Famous football player looks completely different in rare public appearance since retiring
A former Chelsea star has surprised the internet by looking completely different in a new photo.
Nowadays, it’s common to see footballers take on new roles in the sport after they retire. Gary Lineker, for example, is often better known for his work as a TV presenter than his playing days. Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher are popular faces on Sky Sports’ Premier League shows.
But some players prefer to step away from the spotlight and enjoy a quieter life after football. A big part of this can be changing how they look. If you’ve played for top clubs and your national team, lots of people recognize your hairstyle or beard.
One player who has nailed staying low-key is ex-Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain. Since retiring with MLS club Inter Miami in 2022, he’s hardly been seen or heard from and doesn’t use social media much.
That’s why a recent photo of a fan spotting Higuain out and about has gone viral. The 38-year-old is sporting a long beard and a white tank top while browsing clothes in a sports shop.
Higuain was one of the most feared strikers of his time. He scored 335 goals during his career and won league titles with Real Madrid and Juventus, plus trophies like the Coppa Italia with Napoli and the Europa League with Chelsea. He also played 75 times for Argentina over nine years.
Unsurprisingly, social media has been buzzing with comments about Higuain’s new look. One person joked, “He looks like Trevor from GTA 5,” while another wondered, “How did they even recognize him?” Others said his hair (or lack of it) made a big difference, with one joking, “Higuain’s sneak level = 100.”
Higuain is still connected to Inter Miami, working in player development. During his emotional farewell speech, he said, “After the most wonderful career I could have had, I feel that football has given me so much. Many thanks to those who have always believed in me… the time has come to say goodbye.”