Football’s greatest glow-ups: Jurgen Klopp’s remarkable transformation at Liverpool, Scott McTominay’s new life in Napoli doing wonders – and Graham Potter ‘growing into his face like a fine wine’

Players and managers are more interested in professional football than ever before and want to be at their best whenever possible, whether it’s snaking around a defender or posing for a photo on Instagram.

Many players and coaches have undergone remarkable transformations during their time in the game by straightening their teeth, changing their haircuts or pumping iron in the gym to tone their bodies.

Even Macclesfield manager John Rooney, who sensationally orchestrated the non-league club’s famous FA Cup victory over Crystal Palace last weekend, managed to steal the spotlight from his legendary footballing brother Wayne, as fans reacted with astonishment to his remarkable transformation.

His bright new smile attracted attention, with one fan writing to X: ‘Had to wear my glasses to avoid being dazzled by John Rooney’s new teeth.’

Wayne’s younger brother is not the only footballer to make headlines like this. Daily Mail Sports takes a look at some of the stars who have enjoyed the biggest rises in football.

John Rooney’s dazzling smile went viral last week as he showed off his eye-catching glow

Cristiano Ronaldo

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star isn’t just proud of his incredible football talent. Sitting down for an interview with Piers Morgan a few months ago, the 40-year-old Portuguese icon confidently declared herself ‘more beautiful’ than David Beckham.

Ronaldo has come a long way since he first signed for Manchester United in 2003. When he landed in the UK he had gaps in his teeth and a relatively thin physique.

Thanks in part to his vigorous, high-intensity conditioning regimen and numerous alleged plastic surgery procedures, the Al-Nassr striker has changed significantly in both facial and physical appearance, having a biological body age of approximately 29 years.

Cristiano Ronaldo maximizes his physical appearance with high-intensity fitness training

Sergio Ramos

The Real Madrid legend opted for a long-haired and shaved look at the beginning of his glittering career.

Fast forward to today, and Ramos, 39, is almost unrecognizable in comparison, having suffered a significant flare-up.

Now sporting a ripped physique, a Viking-style beard and a rich collection of body tattoos, the Spaniard has more than nailed his look.

Ramos, who started his career as a right-back, was determined to get himself in better shape after switching to the centre-back position in 2009; it was a position he would dominate for over 15 years before hanging up his shoes.

Sergio Ramos has undergone a remarkable body transformation since his first arrival in Madrid.

Leon Goretzka

Few footballers have taken more stock of the Covid-19 pandemic than Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka, who underwent a sensational body transformation during quarantine.

It was so remarkable that the Bundesliga club posted a ‘before and after’ photo on their official social media channel to praise Goretzka’s efforts, writing in the caption of the tweet: ‘Hard work pays off’.

The Germany international, now 30, could leave Bayern Munich this summer after 12 years with the club; AC Milan are considering free movement for the midfielder when his contract expires in June.

Bayern Munich brag about Leon Goretzka’s stunning post-lockdown body transformation

Mesut Özil

Mesut Özil, who stayed in Germany, shook world football by showing off his newly ripped physique on social media in 2024.

The former Arsenal star, seen as a lean and agile attacking midfielder during his playing days, turned to weights after his retirement and now enjoys sharing his intense training sessions at the gym.

Although opponents often couldn’t get close to Özil during his playing career, most defenders would imagine they were in a 50/50 fight with the German. I’m not sure they can do this anymore.

Mesut Özil, who now loves weightlifting, is one of those whose body has swollen significantly.

Scott McTominay

Things have improved for Scott McTominay since his move from Manchester United.

The Scot, who led Napoli to Serie A victory in his first season with the Italian giants last season, has maintained his sensational form, becoming one of the league’s most respected players and even earning a Ballon d’Or nomination.

But it’s not just McTominay’s performances that have improved. Now, with his fresh Italian tan and long locks pushed back, the midfielder walks and dresses in 10 times the style he did at Manchester United, even giving fashionable Napoli team-mate Kevin De Bruyne a run for his money.

Scott McTominay’s life has changed since his move from Manchester United to Napoli

Scotland international and girlfriend Cam Reading are enjoying their new life in Italy

Gareth Bale

Transforming from Southampton’s fragile youngster to Real Madrid’s muscular player in just over five years, Gareth Bale had a dazzling radiance that rivaled even Ronaldo in his playing days.

The Welsh player, who took to the field to prevent Tottenham defenders from getting hit, followed a strict exercise program with hard work in the gym and a protein-rich diet.

Now vegan and alcohol-free, Bale continues to take care of himself in his retirement, spending plenty of time with his family and flying on dreamy holidays around the world.

Gareth Bale was once a skinny teenager at Southampton but grew bigger later in his career

Alejandro Garnacho

When Alejandro Garnacho signed a new five-year deal with Manchester United in 2023, fans noticed a noticeable difference in the Argentinian’s appearance. Like his idol Ronaldo, Garnacho’s smile had completely changed.

For football players who regularly smile and celebrate goals with their teammates, a good set of squeakers can make a significant difference to a player’s confidence and self-esteem.

Since his first appearance on the scene, Garnacho has tried many different hairstyles and has also gotten a number of tattoos on his body.

Alejandro Garnacho has dramatically changed his teeth since his first appearance on the scene

Graham Potter

Referring to his glow in 2022, the former Chelsea boss joked that it was ‘growing on his face like fine wine’ as he was compared to suave characters such as James Bond and the Milk Tray man.

The England manager looks almost unrecognizable compared to the way he appeared in a 1993 photograph from his teenage years at Birmingham City.

Potter’s sense of style has also evolved. The stylish polo neck jumper has become a feature of his touchline look in recent years, while the former West Ham boss also wore his signature all-black outfit when he was announced as Sweden manager last October.

Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter once joked that it ‘grew into his face like fine wine’.

Jurgen Klopp

Long gone are the yellow curtains, round glasses and angled teeth that defined Jurgen Klopp’s appearance in his early years as manager in Germany.

Following a hair transplant in 2012, a new set of pearly whites in 2017 and laser eye surgery in 2021, Klopp has undergone a major facial transformation while managing at Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, complete with a remarkable glow.

Klopp even touched on how much his physical appearance had changed as he emotionally announced he would be leaving Liverpool in 2024.

‘You could count the last three years as dog years,’ he joked. ‘If you look at a photo from 2015 you’ll say: ‘Is that only nine years (in between)?!’

Jurgen Klopp’s yellow curtains, round glasses and angled teeth are long gone

Brendan Rodgers is one of those who has benefited from dental transformation throughout his career.

Brendan Rodgers

The former Leicester and Liverpool boss is among those who have benefited from a dental transformation throughout his managerial career.

Although he now boasts sparkling white teeth, Brendan Rodgers had a very different smile before and it looks like he’s put in some work.

Rodgers, whose teeth transformed while he was in charge of Liverpool in 2013, continued to create a tooth frenzy at Anfield as Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and others began swapping for shiny new grinders.