While footballers battle for glory on the pitch, London hairdresser Jayèma has become one of the most sought-after figures in the dugouts and team hotels of the World Cup. The stylist has spent the tournament moving between camps, working with players from England, Brazil and other competing nations despite admitting she knew little about the sport until recently.
Jayèma, born May Jika, comes from Plaistow in east London. She opened a salon in Vicarage Field, Barking, when she was just 17 and has since built a reputation spanning basketball and American football. Her breakthrough into football circles came after working with WNBA players including A’ja Wilson, which led to introductions with NBA stars LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant at the Paris Olympics.
England Camp Bonds
At the World Cup, Jayèma has developed close ties with the England squad. She worked with Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke before the Three Lions’ opening match against Croatia, with Rashford allowing her to choose his braids to suit his face shape. “Noni is such a character. He’s so funny,” she recalled. “Rashford told me he was new to braiding so he let me choose what I felt suited him. I looked at his face shape and aura and gave him something to boost his confidence.”
Her involvement with the team led to an unexpected encounter with Jordan Henderson. The midfielder carried her bags upon her arrival at the England house, leaving her stunned to later discover he was a player. “I didn’t know who he was and he helped me carry my bags… He was such a gentleman,” she said. “I kept going up to him when I needed help with the wifi. I was the only woman there but everyone was so gentlemanly.”
Brazil and a Baptism of Fire
Jayèma’s client list extends beyond England. She worked with Raphinha during Brazil’s World Cup campaign, creating what she describes as a signature look for the winger. She has also spent time with Lamine Yamal and his family during the tournament.
Despite her immersion in the sport, Jayèma attended her first men’s football match only days ago at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium. She watched England’s encounter with Mexico but left before the final whistle because the atmosphere grew too intense. “There was someone in my ear, like literally shouting in my ear, and they were throwing drinks everywhere. The Mexicans were rowdy,” she explained.
She admitted to feeling confused by the emotional extremes of the sport. “I still don’t understand football, like how it ends up with people crying,” she added, though she acknowledged feeling “proud” when Jude Bellingham scored twice. The experience has not dimmed her enthusiasm for the work, however. “I’m always tired but my work ethic is next to none. I’m always available,” she insisted.
As requests continue to arrive from players seeking confidence-boosting styles ahead of the quarter-finals, Jayèma remains ready to travel at short notice. The gratitude from supporters has been overwhelming. “Give me another medal!” she joked, reflecting on the messages of thanks for looking after the national team’s stars.