Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best-known football players associated with braces: he wore them as a teenager, before becoming a global star. That does not mean he wears braces now, or that he is the only footballer who has had orthodontic treatment.
This guide explains what is known about Ronaldo, why a famous player’s old braces can be mistaken for a current look, and how orthodontic treatment fits with a contact sport. You’ll also get practical information about braces, mouthguards, and how to distinguish confirmed details from speculation about a player’s teeth.
which football player has braces? The best-known answer
Cristiano Ronaldo is the footballer most commonly named in answer to this question. He wore braces when he was young, before his professional career reached its current scale. Photographs and accounts of his early life are often used to show that he had orthodontic treatment.
That answer needs a time distinction. Ronaldo is known for having had dental work, but there is no good reason to describe him as wearing traditional braces now. A photo from his teenage years, an old interview, or a before-and-after image may be reposted without its date. That can make a past treatment look current.
Braces are dental appliances that apply gentle pressure over time to move teeth into better positions. Treatment may address crowding, gaps, or how the upper and lower teeth meet. A player’s braces are usually a small part of a longer treatment process, not a permanent feature of their appearance.
There is no official list of footballers who have worn braces. Players may choose not to discuss dental care, and a clear public photo does not always show whether someone has fixed braces, a clear aligner, or another kind of treatment. So Ronaldo is a strong, well-known example, but claims about other players should be checked rather than repeated as fact.
Why Ronaldo is linked with braces
Ronaldo’s early photographs show a different smile from the polished appearance fans recognize today. Reports and widely shared images associate his younger years with braces and later dental treatment. The transformation attracts attention because his public image is so closely tied to photographs, interviews, and match coverage.
There is a common misunderstanding here: seeing that a celebrity had braces does not establish the exact details of their treatment. A photo may show an appliance, but it cannot reliably tell you how long treatment lasted, what dental issue was addressed, or whether later changes came from braces, other dental procedures, or natural development.
It is also easy to confuse orthodontic treatment with cosmetic dental work. Orthodontics moves teeth and can improve how they fit together. Cosmetic procedures may change how teeth look, but they do not necessarily move them into a different position. A person may have had more than one kind of care at different times.
For that reason, the most careful description is simple: Ronaldo wore braces when he was younger, and his present-day appearance should not be treated as proof that he still wears them. Specific claims about his treatment plan or dates need a reliable, direct source.
Do other footballers wear braces?
Yes. Footballers can have braces or other orthodontic treatment, just like people in any profession. But identifying a player as a current brace wearer can be difficult unless the player has confirmed it or clear, recent reporting supports the claim.
Some players may wear traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or removable clear aligners. Others may have finished treatment years ago. A mouthguard, a brief glimpse of teeth during a match, or a social media image may not give enough information to tell which is true.
It is helpful to separate three types of claims:
- Confirmed: The player has spoken publicly about having braces or treatment, or a credible source reports it directly.
- Past treatment: There is reliable evidence that the player wore braces earlier, but no evidence that treatment is ongoing.
- Speculation: A viewer guesses from a photo or video. This should not be presented as a fact.
That distinction matters because celebrity images are often copied without dates or context. A claim that a player “has braces” suggests the treatment is happening now. If the only evidence is an old photograph, “wore braces” is more accurate.
Braces and clear aligners: what is the difference?
Orthodontists can use different appliances to move teeth. The right option depends on the person’s teeth, bite, treatment goals, and ability to follow instructions. A professional assessment is needed; a player’s choice or appearance is not a recommendation for someone else.
| Option | How it works | Practical consideration for football | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | Brackets attached to teeth connect to a wire that is adjusted during treatment. | They stay in place, but brackets and wires can irritate the mouth if struck. | Many orthodontic needs, including cases that require detailed tooth movement. |
| Ceramic braces | Tooth-colored brackets work in a similar way to metal braces. | They are fixed to the teeth and need protection during contact. | People seeking a less noticeable fixed appliance, when clinically suitable. |
| Clear aligners | A series of removable trays gradually shifts teeth. | They can be removed for sport, but a player must follow the orthodontist’s instructions and wear schedule. | Some treatment plans where removable trays are appropriate. |
| Retainer | A fixed or removable device helps keep teeth in position after active treatment. | It is not the same as braces; ask the orthodontist whether it should be removed for play. | Maintaining the result after braces or aligners. |
The “best” appliance is not decided by football alone. A fixed option may be better for one person’s treatment, while removable aligners may suit another. The orthodontist should also know the player’s training and match schedule so the plan accounts for regular contact and mouthguard use.
Can you play football with braces?
Usually, yes, but contact protection matters. Football involves accidental collisions, falls, and contact with other players. Braces do not automatically prevent someone from training or playing, but a blow to the mouth can injure the lips, cheeks, teeth, or orthodontic appliance.
A mouthguard helps cushion the teeth and soft tissues. Players with braces should ask their orthodontist or dentist which type is suitable. A regular mouthguard may not fit well as teeth move, so it is important not to assume that any model will provide a safe, comfortable fit.
Do not cut, bend, or adjust a mouthguard or braces yourself to make them fit. A poorly fitted guard can be uncomfortable or fail to protect the mouth as intended. Your dental professional can advise whether a guard designed for braces is appropriate and when it needs to be checked as treatment progresses.
If a collision damages a bracket or wire, or causes bleeding, significant pain, a loose tooth, or swelling, tell an adult or team staff member and contact a dental professional promptly. Do not pull on a wire or try to repair the appliance with tools. For a serious injury, urgent medical or dental care may be needed.
How to choose a mouthguard with braces
The mouthguard should protect the mouth while leaving enough room for the braces and for teeth to move during treatment. Because the fit can change over time, a guard that worked at the beginning may become uncomfortable later. Have it checked at dental or orthodontic visits, especially after an adjustment or a change in treatment.
- Tell the orthodontist you play football. Mention the level of contact, your position, and how often you train. This helps the professional give advice that fits your routine.
- Ask about a brace-compatible guard. A guard made or selected for braces may have extra space around the brackets. The right design depends on your appliance and mouth.
- Check comfort and coverage. It should stay in place without sharp pressure, interfere as little as possible with breathing and speech, and not rub against brackets.
- Recheck the fit regularly. Teeth move during orthodontic treatment, so ask whether the guard still fits after appointments or if it starts to pinch or loosen.
- Follow care instructions. Clean and store the guard as directed. Replace it if it cracks, becomes distorted, or no longer fits correctly.
One detail players often miss is that the mouthguard should be considered part of the treatment plan, not an afterthought. The orthodontist may need to account for it while planning tooth movement. Bring the guard to an appointment if you want its fit assessed.
What braces can and cannot tell you about a player
Braces can show that someone is receiving orthodontic treatment, but they do not reveal the diagnosis or the expected outcome. Two people may have similar-looking braces for very different reasons. Only the person and their dental professional know the full treatment plan unless they choose to share it.
A photo is especially limited evidence. Camera angles, lighting, image quality, and the timing of the picture can all affect what appears visible. A retainer or reflection can be mistaken for braces, while clear aligners may be difficult to see at all.
Be cautious with claims that name a player’s specific dental condition or explain exactly what treatment they received. Unless the player has shared that information or a reliable source has reported it, those details are speculation. It is reasonable to discuss publicly known braces without guessing about private health information.
Also, braces are not a sign that a player has poor health or that treatment was unnecessary. Orthodontics can be recommended for several reasons, including tooth position and bite. The reason is personal and cannot be diagnosed from a photograph.
How to check whether a footballer really wore braces
If you are checking a claim about Ronaldo or another player, look for the original context rather than relying on a caption or a cropped image. A dated interview, the player’s own statement, or reputable reporting is stronger evidence than a reposted photo with no source.
- Check whether the source says “wore braces” or “wears braces.” The tense changes the meaning.
- Look for a publication date and, if possible, the date the photograph was taken.
- See whether the claim comes directly from the player or a credible report.
- Avoid treating fan comments, edited images, or AI-generated pictures as confirmation.
This is useful beyond celebrity trivia. It prevents an old image from being mistaken for a current update and keeps private medical details from being turned into unsupported claims.
Common questions about football players and braces
Does Cristiano Ronaldo still have braces?
There is no reliable basis for saying he currently wears traditional braces. He is known for having worn them when he was younger, and later photos show a different smile. Do not confuse past orthodontic treatment with current treatment.
Can footballers wear braces during a match?
Yes, players can play while wearing braces, but they should discuss mouth protection with their dentist or orthodontist. A suitable mouthguard can help protect the mouth, and the fit should be checked as teeth shift.
Are clear aligners safer than braces for football?
Not automatically. Aligners are removable, but they still require a treatment plan and instructions about when to wear them. Fixed braces need a mouthguard that accommodates the brackets. An orthodontist can compare the options for an individual player.
Which football player is most famous for having braces?
Cristiano Ronaldo is among the best-known examples because images of his younger years are widely associated with braces. That does not mean he is the only footballer to have received orthodontic care.
Does wearing braces affect how well a player can perform?
Braces are not generally a reason a person cannot play, though soreness after an adjustment or irritation from contact may be uncomfortable. A mouthguard, good fit, and advice from the treating professional can help manage practical concerns.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the best-known answer to which football player has braces, but the accurate wording is that he wore them as a teenager. That past treatment should not be confused with wearing braces today, and claims about other players need reliable confirmation.
If you play football with braces, ask your orthodontist for advice on a brace-compatible mouthguard and have its fit checked as your teeth move. For player trivia, check the date and source before treating a photo as proof of current treatment.