5 former footballers who are now unrecognizable

Do you remember this Manchester United man?
Do you remember this Manchester United man?

#3 Dirk Kuyt

Kuyt was an nothing short of an icon at Liverpool
Kuyt was an nothing short of an icon at Liverpool

When they talk about cult figures in the Premier League, Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt will definitely be mentioned at some point on the list. The winger did not have the most prolific spell at Anfield but he remained consistent for the better part. The Dutchman retired for good in 2018 while playing for Quick Boys in the Netherlands.

However, he recently went viral a few months ago but not because he pulled something crazy on the pitch. Kuyt appeared on Sky Sports News and Ziggo Sport where he discussed various footballing matters of the Premier League. But most viewers did not realize who it was until the channel put his name up there.

The blonde wild fringes that were characteristic of the Liverpool winger have disappeared and he now has a much crisp haircut with hair pulled back. He also has a decent stubble that's adding to his new look. He discussed Donny van de Beek's lack of playing time at Manchester United on Sky Sports.

One look at Kuyt's pictures from his Liverpool days and you will know he's aged like a fine wine.


#2 Carlos Valderrama

Oh Valderrama, what did you do?
Oh Valderrama, what did you do?

Arguably one of the best players from South America and definitely the best from Colombia, Carlos Valderrama had an esteemed career. He is the most caped player for Colombia and participated in three World Cups and five American Cups. 'El Pibe', as he was popularly known, was a high-quality player with a strong character and leadership skills second to none.

Valderrama played in France and Spain before hanging his boots in the USA. The Colombian was always immediately recognizable with his iconic long blonde golden afro that he carried with swagger. During his playing days, he won the South American Footballer of the Year award twice.

Over the past couple of years, 'El Pibe' has gone through interesting makeovers where he has looked unrecognizable from his previous self. He once straightened out all his hair and they had a silky texture to them which was completely different from those wavy golden afros.

In November, Valderrama also posted a photo to Instagram where he changed his look again. This time he has much shorter hair and the Colombian seems to be done with those luscious locks. It is not very clear whether he has cut his hair or really chopped them but nonetheless, he looks completely different.


#1 Karel Poborsky

Poborsky looks completely different without his long hair
Poborsky looks completely different without his long hair

One man you would definitely not recognize if he walked into your room would be former Manchester United midfielder Karel Poborsky. The Czech was famous for his glorious long golden curls which he tucked nicely with a hairband. But the Premier League winner has now ditched his long hair for a rather short and slick hairstyle.

It was revealed that Poborsky caught Lyme disease due to being bitten by a tick which means it is unlikely that his older hairstyle would be back. The former Red Devil has been a part of various charity matches for Man United in recent years.

He starred in Czech Republic's run to the final of the Euro 96 and won the Czech league with both Slavia Prague and Sparta Prague. In his senior career, Poborsky played 288 games representing the likes of Lazio, Benfica and Man Utd.

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Edited by Nived Zenith
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