Cristiano Ronaldo has built his reputation on more than just goals. For two decades, he has been the image of footballing excellence: a relentless professional, a marketing phenomenon, and a global icon of health and discipline. Yet as he enters his 40s, one question continues to follow the Portuguese superstar: how does Cristiano Ronaldo still look so youthful?
Some attribute it to his famously strict diet and workout regime. Others credit good genetics. But according to New York plastic surgeon Dr. Elie Levine, there may be another explanation—one that involves a considerable investment in cosmetic procedures.
This possibility, first reported by the Daily Mail, has sparked debate over whether Ronaldo’s age-defying appearance is entirely natural.
The Cult of Cristiano: Why His Appearance Matters
Few athletes have been as scrutinized as Ronaldo. From his fashion choices to his personal life, every detail attracts headlines. His appearance, however, has always been central to his brand.
- Sponsorship appeal: As the face of Nike, Armani, Clear, and countless luxury brands, Ronaldo’s look is part of the product being sold.
- Fitness icon: His social media presence—more than 650 million followers across platforms—frequently highlights workouts, wellness tips, and his famously chiseled physique.
- Longevity in sport: Still competing at an elite level with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, his ability to defy time adds to his mystique.
For an athlete whose marketability depends on both performance and appearance, maintaining a youthful image is more than vanity—it’s business.
What the Surgeon Says
Dr. Levine, who has not personally treated Ronaldo, analyzed images of the footballer across different stages of his career. His professional opinion is that Ronaldo has likely undergone several cosmetic enhancements over the years.
1. Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
- Observation: Early photos show a slightly wider nasal bridge.
- Likely procedure: Rhinoplasty, involving breaking and reshaping the nasal bones.
- Result: A more streamlined, symmetrical nose that fits the proportions of his face.
2. Orthodontics and Dental Veneers
- Confirmed history: Ronaldo wore braces early in his career, a common and visible treatment.
- Possible enhancements: Veneers to whiten and perfect alignment, plus gum reduction surgery to minimize his previously “gummy” smile.
- Impact: His teeth are now a signature feature of his flawless smile—important for endorsements and public image.
3. Subtle Facial Procedures
- Speculation: Dr. Levine suggested that ongoing minor treatments—such as fillers, Botox, or skin-tightening therapies—could explain Ronaldo’s smooth skin tone and sharp jawline.
- Approach: Unlike dramatic transformations, Ronaldo’s appearance appears carefully maintained with gradual interventions.
The Ronaldo vs. Tom Brady Comparison
Interestingly, Dr. Levine compared Ronaldo’s rumored cosmetic journey to that of NFL legend Tom Brady. Both men are global icons who appear younger than their actual ages.
- Ronaldo’s approach: Gradual, spread out over years, resulting in a more natural look.
- Brady’s approach: Allegedly more concentrated within a shorter time frame, leading to sharper, less subtle changes.
This difference, Levine argues, explains why Ronaldo’s appearance is seen as “ageless,” while Brady’s has occasionally drawn more scrutiny for seeming less natural.
TRENDING: THE TRANSFORMATION OF TOM BRADY.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 31, 2025
23 years old: As a 47-year old: pic.twitter.com/gjoEsuaF9F
Ronaldo’s Public Image: Discipline and Self-Care
It’s important to note: Cristiano Ronaldo has never confirmed undergoing any cosmetic surgery. Instead, he frequently credits his appearance to:
- Rigorous training: Daily workouts, even outside team sessions.
- Strict diet: A balance of lean protein, whole grains, fresh vegetables, and minimal processed foods.
- Sleep discipline: Reports suggest Ronaldo uses polyphasic sleep—napping multiple times a day rather than sleeping in a single block.
- Skincare and grooming: He has openly endorsed grooming routines, including his CR7-branded fragrances and skincare products.
Even without surgery, these habits contribute significantly to slowing visible signs of aging.
Why the Question Persists
The fascination with Ronaldo’s appearance isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about the broader cultural obsession with aging, youth, and perfection.
- In sports: Athletes like LeBron James, Serena Williams, and Tom Brady face constant speculation over how they maintain peak performance into their late 30s and 40s.
- In celebrity culture: Actors, musicians, and influencers are increasingly transparent about cosmetic procedures, blurring the line between natural and enhanced beauty.
- For Ronaldo: His role as a global icon means that any sign of aging—or lack thereof—becomes a public talking point.
Cosmetic Procedures in Elite Sport
The idea of athletes undergoing cosmetic or aesthetic treatments is no longer taboo. From dental veneers to hair transplants, many top stars quietly invest in appearance-related procedures.
- David Beckham: Long rumored to have undergone hair restoration.
- Wayne Rooney: Publicly admitted to a hair transplant.
- NBA stars: Often spotted with whitening veneers or jawline enhancements.
For high-profile athletes, these investments can be seen as part of brand management. When sponsorship deals are worth millions, maintaining a youthful and marketable image becomes a professional strategy.
Genetics vs. Enhancement
Of course, there’s still the argument for natural gifts. Ronaldo’s family photos reveal strong bone structure and athletic builds in his lineage. Good genetics can certainly delay visible aging.
Yet Dr. Levine’s analysis suggests that genetics alone may not fully explain Ronaldo’s appearance at 40. The likely truth, as with many public figures, lies in a combination of genetics, lifestyle discipline, and subtle enhancements.
The Business of Youth in Football
Looking youthful is not just a vanity project for Ronaldo—it is tied directly to his business empire:
- Endorsements: Multimillion-dollar deals rely on Ronaldo embodying vitality and strength.
- Social media influence: As the most followed individual on Instagram, his image is monetized daily.
- Post-retirement career: Like David Beckham, Ronaldo’s brand is expected to endure long after his playing days.
By maintaining a youthful image, Ronaldo keeps himself marketable in a world where perception is power.
Eternal Youth or Smart Investment?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s appearance at 40 is remarkable by any standard. Whether it is the result of genetics, strict lifestyle habits, or discreet cosmetic procedures, the outcome is clear: he continues to project vitality at an age when most professional athletes have long retired.
As Dr. Levine’s comments highlight, the secret to Ronaldo’s eternal youth may be a mixture of science, surgery, and self-discipline. For fans, it adds another layer to the intrigue of a footballer who has always seemed larger than life.
In the end, Ronaldo’s true secret may never be confirmed. But as long as he keeps scoring goals and selling out stadiums, the debate over his appearance will remain just one more chapter in the extraordinary story of Cristiano Ronaldo.
