Philadelphia Union Searching for Chief Tattoo Officer

The Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer is in the market for a regional Chief Tattoo Officer (yes, you read that correctly) to provide tattoo services to players and staff in what would be the first CTO in soccer. The job listing also says occasional events will be held so the most diehard Union supporters can proudly display their passion in ink on their body.

“To me, one of the most important things is this is not a stunt,” Union VP of marketing Doug Vosik said. “This is a legit partner we’re bringing on board to take care of our players and do some really fun things with fans eventually, once we have a shop.”

The idea came to Vosik after a simple preseason conversation with some of the club’s new signings, including Dutch defender Giliano Wijnaldum. The two began comparing their ink and when Vosik asked Wijnaldum and other players where they would go get their next tattoo, they didn’t have a clue. So instead of having the players dig through listings and recommendations online or from word of mouth, Vosik would bring the service to them.

The CTO (or full shop of artists) won’t be set up at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pa., giving tattoos in the locker room by any means. They will continue to manage their business, with Union players and staff being considered more of a “high-profile client,” according to Vosik.

This is certainly a unique venture by Vosik and the Union. It will be interesting to see if other MLS teams or teams in other sports/leagues follow suit. The concept would certainly appeal to heavily tattooed soccer players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Jermaine Jones, Gregory van der Wiel, Danny Alves and others.