A former Premier League star who spent two years in England’s top-tier looks unrecognisable as he enjoys dinner with Brazil legend Kaka.

The ex-player in question shared a photo from a recent evening out with a group of former Brazilian stars.

He sat alongside Kaka, who won the Champions League with AC Milan, as well as Miranda, Julio Baptista, and Michel Bastos.

The former midfielder, who used to play for Manchester City, now looks completely different from his playing days, sporting a beard and longer hair in the photo.

Sometimes footballers are known to change after their playing days, and that is certainly the case for this former player. So, who is the mystery man?

It’s Elano, the former City and Brazil midfielder.

The ex-Brazil international joined the Citizens back in 2007 from Shakhtar Donetsk and went on to make 62 Premier League appearances.

He was brought in by then manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, and played a key role during his two-year spell at the Etihad.

Elano was known for dazzling defences with his footwork, and popping up with goals when City needed them.

He netted 14 times in the Premier League during his time in blue, while also  providing 11 assists. While his numbers may not be the highest, City fans will always regard Elano as a cult hero.

After his departure from the Etihad, Elano went on to play for Turkish giants Galatasaray until 2011.

He then decided to return to his native Brazil, where he ended his career in 2016, playing out his final years where he began his professional career, Santos.

Elano also turned out in the famous yellow and green of Brazil a total of 50 times between 2004 and 2011.

Since his retirement, the former City star has turned to coaching, with his most recent role at Ferroviaria coming to an end in June 2023.