Unrecognisable former Arsenal and Tottenham star stuns fans with hilarious dance moves at Cheltenham in rare public appearance after shock retirement aged 29

A former Arsenal and England midfielder stole the show at Cheltenham Festival, delighting fans with his dance moves in a video that has since gone viral. 

The ex-Premier League star, now 40, was spotted letting loose at the famous horse racing event, showing off some comical moves while dressed sharply in a beige suit. 

David Bentley, who retired from football at just 29, looked unrecognisable to some fans who hadn’t seen him in years. 

Once regarded as one of England’s brightest young talents, Bentley began his career at Arsenal but struggled to break into Arsene Wenger’s first team. 

After loan spells at Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers, he made a permanent switch to Blackburn in 2006, where he truly made his name. 

His standout performances at Ewood Park, including a stunning hat-trick against Manchester United in 2006, earned him a £15million move to Tottenham in 2008.

A former Arsenal and England midfielder stole the show at Cheltenham Festival , delighting fans with his dance moves in a video that has since gone viral

The ex-Premier League star, now 40, was spotted letting loose at the famous horse racing event, showing off some comical moves while dressed sharply in a beige suit

However, despite early promise, Bentley’s career at Spurs never truly took off – failing to hit the heights expected of him. 

He struggled for consistent game time and was sent on multiple loan spells, including stints at Birmingham City, West Ham, and FC Rostov in Russia. 

However, Bentley did manage to earn seven caps for England between 2007 and 2008, featuring under Steve McClaren and Fabio Capello. 

In 2014, Bentley shocked the football world by announcing his retirement from professional football at the age of just 29. 

He later admitted that he had fallen out of love with the game, citing the growing influence of money and media pressures as key reasons for walking away. 

Since leaving football, Bentley has embraced life outside the sport, becoming involved in various business ventures. 

The 40-year-old co-owns a restaurant called La Sala, which has locations in Marbella, Spain, and London. He also works in property development.

Many fans were stunned to see Bentley back in the spotlight in such a lighthearted manner at Cheltenham. 

Bentley’s career at Spurs never truly took off – failing to hit the heights expected of him

Social media was flooded with reactions, with some barely recognising the former England international. 

‘David Bentley looking like he’s absolutely loving life—who needs football when you can dance like that?’ one user joked. Another wrote: ‘That’s how he used to move on the pitch.’