Rayan Kolli gives the ‘perfect response’ via social media after a podcaster made comments on the player’s hairstyle.
On the West London Sport QPR podcast earlier this week, host David McIntyre called hype around 20-year-old academy forward Rayan Kolli disproportionate.
In the video, he said: “It’s kind of being unkind about a player based on his appearance, but I do feel like the flamboyant hairstyle and the fact that he’s got Algerian heritage, which means he’s got some coverage there and has played a level of international football, I do think that’s led to a kind of coverage and a profile that’s disproportionate to his level. I know that his admirers won’t agree with that, but that’s how I’ve always, you know, seen him.”
The most embarrassing thing I’ve ever heard in my entire life #qpr pic.twitter.com/0bXY69X7Au
— J (@jamezqpr1) January 14, 2026
The clip led to quite the reaction from fans and the QPR Development Squad news account, who said: Afternoon, @davidmcintyre76. Did you seriously think attacking one of our best academy products in recent history based on his haircut and heritage was a good idea? Really?? Can’t believe I’m saying this again. Rayan Kolli is one of our own, everything else is IRRELEVANT. 💙🤍”
@davidmcintyre76 tweeted, and in reply: “I said it was one of a number of factors in the coverage and hype surrounding him being disproportionate to his level.
“One of our own” factor was the 1st of 4 reasons I felt there was a disproportionate amount of coverage/hype. I believe easily-recognisable hairstyle is a lesser but significant reason & international aspect is a fact, as the lion’s share of coverage is a direct result of that.
“All that said though, when so many obviously decent people are offended by something, and basically see it as dog-whistling, that tells its own story and I can only hold my hands up and say I’m sorry as that definitely wasn’t anywhere near the place I was coming at it from.
“Point was (while praising him) explaining why I’d felt profile and coverage was disproportionate. Homegrown player and an attacking one at that, sorry but I do believe the hairstyle also a factor, as is coverage which has been largely from Algerian media. That’s my honest opinion.
“I can only repeat what the point was. There are no negatives to having a distinctive appearance or coverage in the country you represent. The point, again, was that in my opinion his level has been overstated and I gave 4 reasons I believed that had happened.”
Rayan Kolli gives the ‘perfect response’ after the podcaster made comments on the player’s hairstyle, by taking to Instagram stories, posted a photo of himself in action, and quoted “flamboyant”.
QPR Development Squad News added they were “surprised to hear that from him. Out of character.”
All that said though, when so many obviously decent people are offended by something, and basically see it as dog-whistling, that tells its own story and I can only hold my hands up and say I’m sorry as that definitely wasn’t anywhere near the place I was coming at it from.
— David McIntyre (@davidmcintyre76) January 14, 2026
I’d genuinely hope not. Dave has been a respected journalist and contributor to QPR for so many years.
— QPR Development Squad News (@QPR_DS) January 14, 2026
Here’s how fans reacted on social media, take a look below…
@WEG0NEGHOST: Kolli 1-0 WLS 😭😭💙💙💙
@JamesLondon2025: I’d say scoring two goals as a sub and looking a decent attacking threat against West Ham made him stand out a bit. If thats flamboyant then great…more please! PS Some of us think playing international football at a young age is a massive positive. And his hair is class too icl
@SiWright80: You’d have some sympathy for David McIntyre as he may not have meant it in the way it came out but he’s spent over a decade on here misrepresenting QPR fan views.
@JackM_QPR: I cringed a bit listening to that
@JordanGilbert11: Uncomfortable watch. As long as he is playing well for us, why does a hairstyle matter? Melt.
@brxdzQPR: This was a tough listen just such an irrelevant thing to say and to try drag down a youngster… Kolli’s response, perfect.
@QpRambles: No no no let’s be fair, when he scored two my first thought was: hmm are people only celebrating him because of his flamboyant hairstyle? Hahaha what a fucking barmy thing to say #QPR
@brxdzQPR: Can’t not love Rayan 🤣🤣
@billlyford: Honestly I was listening to this last night and thought wtf. So bizarre. Literally had his best game for us at the weekend then this?
@californiahoop: I listen to the PD personally believe this has been taken out of context, the point he was making was, because of Kolli’s distinctive hairstyle and the fact that he has already represented Algeria at senior levels, these two, separate things, have brought him more attention.
@DaveDaveadcock: Very disappointed by this. Rayan may or may not progress with us but his hairstyle is part of who he is. He has a sprinkle of stardust about him.
@UpTheRs: Wowowow, that’s a crazy thing to say about a talented young player 🤦♂️
@opearman: Comments on hair aside (actually quite handy for those of us without perfect eyesight 😉), surely he realises that it’s a good thing Algeria have kept close tabs on Kolli? Algeria are one of the most consistently strong producers of players in African football…
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