In their professional journeys, footballers adhere strictly to nutritional and training regimes, embodying discipline, hard work, and sacrifice.
At the highest echelons of the sport, which is revered globally, this demands maintaining a healthy diet and abstaining from foods often favored by non-athletes.
Moreover, the contemporary football landscape, with its emphasis on data and science, necessitates that key figures in the sport lead a lifestyle centered on athleticism as a prerequisite. However, following years of abstaining from activities such as drinking, partying, and adhering to rigorous diets, many players encounter challenges in maintaining their fitness post-retirement. Nonetheless, a select few retired footballers not only sustain their physique but also enhance it, appearing more muscular and attractive than during their active football careers.
In this article, Sports Buddy delves into seven retired footballers who have undergone significant changes in physique since retirement, dividing them into two categories: “gainers” and “ripped.” The “gainers” denote those who have notably increased body fat, while the “ripped” represent those who exude a more muscular and appealing appearance compared to their playing days.
Retired footballers: Who are the ”gainers”?
Delima Ronaldo
Ronaldo Nazario, renowned for his lightning-fast dribbling and remarkable goal-scoring ability, was widely considered one of the most lethal strikers in the world during his playing days. The Brazilian football icon retired from professional football in 2011 after a highly successful career that included winning the World Cup.
Ronaldo’s noticeable weight gain sparked discussion in 2017 when his former teammate Michael Owen jokingly commented on it after a meeting at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Owen posted a light-hearted tweet, poking fun at Ronaldo, saying, “I thought I was putting on the pounds until I saw my old mate Ronnie!”
While Owen intended it as a playful remark, Ronaldo, like many others on social media, didn’t find it amusing. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner expressed his surprise and frustration at the continuous jabs about his physique.
The Sun also reported in 2017 that Ronaldo appeared in a charity game in Real Madrid’s shirt, looking overweight.
Adriano
One of the most disheartening cases of unfulfilled football talent is Adriano. Known as ‘the Emperor’ for his imposing presence and impressive physique, the former Brazilian international now appears drastically different from his prime.
His current situation can largely be linked to the tragic passing of his father, which led his career to veer off course. Adriano gained a cult following among gamers due to his exceptional attributes in Pro Evolution Soccer, particularly his remarkable 99-shot power.
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney, a former Manchester United striker, falls among the ”gainers” category of retired footballers who experienced massive body transformation.
Rooney, who is Manchester United’s all-time record goal scorer, retired in 2021, definitely looks different now compared to his playing days.
Samir Nasri
Samir Nasri was a former Arsenal midfielder who received praise for his dribbling skills and technical abilities. He retired from football in 2021 at the age of 34.
He was pictured playing in a charity match in October 2021, looking competitively overweight.
Wesley Sniejder
Wesley Sniejder is the last name on the list of “gainers” in this article.
The former creative midfielder who was pivotal in Inter Milan’s 2010 UEFA Champions League triumph has changed drastically in stature, looking bigger, compared to his playing days.
Retired footballers: Who are the “ripped”?
Mesut Ozil
Sports Buddy recently unveiled a video showcasing Mesut Ozil’s remarkable transformation from a slender midfielder to a muscular and athletic figure.
Instead of fading into obscurity, Ozil embraced a journey of physical evolution. Working closely with his trainer, he underwent significant muscle growth, presenting a more robust physique compared to his playing days. While known for his slender frame and technical prowess on the field, recent photos of Ozil depict a notable change in appearance, reflecting increased strength and muscle definition.
Fernando Torres
Following his departure from Chelsea, Torres had stints at AC Milan and later returned to Atlético Madrid. He concluded his professional career by playing for Sagan Tosu, a Japanese team, in 2019.
Since retiring, Torres underwent a significant transformation, notably bulking up with muscle during lockdown. His appearance now contrasts starkly with his early playing days.
In February 2021, Torres shared a photo of himself working out, sporting a vest and a face mask while showcasing his impressive biceps and triceps.
Maintaining his fitness, Torres remains as robust as ever. His recent video training session, donning a Trent Alexander-Arnold jersey, speaks volumes about his enduring loyalty to English football, as per Liverpool.com.
