But this lot have proven it is possible to avoid the temptation of making up for lost time at the takeaway.
David Beckham still looks in elite shape despite retiring a decade ago Credit: Splash News
Beckham looks as good now as he did in his heyday Credit: PA:Empics Sport
From David Beckham to Paolo Maldini, check out the former football stars who maintained their elite physiques when their career was long-gone…
DAVID BECKHAM
BELIEVE it or not, Golden Balls retired from football with his swansong spell at Paris Saint-Germain SEVEN years ago.
Despite that, Becks, 47, has kept a footballer’s frame.
Now owner of MLS side Inter Miami and a part-owner of Salford City alongside his Class of 92 pals, Beckham is still very much involved in football.
Beckham is still a very marketable name too, regularly popping up in adverts an even movies, including a role in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. in 2015.
PAOLO MALDINI
Paolo Maldini shirtless at the beach in Miami Credit: Splash News
Maldini arguably looks stronger now than he did as a player Credit: Getty – Contributor
NOW aged 54, Maldini is still in tip-top shape.
The AC Milan legend spent his whole career at the San Siro and is arguably the best defender of all time.
But despite retiring in 2009, Maldini has kept fit by turning his hand to professional tennis, competing at the Aspria Tennis Cup in Milan in 2017.
Maldini is now back at AC Milan, working as technical director.
RIO FERDINAND
Rio Ferdinand looks stronger than ever despite retiring five years ago Credit: Instagram
Rio Ferdinand has certainly bulked up since his playing days ended Credit: Getty – Contributor
THE Manchester United and England legend, 44, hung up his boots in 2015 and has remained fighting fit ever since.
In fact, Ferdinand was linked with a career in boxing at one stage, before pulling the plug after failing to obtain a licence.
Now most often seen as a pundit, Ferdinand is still in elite shape – and would prove more than a handful for most strikers.
GARY LINEKER
Gary Lineker has still kept his shape despite being 62 Credit: Splash News
Lineker looks as good now as he did at Italia 90 Credit: Getty Images – Getty
HE may be well-known for his “other career” selling Walker’s crisps, but it would seem Lineker stays clear of the spuds.
The Match of the Day host looks in fine shape aged 62.
Lineker is regularly spotted hitting the beach in just his swim-shorts, looking as fit as he did in his 20s.
ROBERTO MANCINI
Roberto Mancini looks as slim and suave as ever now aged 58 Credit: Splash News
Roberto Mancini appears to have only got better with ageCredit: PA:Empics Sport
ANOTHER regularly spotted soaking up the sun is Italy boss Mancini.
At the age of 58, Mancini is still in remarkable shape.
And to think he hung up his boots nearly 20 years ago…
ZINEDINE ZIDANE
Zinedine Zidane is still lean as ever, despite retiring 15 years ago
Zidane looks as in shape as he was as a player Credit: AFP
THE ex-Real Madrid boss could still probably get a game for Los Blancos now aged 50.
Zidane quit the game after his infamous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final.
But since then he’s forged a career as one of the world’s top bosses – and clearly does his cardio along with the squad.
FRANCESCO TOTTI
Francesco Totti still looks lean and mean having retired Credit: Instagram / @francescototti
Francesco Totti is in as good shape as he was when he was a player at Roma Credit: AFP or licensors
INCREDIBLY, Totti spent 25 years in the Roma first-team squad.
After hanging up his boots in 2017, you couldn’t blame Totti for taking it easy and enjoying the incredible food Rome has to offer.
But instead, the 46-year-old still looks in incredible shape.
ANDREA PIRLO
Andrea Pirlo still looks as cool as ever now aged 43 Credit: Splash News
Andrea Pirlo looks to be in good shape even having hung up his boots Credit: Getty
THE coolest man in football may no longer play, but he’s still uber-cool.
The Italian ace never relied on his physicality on the pitch, but he still looks in fine shape.
Aged 43, Pirlo – who most recently managed Juventus – can still easily rock that beach look.
ANTONIO CONTE
Antonio Conte is still happy to channel his inner-Daniel Craig aged 53 Credit: Xposure
Antonio Conte’s hair has certainly improved since giving up football Credit: Getty Images – Getty
MUCH like Mancini, Conte couldn’t resist stripping down to his Speedos while Italy boss.
In 2015, Conte was spotted emerging from the sea like Daniel Craig in his first James Bond run-out, Casino Royale.
Despite a torrid spell as Spurs boss, Conte appears to be fighting fit at the age of 53 – and with a thicker head of hair, to boot.
GRAEME SOUNESS
Graeme Souness still appears to be in great shape at age 68 Credit: The Mega Agency
Souness was a fiery midfielder during his playing days at Liverpool Credit: PA:Empics Sport
THE Sky Sports pundit is regularly in the news – mainly for lashing out at Paul Pogba, if the Twitter warriors are to be believed.
But aged 69, the former Liverpool star looks in remarkable shape.
Souness has managed to keep away the gut so many develop after their playing career… and he quit nearly 30 years ago.
ROBBIE SAVAGE
Robbie Savage is still in good shape despite working as a pundit these daysCredit: The Mega Agency
Robbie Savage was another fiery on-field character during his playing daysCredit: PA:Press Association
HAVING officially retired in 2011, Savage still looks in top shape aged 48
But, Savage did dust off the boots in 2019 to play for Stockport Town, and is now director of football at Macclesfield FC.
Savage is also known for his broadcastings gigs for BT Sport and the BBC.
