What is the meaning of the black bands on Joe Hart’s arm?

The thick black rings around Joe Hart’s arm are part of a blackwork tattoo style. These bold black bands can symbolize resilience , rebirth , or simply serve as visual armor. In Joe’s own words, they represent a new phase of his life —a shift in identity from being just a footballer to owning who he is as a whole person.

Who is the tattoo artist behind Joe Hart’s ink?

Joe’s tattoo artist is Hanu Mantra , a renowned blackwork tattooist known for his abstract and heavy ink designs. Based in Bali, Hanu specializes in designs that aren’t about traditional tattoo art but more about energy, protection, and personal meaning . Joe gave him full creative freedom to design something that “represents him.”

When did Joe Hart get the tattoos?

Joe Hart first revealed the tattoo back in July 2019 . He posted a photo on Instagram showing off the full sleeve, and said he’d “waited a long time” for this transformation. At that point in his career, he was dealing with uncertain contracts and shifting away from being a Premier League regular—so the timing feels symbolic.