Ronaldo shows off new svelte figure in Brazil

Published Dec. 17, 2012 1:57 p.m. ET

foxsports

Ronaldo has kicked those pounds away, replacing his beer belly with defined abs.

The now-retired Brazilian soccer great shed more than 37 pounds in a televised weight-loss program. He weighed 223 on Sunday, down from 260 when he began the three-month fitness program in September. The ''Fantastico'' variety show chronicled the former striker's intense exercise routines, which included weightlifting, swimming, dance and yoga classes and forays onto the soccer field.

Ronaldo, a three-time FIFA player of the year, retired early last year but is a member of the local organizing committee for the 2014 World Cup. He has also done commercials, some of them poking at his dramatic weight gain.