Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable physical condition, allowing him to play at the highest level at 41 years old, is no accident. His former personal chef, Giorgio Barone, has shed light on the strict dietary regimen that underpins the Al-Nassr star’s longevity, including a surprising ban on a common beverage.
According to Barone, presented by Marca, the cornerstone of Ronaldo’s diet is the complete absence of milk, a drink he describes as “against nature.” The chef, who shared his insights on ‘covers.com’, explained his strong stance on the subject.
“Nothing about milk… Humans are the only animals that drink the milk of other animals. No other animal drinks milk after three months. Calves don’t drink milk after three months. Animals don’t drink the milk of other animals,” Barone stated, emphasizing his belief that milk is unnatural for adult human consumption.
The disciplined daily diet of a football icon
Beyond the milk ban, Ronaldo’s diet is meticulously structured around high-protein, low-fat foods. He has also completely eliminated all soft drinks. His daily intake focuses on fresh, whole ingredients:
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- Breakfast: Avocado with coffee and eggs, notably without sugar.
- Lunch: Typically chicken, fish, and always accompanied by a generous portion of vegetables.
- Dinner: A light meal, usually fish or a meat fillet, again served with vegetables.
The Portuguese forward has a particular fondness for avocado, fresh fish, and lean protein sources like chicken. His daily meals also incorporate salad, whole grains such as quinoa, and fresh fruit.
While he does consume carbohydrates, these are sourced exclusively from vegetables, with flour products like pasta or bread strictly avoided. His favourite dish is grilled cod.
Biological age and performance metrics
This rigorous nutritional discipline has yielded extraordinary results. At 41, Ronaldo is reportedly biologically 11 years younger than his chronological age.
His body fat percentage stands at an impressive seven per cent, a figure that highlights his exceptional physical conditioning when compared to the typical Premier League star, who generally maintains a body fat percentage between eight and 12 per cent.
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Ronaldo himself attributes his sustained high performance to consistent effort. He shared his perspective with his vast audience of over 671 million followers on Instagram, stating, “Longevity and high performance are no accident. They are built through daily, practical recovery. It’s no secret. It’s a routine.”
Chef Barone also drew parallels between Ronaldo’s diet and that of another elite striker, Erling Haaland, particularly regarding the consumption of offal.
“I agree with Erling Haaland’s diet, which consists of eating offal. Liver, heart and brain are very healthy foods. They are superfoods. Cristiano also liked liver. I love it. It is very rich in iron and is important in the diet, so I approve of the offal, but not the milk,” Barone remarked, underscoring the specific dietary choices that set top athletes apart.
Sources: www.marca.com
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