Great for all ages and hair types

Cons:

• Less wraparound protection
• Slight shifting is possible during collisions

Ideal For: Players wanting protection without the feel of a helmet

Where to Buy: Available at Storelli.com and select soccer retailers

SweatHawg Sweat Headband – Best Sweat Absorption

If you tend to sweat a lot and you need something to keep the sweat out of your eyes when you train, this ultra-absorbent technical headband is engineered to handle high sweat output without slipping. Made from 100% technical fabrics, SweatHawg sports headbands are breathable sweat-wicking headbands that combine a single layer of ultra-absorbent brow material, wrapped in an ultra-wicking, hygienic bamboo fabric. Together, these absorb, disperse, and evaporate sweat to stop dripping.

Pros:

• Bamboo + microfiber fabric for extreme absorption
• Machin washable
• Made in the USA

Cons:

• No protective properties
• May feel less soft than cotton options

Ideal For: Players and athletes in high-sweat conditions

Where to Buy: Available online via performance wear outlets

adidas Alphaskin Headband 3.0 – Best Eco-Friendly Sweatband

If you appreciate style and brand recognition as well as functionality, this sleek, sustainable headband is immediately recognizable and is a multifunctional sports headband ideal for any sport. The two-layer mesh fabric circulates air for comfort as you heat up, while silicone on the inside keeps it locked in place. This band is also made from all recycled materials, making it one of the most environmentally friendly options out there.

Pros:

• 91% recycled polyester
• Silicone grip interior to prevent slippage
• Breathable mesh

Cons:

• Not suitable for impact protection
• Grip effectiveness varies by hair type

Ideal For: Eco-conscious athletes needing sweat control

Where to Buy: Widely available via adidas.com and athletic retailers

Crazy Soccer Headband with Ball Logos – Best for Casual Style or Kids

For kids, soccer is meant to be fun. So why can't their headband be part of that? This affordable soccer-themed headband is made for light play, kids, and even stylish fans. These look a bit like nurse headbands and offer similar functionality. The band still combines a non-slip design with moisture-wicking fabric, and a wide design that won't tangle hair. You can also combine it with a sports flexicomb headband underneath to keep your hair in place. Try several headband hairstyles to refine your look. Made in the USA, the headband also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren't happy with the product.

Pros:

• Eye-catching design
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Affordable

Cons:

• Not durable for intense play
• No real sweat absorption or protection

Ideal For: Casual players or young fans who want flair

Where to Buy: Found in novelty gear stores and online marketplaces

How to Choose the Best Soccer Headband

So, what are the main things to consider when choosing the right soccer headband for you?

1. Purpose: Protection vs. Sweat Control vs. Style

The first and most important question is what you need the headband to do. If you're in competitive play, especially for a contact-heavy position or in youth leagues where head impacts are common, opting for a certified protective option is the safest choice. If you are a competitive player, make sure to choose something that is ASTM or FIFA compliant.

For training sessions, light fitness, or indoor play where absorbing sweat is all you need, a simple absorbent option will suffice. If you're a fan or a very casual player, style and comfort can take priority over performance features. Look out for general sports headbands, rather than soccer-specific options.

2. Fit & Comfort

A headband that doesn't fit correctly is useless. Look for designs that are either adjustable or offer a flexible, stretchy material to ensure a snug fit. Stretch elastic headbands are better choices than knot headbands (the kind you tie yourself), as the big knots can become a hazard if you do happen to have an accident or a collision.

For players with longer hair, consider a band that will stay in place during fast movements and headers. With protective headgear, the fit is even more critical; it must be secure to prevent shifting during collisions, which can compromise its effectiveness.

3. Material & Breathability

Unless it is made from the right material, a headband is just a fashion accessory. To absorb sweat, youu need technical fabrics like microfiber, bamboo blends, or moisture-wicking synthetics. For the environmentally conscious, sustainable materials like recycled polyester are becoming more common.

4. Coverage

Different protective padded headbands offer different levels of protection, and it is always a balance between comfort and protection. A full wraparound model, like the Storelli ExoShield, protects al the sensitive areas of the skull. In contrast, a slim-fit padded headband sacrifices some coverage for comfort. Simple sweatbands are typically thin headbands that only cover the forehead and are not designed to protect against impact.

5. Durability & Washability

If you use your headband a lot, it is going to take a beating. Choose an option that is durable and machine washable. While an inexpensive novelty headband might be fun, they aren't made to last. If you're investing in protective gear, follow the manufacturer's care instructions to keep it in shape for as long as possible.

Final Thoughts

There are lots of reasons why you might decide to wear a headband on the soccer field. If you are a high-impact player likely to be involved in collisions, you might understandably be looking for impact protection. If you know you tend to sweat a lot and don't like the distraction of sweat in your eyes, you might obviously want sweat control. You also might just like the way they look, so wearing one can give you a confidence boost!

Whatever your reason, there are great soccer headbands out there for you. Just remember that they are all different and you need to choose one that does what you need. Certified protective headgear is recommended for youth players and heavy contact players, while other players can benefit from sweat control and a way to express their personal style.

Visit Storelli.com for access to some of the highest-rated protective soccer headgear on the market, plus other specialized collections such as soccer goalie equipment and shin guard sleeves.

FAQs

What do soccer players use as headbands?

Soccer players use a variety of different headbands for different purposes. Players that tend to get involved in volatile gameplay, or who dive a lot like goalies, often wear protective headbands that provide some cushioning in the case of impact. Others are more worried about keeping the sweat out of their eyes so they can focus on the game, so they'll pick thinner, sweat absorbing option. Yet others are concerned with keeping their hair out of their eyes, or just personal style.

What is the best protective headband for soccer players?

If you are looking for a protective headband, you need something with strategically placed padding that will protect the most sensitive parts of your head in case of an impact. Soccer leagues have rules about what these can look like, so you'll find headbands certified by organizations like ASTM and FIFA is highly recommended. Storelli ExoShield headgear is generally considered among the best, compliant, protective options.

Are headbands good for soccer?

Headbands can be beneficial in soccer, and many other sports. There is always the risk of impact or collision in competitive sports, so a padded headband can reduce the risk of serious head injury. Sweating while running around the field for 90 minutes is also inevitable, so if you are a big sweater and find yourself blinking sweat out of your eyes, a sweat-absorbing headband can be a game-changer.

What headband does Ronaldo wear?

Portuguese soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo wears sweat absorbing rather than protective headbands. He usually opts for simple, thin headbands from major athletic brands like Nike or Adidas.