Wayne Rooney has unveiled the latest stage of his dramatic transformation, looking remarkably different as he joined wife Coleen Rooney for the premiere of their new Disney+ reality series, The Real Rooneys. The former England captain, 40, sported longer hair, a clean-shaven face and a noticeably slimmer physique as the couple posed at Picturehouse Central in London on Tuesday night.
A new look after years of jokes
Rooney once joked that he had been cruelly compared to Shrek, but the former footballer is certainly having the last laugh now. His appearance comes after fans first noticed a major transformation while he was appearing as a BBC pundit during the World Cup. Viewers were particularly distracted by his new look during England's 2-1 win against DR Congo, with many commenting on his weight loss, thicker hair and fresher complexion.
And apparently there is more behind the transformation than a particularly flattering television studio light. Rooney has reportedly overhauled his lifestyle, including cutting back significantly on alcohol, changing his diet and even taking a newfound interest in fashion.
Lifestyle overhaul and cosmetic procedures
He is said to have adopted a macro-based diet, which focuses on balancing daily intake of proteins, carbohydrates and fats rather than simply counting calories. The former Manchester United star has also reportedly worked with a stylist since becoming a regular television pundit, having joined BBC's Match Of The Day last year.
It marks quite the transformation for a man who has never pretended to be particularly fashion-obsessed. '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,' a source previously told the Daily Mail. 'So with a little bit of help he has spruced his clothes up.'
His hair has undergone its own well-documented evolution. Rooney has previously spoken openly about undergoing two £30,000 hair transplants after admitting he 'went bald' at just 25. He also displayed the results of another cosmetic procedure at Tuesday's premiere after undergoing surgery on his nose earlier this summer. The football legend revealed he had opted for the procedure after breaking his nose twice during his playing career, and appeared fully healed as he posed alongside Coleen in a navy suit.
Quitting alcohol and a possible jungle stint
His new clean-shaven appearance is also a striking contrast to the full beard and closely cropped hair he sported at the premiere of Coleen's previous Disney+ series, The Real Wagatha Story. Perhaps more significantly, Rooney's transformation follows reports that he has now quit booze while focusing on his increasingly lucrative television career.
The former footballer has previously been candid about his difficult relationship with alcohol and last year credited wife Coleen with helping him through his problems. 'At the forefront of Coleen's mind is Wayne's wellbeing,' a source previously said. 'But that cycle has stopped. Wayne has cut down on his drinking and the results are incredible.'
Fans certainly noticed during his World Cup appearances. 'Saw Rooney at last World Cup game review part and looked a lot healthier and younger than previous years,' one Instagram user wrote. 'You have lost so much weight Wayne. You look amazing,' another added, while a third simply declared: 'Looking great Wayne!'
What's next for Rooney
His television transformation may not be stopping at the punditry desk either, with Rooney reportedly in advanced talks to follow Coleen into the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! jungle. Coleen reached the final of the ITV reality series two years ago, and Wayne is now said to be excited by the possibility of tackling Bushtucker Trials himself. A source claimed the famously competitive sportsman believes the jungle would be his 'ideal show', with Coleen reportedly backing him all the way.
For now, however, the Rooneys are turning their attention to The Real Rooneys, which will offer viewers another glimpse inside their family life. And judging by Wayne's latest appearance, fans might be forgiven for wondering whether Disney+ has accidentally dug out footage from his Manchester United days.
