Teammates reveal the ins and outs of Cristiano Ronaldo's spartan diet

Cristiano Ronaldo is meticulous. Whether it’s his training and game-day preparation or simply his hair, the 39-year-old is seemingly strict about everything in his life.

So it should come as no surprise to anybody that of course extends to his diet. Playing football at the top level for over 22 years now, it's safe to say Ronaldo insists on a careful and consistent diet. But not just for himself, one teammate revealed.

Brazilian footballer Alex Telles, who played with Ronaldo at Manchester United and at Al-Nassr, revealed to Globo Esporte that CR7 would not just keep an eye on what he was eating – but also his Al-Nassr teammates.

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"He keeps an eye on the other players' plates, in a healthy joke." Telles said. "At first, the guys were afraid to go for dessert, we know how fit he is, how he likes to take care of himself, and everyone likes to follow good examples."

Apparently Ronaldo’s diet has become a point of focus for many of his teammates in Saudi Arabia, who are taking the opportunity to learn everything they can from the Portuguese legend.

"He eats a protein after lunch, after 15 days there were about 20 proteins on the table, everyone asked the nutritionist for them, to see if there was some magic in there…" Telles said. 

So what does Ronaldo eat? According to Telles, his diet consists wholly of "natural things, salmon, quinoa, avocado…"

While according to another former Man U teammate, Patrice Evra, Cristiano Ronaldo is obsessed with chicken breast, highlighting its status as a lean protein-dense food.

Add to that a healthy love of oily fish, such as cod, which he also consumes several times a week, as told by Evra to Goal.

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It’s not just what he eats, it’s also what he avoids. For CR7 alcohol and sugary drinks are absolutely off the table, and fatty and red meats are rare in his diet.

So what does he eat when he wants to let his hair down a bit? Does he ever indulge in a 'cheat meal'?

According to former Portugal teammate Jose Fonte, CR7 does indeed indulge in some cheeky treats. Fonte has seen the superstar indulge in "steak, chips, and fried eggs" to celebrate a big match, but warns it's far less common than the likes of "nice quinoas, sweet potatoes and broccoli".

Does this sound a bit boring to you? Well, it is for Ronaldo too – to some extent, who revealed that there is one junk food he likes to indulge in from time to time to spice up his life.

In a conversation with YouTuber ChrisMD in December 2023, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner shared his thoughts on his favorite cheat meal, as reported by The Sun: "The key is to take care of your body through training, recovery, and proper eating. However, I do indulge in pizza with my son from time to time; otherwise, it would be a bit dull."

Of course, while Ronaldo's strict dietary and training habits might do wonders for his time on the pitch, they don't lend themselves to an active social life.

As Evra told Goal. "I recommend anyone to say no if Cristiano invites you to his house because that boy is a machine and he never stops training. I went there and I was really tired after training, but on the table, there was a salad and chicken breast and only water, no drinks."

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