Michael Jordan turned heads this week while vacationing in Spain, with the NBA icon showing off a noticeably slimmer physique during a stroll alongside wife Yvette Prieto.
The basketball legend appeared relaxed while smoking one of his trademark cigars, but behind the glamorous European getaway is reportedly a more personal motivation.
According to a new insider account, Jordan became increasingly focused on his health after fans raised concerns last year about his appearance and his eye condition during several public outings.
Michael Jordan Debuted Slimmed-Down Look During Marbella Vacation
Michael Jordan appeared to be enjoying another luxurious European summer vacation with his wife, Yvette Prieto, this week.
The six-time NBA champion was photographed walking through the Marbella Club Hotel in Spain while surrounded by security guards.
The 63-year-old wore an orange T-shirt, denim shorts, and white sneakers while puffing on one of his signature cigars. Fans quickly noticed his noticeably slimmer frame during the outing.
An insider told the Daily Mail that Jordan’s new appearance comes after he became more health-conscious following public concern over his looks in 2024.
“Along with being seen on TV through NASCAR and his occasional moments on NBC with the NBA, he’s wanted to be in good shape and TV-ready so to speak as of late,” the source claimed.
The insider added that fans had previously “given him some grief over his appearance and the way his eyes have looked.”
Jordan Sparked Health Concerns Over His Eyes Last Year
Concerns about Michael Jordan’s health intensified in September 2024 after he attended a Champions League game in Monaco with Prieto.
The NBA legend was photographed at Stade Louis II watching Monaco defeat Barcelona, but social media users became fixated on the yellow tint in his eyes.
After images from the outing went viral, many fans immediately began speculating about his health. It was not the first time viewers noticed the issue.
Back in 2020, Jordan’s eyes also sparked concern during interviews featured in Netflix’s hugely successful documentary series “The Last Dance.”
Throughout the series, the former Chicago Bulls star regularly appeared to have yellow discoloration in his eyes. That led some viewers to wonder whether he was suffering from jaundice or another underlying health issue.
According to the insider, the public reaction reportedly motivated Jordan to make some lifestyle changes. “As he was hearing people talking about his looks, he changed some eating habits and got back to working out a little more,” the source alleged.
Michael Jordan Reportedly Returned To Fitness Routine With Yvette Prieto
The insider claimed Jordan’s athletic background made it easier for him to return to a healthier lifestyle.
“But the great thing about Mike and his health, is that he was an elite athlete for so long, he knows what to do to stay in shape,” the source explained.
They also noted that Jordan and Prieto reportedly work out together regularly. “And having a wife who was a model, they work out together and he is always walking around on the golf course, so he remains overall in solid shape,” the source added.
Jordan is also reportedly doing everything possible to remain as active and energetic when he gets into his 70s as he has been in his 60s.
According to the source, the businessman’s stress-free lifestyle contributes to his overall well-being. “Plus, how much stress do you think he has? Not much, he is rich, happily married and loving life. That goes a long way in someone’s health,” they noted.
The insider also denied having any knowledge about Jordan allegedly using weight-loss medication.
Jordan Continues Living Lavish Lifestyle Across Europe
Michael Jordan’s European vacations have become a regular part of his post-NBA lifestyle. The retired basketball star, whose estimated net worth reportedly sits around $4.3 billion, frequently travels aboard his luxury yachts.
He is believed to own the $80 million yacht “Joy,” along with the even larger “M’BRACE,” reportedly valued at $115 million.
Jordan has embraced a glamorous lifestyle ever since officially retiring from professional basketball in 2003.
In recent years, he has remained active through business ventures, including his involvement as a NASCAR team owner.
He also returned to television this season as a special contributor for NBC’s NBA coverage. However, some fans were left disappointed by how little airtime he actually received after the network heavily promoted his return.
Jordan reportedly conducted just one interview with NBC host Mike Tirico, which aired across multiple episodes during the 2025-26 NBA season. Still, his rare appearances continue generating intense attention from sports fans eager to see the NBA legend back on screen.
Michael Jordan Goes Viral Over Strange Post-Race Victory Antics
Last month, Jordan once again sent social media into a frenzy after his strange celebration following Tyler Reddick’s thrilling NASCAR victory at Kansas Speedway went viral online.
As The Blast reported, the icon, who co-owns 23XI Racing with Denny Hamlin, was caught on camera grabbing Hamlin by the throat and kissing the side of his head moments after Reddick snatched the dramatic win.
Fans immediately flooded social media with reactions, with many viewers calling the interaction awkward and bizarre. One person wrote, “It’s pretty demeaning how he grabs him by the throat,” while another questioned, “Why did he grab his neck like that?”
A third fan bluntly described the exchange as “the weirdest thing ever.” The moment became even more talked about because Hamlin had dominated most of the race and appeared on track for victory before a late restart allowed Reddick to steal the win.
Jordan later admitted he enjoys beating Hamlin due to the constant trash talk between them, while Hamlin jokingly acknowledged that Jordan probably loved seeing his own driver defeat him.