Following a match between England and Mexico at Azteca Stadium on 5/7, Jayema returned to Los Angeles. The London-based hair stylist's schedule is constantly changing; she flies to the England team's location to style their hair whenever Marcus Rashford or Noni Madueke request her services.

This was Jayema's first time watching a live football match. However, she left the stadium before the game concluded, unaccustomed to the noisy atmosphere. "Someone was yelling right next to my ear, and drinks were being thrown everywhere," she recounted.

Jayema is not a football fan and still does not understand why people cry after a match. Nevertheless, witnessing England's victory, she still felt the joy and pride of those around her.

England's Marcus Rashford having his hair braided by stylist Jayema. *Photo: Jayema*

Jayema's lack of football knowledge was evident a few weeks prior when England players told her about Lionel Messi and showed her photos, revealing his identity. Upon her first arrival at the team's training camp, she mistook Jordan Henderson for a staff member, "ordering" him to carry her luggage and connect to Wi-Fi. Only afterward did she realize he was a veteran player for the team.

Jayema, whose real name is May Jike, grew up in East London. She opened a hair salon specializing in Afro-Caribbean hair at 17. "I always focused on my work while many friends my age were still enjoying themselves," she said. "Today's achievements are not a surprise because I know the effort I've put in."

Jayema's skill has earned her recognition from many American sports stars, including players from the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and prominent figures like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant.

To her, Jude Bellingham is just like any other young person. While chatting, she discovered he shares a birthday, 29/6, with player Eberechi Eze. It was only after searching their names online that she realized the enormous number of followers these two players have. "People are often surprised when I don't know who they are," she commented. "We eat and talk together like normal people."

Her connection to football began when she worked with Brazil forward Raphinha. Subsequently, Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke invited her to the England team's training camp before the tournament. Jayema noted that Madueke is very specific about his style, while Rashford gives her full creative control over his hairstyle.

After Rashford scored a goal, Jayema truly felt the World Cup's impact as social media was flooded with messages thanking her for helping the players achieve their impressive looks.

Jayema styling hair for many players during the 2026 World Cup in Brazil, the US, Canada, and England. *Photo: Jessica Pons/The Guardian*

During the World Cup, Jayema was also invited to style the hair of Sheila Ebana, mother of Spain forward Lamine Yamal. She dined with the family multiple times without realizing her son was a famous player. It was only after posting photos and receiving messages from friends that she discovered Yamal's identity.

Jayema shared that Yamal's mother recounted their difficult childhood and the reasons for naming her son after those who had helped the family. "They are very humble," she observed.

Interacting with the players has helped Jayema understand the pressures they face. She expressed surprise upon learning that Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, and Jadon Sancho had experienced racism after Euro 2020.

"Through my work, I hope people see that behind these stars are ordinary people," Jayema stated.

Nhat Minh (Source: The Guardian)