Michael Jordan, the NBA legend who recently sold his ownership stake in the Charlotte Hornets for a reported $3 billion, has sparked concern among fans after photos surfaced showing the basketball icon with a yellow tint in his eyes.

The 61-year-old, who was attending a soccer match between AS Monaco and FC Barcelona in Monaco with his wife, Yvette Prieto, drew attention on social media due to the noticeable discoloration in his eyes.

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Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has largely stayed out of the public eye since selling the Hornets and finalizing the sale of his $15 million Chicago mansion, which had been on the market for over a decade.

Despite his low profile, the recent images of him at the Champions League match led to speculation about his health, particularly regarding the possibility of liver issues or jaundice.

Fans took to social media, with many expressing concern that the yellow hue in Jordan’s eyes might be a sign of a more serious medical condition.

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Some speculated that it could be linked to liver disease or alcohol-induced jaundice, while others recalled similar concerns raised in 2020 following the release of Jordan’s documentary, “The Last Dance.”

However, medical experts suggest that the worry might be misplaced. According to several eye specialists, the yellow pigment in Jordan’s eyes may be a benign condition related to aging and skin pigmentation.

Speaking to The Daily Mail, an optometrist explained that the discoloration could be a harmless pigmentation issue commonly seen in older individuals, especially those with darker skin tones.

“I can’t tell you for sure unless I examine him,” the optometrist said, “but the most common reason is a natural pigmentation on the conjunctiva, the front surface of the eye, which can give a yellow appearance.”

Other doctors have echoed this sentiment, with some speculating that Jordan might have a condition called complexion-associated melanosis (CAM), also known as ethnic melanosis.

CAM typically affects the edge of the cornea, the clear part of the eye, and is more common in African Americans. The condition is generally harmless and can sometimes be mistaken for jaundice.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology supports this view, stating that “a brownish and sometimes blotchy color” is often the result of melanin pigment in the surface tissue of the eye, which is benign and not indicative of a serious health issue.

However, the Academy also notes that this can sometimes be confused with the yellowing of the eyes, which is associated with liver disease or other health concerns.

Back in 2020, during the airing of “The Last Dance,” similar concerns were raised about the discoloration in Jordan’s eyes.

At that time, Dr. Val Phua, an ophthalmologist at Eagle Eye Centre Singapore, commented that yellow eyes should not be ignored, as they can sometimes signal a more serious condition.

Dr. Phua suggested that the discoloration could potentially be an abnormal growth of tissue or even jaundice, though there was no confirmation of any such diagnosis for Jordan.

While some fans have speculated about Jordan’s liver health, there has been no official statement from the basketball star or his representatives addressing the issue.

Jordan has not publicly commented on his health, and his team did not respond to requests for comment.

Despite the speculation, Jordan’s recent appearance at the soccer match seemed to show him enjoying life post-basketball ownership.

Forbes estimates Jordan’s net worth at $3.2 billion, largely due to his successful Jordan Brand deal with Nike and other business ventures.

With his financial success and iconic status in the sports world, Jordan continues to make headlines, whether for his business moves or his rare public appearances.

For now, it remains unclear whether the yellow tint in Jordan’s eyes is cause for concern or simply a natural part of aging.

What is certain is that the basketball icon remains a focal point of public attention, even long after his playing days have ended.

Fans and medical experts alike will continue to keep an eye on Jordan’s health, hoping that the discoloration is nothing more than a benign condition.

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