The need to stay fit after retiring from football has become more prevalent in the past few seasons, and it is being seen by some former players who have remained in tip-top shape.
But some have seemingly got in better condition post-retirement, with Rio Ferdinand and David Beckham amongst the ex-stars who have been sharing images of their bodies.
Other footballers, such as Paolo Maldini, have also stayed in pristine condition while holidaying. The AC Milan legend was recently spotted in Ibiza, and like Ferdinand and Beckham, is ensuring he does not lose his shape.
Here is a run-down on five former players who looked to have got fitter after retiring.
Rio Ferdinand
The former Manchester United man is considered one of the best Premier League defenders of all time. He was always in peak physical condition during his playing days and didn't look like he ever skipped a gym session.
However, the 43-year-old has stepped it up a gear since hanging up his boots and looks in even better shape.
Ferdinand, who won the Champions League once and the Premier League several times during his career is often seen bulging while he wears a suit during punditry work and he has posted photos flexing his impressive muscles.
David Beckham
A technician on the football pitch, Beckham has worked on his physique even more since retiring from football in 2013. He won virtually everything you in club football, having enjoyed success at United and Real Madrid, while he also spent some time out in the US with La Galaxy and back in Europe with PSG and AC Milan.
But the 47-year-old has been posting photos of his new look, as he continues to pursue his modelling career. In his playing days, Beckham had a far leaner look but now has a shredded physique with an impressive set of tattoos to go along with it.
Paolo Maldini
The former Italy international was a real warrior on the pitch and was recognised as one of the best centre-backs of his generation, having spearheaded AC's push to become the best team in Europe. He was one of a kind, having played the entirety of his career at the Milan club, featuring over 900 times in the process.
Unsurprisingly, Maldini, who retired in 2009, is still involved with the club in a Technical Director role, but he is still keeping himself in tip-top shape in the gym. The 54-year-old wasn't the most imposing figure and has worked into a more chiselled figure with a defined six-pack to boot.
Antonio Conte
Not many remember Conte as a player, given he has established himself as one of the best managers in the world. The Italian won the Premier League and FA Cup with Chelsea, while also lifting three Serie A titles at Juventus and another title at Inter Milan. But the current Tottenham boss is still keeping himself in shape post-playing.
Now at 53, one might have expected his physique to have dipped a bit, especially after retiring 18 years ago, but as seen from his spot of paddle boarding earlier this year, he looks as fit as a fiddle. Conte made 420 appearances for Juventus over the course of his career.
Clarence Seedorf
A tough-tackling midfielder, Seedorf was named in Ferdinand's toughest Champions League XI, and if that doesn't indicate the type of quality he had, then the 19 trophies in his cabinet should be enough.
Ferdinand labelled Seedorf as: "One of the most underrated players of our generation," and such a statement might be fair considering the calibre of clubs he played for at the height of their powers, including Real Madrid and AC Milan.
Since retirement, Seedorf shares his videos of his intense workouts and beach-going antics online to his 1.4million Instagram followers.
He looks in tip-top condition as he continues to keep fit despite retiring nine years ago while playing for Botafogo in Brazil. That photo, taken in 2020, saw Seedorf run on the beach to keep himself fit during the coronavirus lockdown. He has been doing it to inspire others to stay fit.
