As the World Cup captures global attention, several prominent soccer stars are facing increased scrutiny over their appearances, with plastic surgeons and cosmetic dentists offering insights into potential cosmetic enhancements. While some athletes attribute their youthful looks to rigorous fitness and skincare, experts suggest that subtle procedures may also be contributing.
David Pincus, a New York City-based plastic surgeon, noted that while elite training and nutrition significantly slow the aging process for many players, "I wouldn't be surprised if some athletes have had subtle cosmetic tweaks – just to look their best for the big day." He and other specialists have analyzed photos of six prominent players to assess claims of cosmetic work.
Facial Enhancements and Skin Treatments
Lionel Messi, widely considered one of the greatest soccer players, has been the subject of speculation regarding aesthetic alterations. Dr. Celeste Nardone claimed the 38-year-old Argentine had undergone numerous procedures, including a nose job, chin enhancement, Botox, dental veneers, ear surgery, cheek filler, and eyelid work. However, Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, refuted these claims, stating, "He has never had any surgery." Pincus, reviewing images over two decades, found no clear evidence of major cosmetic work on Messi but noted his smooth complexion suggests diligent skincare. "Messi's skin looks younger than his actual age. He's likely maintained a rigorous routine – a good eye cream, moisturizer, perhaps a serum," Pincus said, also mentioning non-invasive treatments like lasers or radiofrequency therapy to tighten skin and soften fine lines.
Daniel Naysan, a cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills, suggested Messi may have used clear, removable braces like Invisalign, pointing to subtle attachments on his teeth in recent images.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, has also drawn attention for his youthful appearance. Pincus observed "signs of work," including reduced crow's feet, suggesting potential Botox use, and fuller lips, possibly from filler. "His skin is very smooth, too. I wonder whether he has used skin resurfacing or lasers to achieve that appearance," Pincus commented. Ronaldo is also believed to have had dental work, potentially including porcelain veneers, after being seen with braces in 2005.
David Beckham, 51, has been noted for a fuller midface, which Pincus suggested could be due to fillers or fat transfer, contributing to a more youthful look. Beckham's smoother skin and fuller head of hair in later pictures also lead Pincus to suspect laser treatments and a hair transplant.
Hair Restoration
Landon Donovan, 44, has openly discussed his battle with hair loss. In 2024, he confirmed undergoing a hair transplant. He later opted for a hair system, described as a type of wig attached to the scalp. Dr. Elie Levine stated, "Landon Donovan looks like a different person now to two years ago," adding that while hair transplants have a high success rate, prostheses can be a practical choice for extensive balding.
Gabriel Magalhaes, 28, reportedly underwent a sapphire FUE hair transplant to restore his hairline and boost confidence. Dr. Cinik Clinic, based in Turkey, shared details of the procedure. Levine noted that Magalhaes's perfectly straight hairline is a key indicator of such a procedure.
Mohamed Salah, 34, has been speculated to have had a hair transplant. Pincus observed that receding hairlines in earlier photos had disappeared in later images, with visible hair follicles growing, a result consistent with a hair transplant. "Looking at the rest of him, however, he doesn't seem to have done any other work," Pincus added.
Other Procedures
Gareth Bale, 33, who retired from soccer in 2023, has shown a noticeable difference in the prominence of his ears compared to early career photos. Pincus suggested Bale likely underwent an otoplasty, commonly known as pinning back the ears, a procedure often done to address self-consciousness about protruding ears.
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, 34, is noted for his healthy lifestyle, but Pincus believes he may have had some work on his skin, possibly Botox around the eyes, along with good skincare. Naysan and Pincus also suspect dental work, citing his teeth, which have transitioned from natural to appearing very uniform and perfect, consistent with veneers.
Neymar himself has previously shared that he has undergone skin treatments, appearing in a video in 2022 with a professional applying a cosmetic device to his cheek.
Regarding England captain Harry Kane, 32, experts were not convinced he had undergone a hair transplant. Levine stated that Kane's hairline appears largely unchanged over six years, suggesting any procedure would have been conservative, aimed at preservation rather than volume increase. Other possibilities include vitamins, topical products, or oral medications to maintain his hairline.