Ronaldo Nazario, Rooney and 3 Football Stars Who Look Completely Unrecognisable After Retirement

• The pressure on professional footballers, especially in this era, forces them to hone their bodies to conform to the demands of the sport
• Modern football stars are kept in peak physical condition with regimented training plans and strict diets during their playing careers
• However, Sports Brief has now taken a look at five top footballers who have turned their back on fitness and piled on the pounds

During their careers, professional footballers have to adhere to strict nutritional and training timetables.

Simply put, being a pro requires discipline, hard work and sacrifice.

For players at the very elite level of a sport, regarded by many as the most popular on the planet, that means eating healthily and staying away from food that is held in high esteem by non-athletes.

By extension, the data-driven nature and scientific approach to modern football imposes on the main architects of the game - as a prerequisite - to live a sportingly chaste life.

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But after many years of abstaining from drinking, partying, eating less healthily or just avoiding the gym, many players have failed to maintain their fit figures after calling time on their careers.

Sports Brief takes a look at five footballers who turned their back on fitness after quitting as players.

Wayne Rooney

Former Manchester United and England international, Wayne Rooney was a bullish figure during his heydays in the Premier League but has completely abandoned his physique, to the point of gaining a few pounds.

However, it is not entirely surprising, considering Rooney's thirst to veer off the regimented lifestyle even during his prime.

Despite his near-unrecognisable figure, the 36-year-old has transitioned into management with little to no success.

Wesley Sneijder

Dutch playmaker, Wesley Sneijder, who inspired Inter Milan to Champions League success in 2010, has changed considerably since hanging up his boots in 2019.

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The Oranje legend has traded his great physique for a full-blown pot belly, and even admitted his love for life and relative indiscipline did not allow him to reach his full potential.

His last appearance on the turf during a charity match raised a lot of eyebrows about his complete change.

"I could have become like Messi or Ronaldo. I simply didn't feel like it," he told Gianluca di Marzio as quoted by SportBible. "I enjoyed my life, maybe I had a glass [of wine] at dinner. Leo and Cristiano are different, they have made many sacrifices and that's fine with me. My career however, was still amazing."

Samir Nasri

Among all the football stars on this list, Samir Nasri appears to have completely embraced retirement and enjoying life to the fullest.

The former Arsenal and Manchester City star used to wreak havoc with his nimble footedness and kept a decent body shape until he called time on his career.

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His post-retirement photos could come across as photoshopped but unfortunately, that is not the case.

Adriano

Perhaps the most disappointing footballer who failed to realise his potential on the list is Adriano. Nicknamed 'the Emperor' for his domineering figure and shredded physique, the former Brazil international looks a far cry from his old self.

His present status can possibly be largely attributed to the tragic death of his father, forcing his career to spiral out of control.

Adriano developed cult status with gamers thanks to his insane stats on Pro Evolution Soccer, boasting 99-shot power.

Ronaldo

The most accomplished name on the list is three-time World Footballer of the Year, Ronaldo Nazario, known for his supersonic speed in dribbling the ball as well as his efficacy in front of the goal.

According to Mirror, he is set to walk down the aisle with his long-time girlfriend, but it is his completely changed figure that has caused tongues to wag.

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Sneijder regrets his failed dream

Sports Brief also reported on ex-Netherlands midfielder, Sneijder believing he could have reached the level of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The Inter Milan legend, who played a key role in the treble-winning campaign in 2010, confessed that his preference to enjoy living his life derailed his prospects.

In a glittering career at some of Europe's top clubs, the former Dutch midfielder narrowly missed out on the Ballon d'Or to Barcelona trio of Xavi, Iniesta and Messi.