Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United star turned football pundit, has undergone a striking transformation during the World Cup, drawing praise from fans for his noticeably refreshed appearance. The 40-year-old, who once joked about being compared to Shrek, now sports a slimmer frame, thicker hair, and a more youthful complexion.
Lifestyle overhaul and new look
Rooney is believed to be following a Macro diet, which tracks daily intake of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates rather than just calories. He has also revamped his wardrobe for television appearances, working with a stylist to move beyond his trademark tracksuits. A source told the Mail: 'Wayne is not a fashionista like his wife. He grew up wearing tracksuits and still loves to wear them today but that isn’t possible on television. So with a little bit of help he has spruced his clothes up.'
Presenter Gabby Logan even teased Rooney on-air about his admiration for US manager Mauricio Pochettino's clothing style.
Cosmetic expert weighs in
Dr Ross Perry, Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, commented on Rooney's glow-up: 'Based purely on recent appearances, it's possible he may have benefited from some subtle non-surgical aesthetic treatments.' He noted that Rooney's forehead appears smoother while retaining natural movement, consistent with conservative anti-wrinkle injections such as Botox. 'His skin also looks brighter and more even in tone, something we commonly see following treatments such as medical-grade skincare, chemical peels, laser resurfacing or skin-boosting injectable treatments.'
Dr Perry described the effect as a 'tweakment' rather than a transformation, adding: 'Combined with good grooming, flattering television lighting, weight management and his previous hair transplant, these subtle interventions can create a noticeable but natural-looking glow-up.' Rooney has previously admitted to having two £30,000 hair transplants after going bald at age 25.
Coleen's influence and couple treatments
Rooney's wife, Coleen, has long been admired for her natural beauty, including during her stint on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2024. Dr Perry noted: 'Her look is natural, though. There’s still natural movement, particularly around the brows, which is typically what good practitioners aim for.' He suggested the couple may have undergone treatments together, dubbing it the 'His and Hers' effect. 'It’s increasingly common for couples to undergo treatments together — sometimes dubbed “tweakments for two.” When done well, results are subtle, refreshed, and age-appropriate, and faces look rested rather than altered.'
The childhood sweethearts married and have four sons together. Dr Perry concluded: 'Good aesthetic work should leave people wondering if you’ve “had a good holiday,” not necessarily pinpointing a procedure. Maybe they have had a good holiday — or maybe they have had a bit of help!'
