sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
World football star looks totally unrecognisable in rare public outing after retirement

Home> Football

Updated 14:01 2 May 2026 GMT+1Published 14:00 2 May 2026 GMT+1

World football star looks totally unrecognisable in rare public outing after retirement

He's rarely been seen since stepping away from football.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

A former Chelsea star has sent the internet into meltdown after looking totally unrecognisable in a new photo.

In the modern era, we're all used to footballers stepping into new jobs within the sport after hanging up their boots.

Gary Lineker is arguably more famous for his post-playing career punditry stint than anything he did on the pitch. Meanwhile, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher are anchors for Sky Sports' Premier League coverage.

There are still some players who do all they can to shed the spotlight and fade into a quiet, simpler life to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Advert

It typically involves changing your appearance. If you've represented several of the world's biggest clubs and your international team, chances are millions know how you style your hair or trim your beard.

One man who has mastered the art of staying anonymous is ex-Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain.

He's rarely seen or heard from since retiring with MLS outfit Inter Miami in 2022, even shunning social media, which is a rarity in the modern world.

That's why an image of a fan meeting Higuain out in public has quickly gone viral, with the 38-year-old sporting a long beard and wearing a white tank top while browsing the clothing section of a sports shop.

Higuain is regarded as one of the most feared strikers of his generation. He scored 335 goals in his professional career, winning league titles with Real Madrid and Juventus, while also bagging Coppa Italia and Europa League medals with Napoli and Chelsea, respectively.

On the international stage, Higuain represented Argentina 75 times across nine years.

READ NEXT: The player Thierry Henry once said was his toughest opponent is now unrecognisable

Fans react to Higuain's appearance

Naturally, X has been flooded with several people discussing Higuain's choice of attire.

One person said: "He looks like Trevor from GTA 5," while another added, "How did he even recognise him?"

A third put: "If he had hair, he wouldn't look that different", and a fourth joked, "Higuain's sneak level = 100."

Higuain is still involved with Inter Miami, working in a player development role. During his emotional retirement speech, Higuain said: "After the most wonderful career I could have had, I feel that football has given me so much.

"Many thanks to those who have always believed in me ... the time has come to say goodbye."

Featured Image Credit: X

Topics: Real Madrid, Chelsea, Juventus, Inter Miami

Daniel Marland
Daniel Marland

Daniel is SPORTbible's Senior Social Editor.

X

@DanMarland_

Recommended reads

Man Utd's 15 transfer targets to fill four key positions as at least six prepare to leaveGetty ImagesDennis Taylor interview: Why snooker legend is playing in brand-new event... and how he saved someone's lifeGettyRanking the top 10 best golfers of all time as Nicklaus v Woods GOAT debate settledGetty ImagesDavid Munyua and Peter Wachiuri interview: 'We wish for major PDC players to come and visit Kenya'Getty / Instagram/@wachiuridarts

Advert

Choose your content:

12 mins ago
24 mins ago
2 hours ago
4 hours ago
  • Getty Images
    12 mins ago

    Hashtag United leave fans baffled with latest announcement after asking to be relegated

    Hashtag United have provided update on their future following their request to be relegated this season.

    Football
  • Stewart Kendall/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
    24 mins ago

    Ex-Premier League player opens up on health battle after devastating diagnosis

    The former Premier League star was diagnosed with the heartbreaking condition in March.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    2 hours ago

    Arsenal prepared to sign record-breaking striker to replace Viktor Gyokeres after he 'wows' Mikel Arteta

    Arsenal are set to raid Premier League rivals to sign striker to replace Viktor Gyokeres replacement as he impressed Mikel Arteta.

    Football
  • y Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
    4 hours ago

    Liverpool fans think Mo Salah aimed brutal dig at Arne Slot in Steven Gerrard chat

    The Liverpool legend clearly isn't happy with Slot.

    Football
  • Arjen Robben Turns Professional in New Sport Four Years After Football Retirement
  • Zinedine Zidane Sees One Club in World Football on the Level of Real Madrid
  • Club World Cup round of 16 bracket confirmed and fans are only just realising who could face each other in the final
  • Gareth Bale's Surprise Return to Football Announced Two Years After Retirement