Ronaldo's face in 2003, 2010, and 2025. Photo: Ge Globo

In 2003, Ronaldo joined Manchester United with a face full of acne, crooked teeth, and a slender physique. Two decades later, he's transformed into the ideal male figure, boasting a toned physique, chiseled features, and a bright smile. Besides a rigorous training regime and disciplined lifestyle, medical interventions are believed to have played a significant role.

Dr. Elie Levine, director of plastic surgery at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in New York City, believes Ronaldo has undergone noticeable changes to his nose, teeth, forehead, and cheekbones. "These details are hard to achieve through exercise alone," he added.

According to Levine, the biggest difference lies in Ronaldo's nose. Compared to his early days in England, his nose is now more refined and straight, with significantly narrower nostrils. "This is consistent with a rhinoplasty. Cartilage likely was altered, and the nasal bone may have been reshaped," he analyzed.

Another noticeable change is his teeth. In his early Manchester days, Ronaldo often had a self-conscious smile due to protruding, gapped, and discolored teeth. Just two years later, he had straight, white teeth, thanks to braces and veneers.

However, according to Dr. Levine, the dental work didn't stop there. "Initially, Ronaldo showed a lot of gum when he smiled. Later, this disappeared," he added. "He might have had gum contouring, or even jaw surgery to raise the entire set of teeth. Such interventions are painful but result in a perfect smile."

Some cosmetic procedures Ronaldo may have undergone. Photo: Daily Mail

His smooth forehead, minimal wrinkles, and lack of crow's feet are also noteworthy. At 40, Ronaldo's face remains as smooth as it was in his 20s. "This is difficult to achieve without regular Botox injections," Levine speculated. "Botox immobilizes facial muscles, preventing wrinkles. Typically, it needs to be maintained every three to four months, costing 180 to 750 USD per injection."

Furthermore, Ronaldo's cheekbones have remained full despite his low body fat. At his age, lean individuals often experience hollow cheeks. Ronaldo shows no such signs, suggesting he might have had fillers or fat transfers.

Another detail is his eyebrows. Levine suggests Ronaldo may have had an endoscopic brow lift. This method involves five small incisions along the hairline, concealing scars effectively. Combined with laser skin rejuvenation, Ronaldo maintains a "clean, fresh" appearance.

His thick hair and unchanging hairline over 20 years also raise questions for Levine. He believes that in addition to genetics, Ronaldo might have undergone hair transplants or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections to stimulate hair growth. "Even those with good hair genes often experience temple balding by 40," he said. "Ronaldo shows no signs of this."

Ronaldo in a photo posted by Al Nassr on X on 18/8/2025. Photo: ANFC

Dr. Levine estimates the total cost of these surgeries and cosmetic procedures to be between 100,000 and 250,000 USD. "What's remarkable is that Ronaldo has done it gradually over the years. All the changes are subtle and natural, without any visible traces," he observed.

Levine compares Ronaldo to Tom Brady, the American football legend. Brady seemed to have undergone procedures later and more intensely, resulting in a less natural look. Ronaldo, on the other hand, took the right approach, step by step, maintaining balance.

Besides cosmetic procedures, a key factor is his lifestyle. Ronaldo is famously disciplined: he doesn't drink alcohol, soda, or sugary drinks, consuming only chicken, fish, and vegetables, and drinks black coffee. He owns a cryotherapy chamber at home, uses a 5,400 USD pneumatic leg massage machine, sleeps in 90-minute cycles five times a night, and spends up to 4 hours a day at the gym.

His partner, Georgina Rodriguez, also contributes to maintaining these habits, often exercising with him and managing the family's diet. Georgina recently announced their engagement, marking a relationship spanning nearly a decade.

"At 40, Ronaldo isn't just an icon on the field but also a testament to strategic beauty enhancement: slow and steady," commented the Daily Mail.

Compiled by Xuan Binh