Former Premier League star looks unrecognisable after undergoing hair transformation

Even a successful career in professional football can't halt the marching of time. Age catches up with us all.

A Premier League star and two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner alongside Mo Salah is the latest former pro to go public with his decision to put his hair loss in the hands of the specialists and look like a new man. A transplant procedure in London implanted more than 4,000 hairs and gave him a 'new confidence', according to reports.

The 37-year-old Egyptian international made his name in the Premier League with Aston Villa, Sunderland and Hull City, collecting 92 caps for his country along the way.

But Ahmed Elmohamady won't be hiding those new hairs behind a cap after entrusting his scalp to the no-fuss technicians of a clinic in the capital.

Elmohamady became a legendary figure in difficult times for Villa, where he continues to work in his football retirement. He helped the Villans win promotion back to the Premier League in 2019 and won back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations medals with the Pharaohs in 2008 and 2010.

Wayne Rooney has displayed a fine head of hair throughout his management career (Image: Getty)

"New hair, new confidence!" Elmohamady posted on Instagram.

"After years of dealing with hair loss, I decided it was time for a change. Thanks to [DHI london], I had 4,085 hairs implanted using their advanced DHI technique—no shaving, no fuss, and a natural look I know I’ll love."

The full results of Villa hero Elmo's transformation of la tête won't be seen for some time yet but we can all get behind football's good guys giving themselves a lift. Hair loss can be a difficult experience for men of all backgrounds and football becoming a platform for taking the stigma out of treatment can only be a good thing.

A general view of Villa Park before kick-off. (Alamy)

"The best part? The full results will be visible in about a year, and I can’t wait to see the transformation," continued Elmohamady.

"It’s not just about the hair; it’s about feeling great in your own skin and boosting mental health. Big thanks to legends like [Wayne Bridge] for showing us it’s no big deal to take care of ourselves."

Bridge, Wayne Rooney, Rob Holding and Slaven Bilic are among football's hair transplant trailblazers. With the game harbouring more than a few hairlines like mine, they won't be the last.