Chelsea star Alejandro Garnacho has sparked a backlash on social media after revealing a radical new hairstyle to his followers.
The Argentina international showed off his latest look in a video posted on TikTok, with the 21-year-old opting for tightly braided hair styled close to his scalp.
Garnacho is no stranger to experimenting with his appearance and has regularly changed hairstyles throughout his career.
But his latest trip to the barber has divided opinion online, with some users accusing the winger of appropriating a style that has deep cultural significance within African communities.
Cornrows and box braids have long been associated with African heritage and have historically been used to represent identity, social status and cultural traditions.
Several social media users were quick to voice their disapproval after Garnacho unveiled his new look.
One person wrote: "Does Garnacho know this is Cultural appropriation?"
Another commented: "Did you not get the memo about how cultural appropriation is wrong, or do you just not care?"
Chelsea star Alejandro Garnacho has sparked a backlash on social media after revealing a radical new hairstyle to his followers
|GETTY
A third said: "Does he not realise that it's cultural appropriation orrrr?"
Others were less concerned with the debate surrounding the hairstyle itself and simply criticised the Chelsea star's appearance.
"How embarrassing," one user posted, while another added: "Always trending for the wrong reasons."
Garnacho completed a £40million move from Manchester United to Chelsea last summer but endured a difficult first campaign at Stamford Bridge.
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The attacker struggled to make a consistent impact in the Premier League, scoring just once in 24 appearances.
He fared better in cup competitions, however, finding the net seven times in 19 matches across the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
Garnacho has also represented Argentina on eight occasions since making his senior debut in 2023.
Despite his international experience, he was omitted from Argentina's World Cup squad following an underwhelming season in west London.
Alejandro Garnacho toiled for Chelsea last season
|GETTY
Chelsea remain hopeful the youngster can rediscover the form that made him one of the brightest talents to emerge from Manchester United's academy.
The winger signed a long-term contract after arriving at Stamford Bridge, with his deal reportedly running until 2032 and worth around £110,000 per week.
He is expected back at Cobham shortly as Chelsea prepare for their pre-season schedule.
The Blues will travel to Australia and Hong Kong in July, taking on Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur in Sydney before facing Juventus at the Kai Tak Stadium on August 5.