'I apologise!' - Brazil icon Ronaldo claims 'millions' of mums hate him after their kids copied his iconic 2002 World Cup haircut

Brazil legend Ronaldo has apologised to millions of mums around the world for his iconic haircut at the 2002 World Cup.

Ronaldo was the star of the tournament in Japan and South Korea, scoring eight goals for Brazil as they were crowned world champions for the fifth time.

For many, the first thing that comes to mind when remembering the tournament is Ronaldo's bizarre hairstyle.

The former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid striker sported a shaved head, except for a semi-circle-shaped patch on his forehead.

Naturally, kids – and adults – around the world attempted to copy the Brazilian's unusual look after he claimed the Golden Boot.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain to promote the upcoming DAZN documentary about his career, titled 'The Phenomenon', Ronaldo apologised to mums around the world for his haircut.

"My mum – and millions of mums around the world – they all hate me to this day," he joked.

"I met some people whose son had the same haircut. I apologise! I'm very sorry for that."

Ronaldo's haircut was supposedly inspired by a character named Cascao from Brazilian cartoon series Turma da Monica.

But Ronaldo has revealed that his decision to sport his haircut was actually a tactical plan.

"I had an injury in my leg and everybody was talking about that," Ronaldo told ESPN in 2018.

"I decided to cut my hair and leave the small thing there. I come to training and everybody saw me with bad hair.

"Everybody was talking about the hair and forgot about the injury. I could stay more calm and relaxed and focused on my training.

"I'm not proud about the hair itself because it was pretty strange. But it was a good way to change the subject."

Brazil superstar Neymar has previously admitted he copied Ronaldo's haircut when he was a youngster.

"The haircut of Ronaldo was good. I had it!" Neymar told The Players' Tribune.

"All of us, we were all looking like Ronaldo."

Just imagine if he brought it back at the World Cup in Qatar...