Ryan Christopher Claveria

Then and Now: Your Favorite World Cup Athlete's Glow Up Journey

Article (news)

<p>As football fans, we can hardly believe we’re about to enter the Semi-Finals in just a few days. Let’s admit it, this year&#x27;s <strong>World Cup</strong> was an absolute rollercoaster! Starting with their grueling, battlefield-level performances down to the striking, unmatched visuals of the players that left audiences in awe despite the high-stakes intensity, <strong>FIFA World Cup 2026</strong> is, indeed, one for the books.</p><p>Before we toast to the new champions, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to celebrate their visual evolutions. From kids chasing football dreams and teenagers having the best time of their lives to becoming global sports and handsome icons, here are the World Cup athletes then and now:</p><div><br/></div><p><strong>Cristiano Ronaldo </strong>(<em>Portugal</em>)<strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p>Even before Cristiano became one of the world’s most renowned football stars, he was already handsome. Although he had a more rugged, youthful appearance in his younger years, his look has become more polished and charming now that he is in his 40s.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17839270514285.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Cristiano Ronaldo | Photo Courtesy BBC</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>Lionel Messi </strong>(<em>Argentina</em>)<strong></strong></p><p>Do you still remember Lionel’s long hair on the pitch? You’re not alone; we miss that hairstyle too! It was such an iconic look for Messi during his younger days in football; it swayed perfectly and followed every kick he made. Now, Messi has transitioned into a simpler, more age-appropriate hairstyle: a clean low undercut. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1783931004775IMG_0913.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via @leomessi</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>Neymar Jr. </strong>(<em>Brazil</em>)<em></em><strong></strong></p><p>Neymar also had one of the most distinctive and striking visuals when he was younger. His physique and brown complexion are literally akin to a model&#x27;s! He also ages like fine wine and still has that Brazilian magic with him, only more mature and charming. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17839271367767.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Neymar | Photo Courtesy: Rising Ballers</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>Keito Nakamura</strong> (Japan)</p><p>Keito grew from a slim teenage build into a lean, muscular figure! And his visuals? An insane transformation! Puberty transformed him into a handsome gentleman! His bone structure, such as his jawline and cheekbones, didn’t change drastically, but his silhouette became more mature and masculine.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17839272009344.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via @nakamura.keito</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>Jude Bellingham</strong> (<em>England</em>)<em></em></p><p>Before becoming the football heartthrob that he is today, Jude once possessed a cute visage. Just take a moment to appreciate little Jude! He’s the type of kid you want to vibe along with as his positive demeanor shines through! Now, as everybody knows, he has become one of the hottest players in the football world. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17839272345549.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via @judebellingham</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>Cho Gue-Sung </strong>(<em>South Korea</em>)<strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p>Once an ‘Oppa’ will always remain one! Cho Gue-sung must’ve been a high-school crush during his school years. Imagine the power his face card holds? He literally got that ‘handsome privilege.’ From a bowl cut to a football player&#x27;s chops, Cho Gue-sung is always in his prime! </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17839272630968.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Choe Gue-sung | Photo Courtesy: The AFC Hub</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>Santiago Gimenez </strong>(<em>Mexico</em>)<strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p>Who would’ve thought that the cute elementary school kid would transform into such a hot football player? Santiago Gimenez has everyone head over heels, not just with his incredible on-the-pitch performance but also with his gentlemanly, debonair charm! Santiago must’ve been incredibly dedicated to his training, and it has clearly resulted in the massive, handsome transformation we see today.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1783927426378Untitled design-6.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via @sant.gimenez</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>Erling Haaland </strong>(<em>Norway</em>)<strong></strong></p><p>Erling boasts some of the most unique and recognizable features in football. A huge part of his striking Norwegian physique is his naturally blonde hair, which has been a standout visual asset since he was young. Through years of rigorous football training and a perfectly timed growth spurt, he transformed into the ultimate, imposing giant on the pitch.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178392747800210.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Erling Haaland | Photo Courtesy: The Coach Diary</span></span></span></div>

<p>Before the trophy gets handed to the new champions, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to celebrate their visual evolutions.</p>

Before the trophy gets handed to the new champions, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to celebrate their visual evolutions.

Then and Now: Top World Cup Football Athletes’ Glow Up Journey

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Then and Now: Top World Cup Football Athletes’ Glow Up Journey

Arci Claveria

Published July 13, 2026 03:30 PM PHT

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Updated July 13, 2026 04:23 PM PHT

Read More:

FIFA World Cup Finale

FIFA World Cup Players Before and After

FIFA World Cup players Young

FIFA World Cup Players Journey

Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi

Neymar Jr.

Erling Haaland

Keito Nakamura

Jude Bellingham

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