He is one of football's most recognizable faces.So when David Beckham appeared in a Verizon advertisement with noticeably fuller cheeks ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fans were quick to question whether the former England captain had undergone a tweakment.'The first time I saw this ad, I had no idea who this man was,' said one commentator in a clip that has racked up more than 12 million views on Instagram alone.'Oh no – what has he done to his face?' another said. 'He's gone way overboard.'As the World Cup plays out before a global audience of billions, Beckham is far from the only star drawing scrutiny for a seemingly 'refreshed' appearance.'Elite fitness, nutrition, hydration and recovery have dramatically slowed the ageing process for many players,' Dr David Pincus, a leading plastic surgeon in New York City, told the Daily Mail.'That said, I wouldn't be surprised if some athletes have had subtle cosmetic tweaks – just to look their best for the big day.'To separate fact from fiction, the Daily Mail asked Pincus – along with other leading surgeons – to assess photos of six of football's biggest names at this year's tournament. David Beckham in a Verizon ad. Fans were quick to speculate that he may have received filler into his cheeks after the video came outLionel Messi in 2010 and 2026. Surgeons suggest he has been taking good care of his skin