Giorgio Barone, the former personal chef of Cristiano Ronaldo, has revealed that the football star avoids milk entirely, calling the practice of drinking animal milk into adulthood “against nature.”
According to Barone, who spoke to Covers.com, Ronaldo believes humans are the only species that continue to consume milk beyond infancy, a habit he views as unnatural. The Portuguese forward, now 41 and playing for Al-Nassr, has replaced dairy with plant-based alternatives as part of a strict dietary regimen designed to sustain peak physical performance.
Barone emphasized that no other animal drinks milk after weaning, and that continuing to do so into adulthood is unique to humans and, in his view, biologically inappropriate. This stance forms a core part of Ronaldo’s broader nutritional philosophy, which prioritizes whole, unprocessed foods and eliminates refined sugars, bread, pasta, and other refined carbohydrates.
The former Real Madrid star follows a routine of six slight, protein-rich meals per day, built around lean sources such as chicken, fresh fish, eggs, and plant-based fats like avocado. His meals are structured to support intense training sessions that can last up to four hours daily, with breakfast often consisting of avocado, eggs, and coffee — completely free of sugar.
Lunch typically features grilled fish or chicken paired with vegetables, while dinner remains light, usually consisting of fish or a lean steak. Carbohydrates, when needed, are sourced from vegetables and whole grains like quinoa rather than refined flours, and his favorite dish is reported to be grilled cod.
Beyond diet, Ronaldo maintains a rigorous recovery routine that includes sauna sessions and ice baths, contributing to his exceptionally low body fat percentage of approximately 7% — a rarity among athletes over 40. This level of conditioning has allowed him to maintain elite performance well into what is traditionally considered the final phase of a footballer’s career.
In February, Ronaldo shared a photo of his toned physique on social media, captioning it: “High performance is not a matter of luck. It is the result of daily habits.” The post underscored his belief that longevity in sport stems not from genetics or chance, but from relentless discipline in training, nutrition, and recovery.
His commitment to this lifestyle has fueled speculation that he could extend his playing career by another decade, with Ronaldo himself stating he believes he is biologically 11 years younger than his chronological age and intends to play football for at least 10 more years.
How Ronaldo’s diet supports his extreme physical conditioning
The six-meal-a-day structure ensures a constant supply of amino acids for muscle repair and growth, particularly important given the volume and intensity of his training. By spacing protein intake across multiple meals, Ronaldo avoids digestive strain while maximizing nutrient absorption — a strategy increasingly adopted by elite endurance and strength athletes.
His exclusion of refined sugars and starches helps regulate insulin response and reduce inflammation, factors linked to faster recovery and sustained energy levels. Nutritionists note that such a diet, while demanding, aligns with evidence-based protocols for preserving lean mass and metabolic health in aging athletes.
Why the milk avoidance reflects a broader mindset
For Ronaldo, the rejection of milk is not isolated — it is part of a consistent ideology that questions modern dietary norms. By framing adult milk consumption as a human anomaly, he positions his choices as a return to what he views as biologically appropriate eating.
This mindset extends beyond food: his rejection of processed carbohydrates and sugar reflects a broader skepticism toward industrialized food systems. In this light, his diet is not just about performance — it is a statement about long-term health and autonomy over one’s biological aging.
What this means for his pursuit of the 2026 World Cup
Despite turning 41, Ronaldo remains focused on representing Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a goal that would make him one of the oldest players to feature in the tournament. His physical maintenance, particularly the 7% body fat level, places him in a rare category for athletes his age.
While many peers have transitioned to mentorship roles or retired, Ronaldo’s regimen suggests he is treating his body not as something in decline, but as a system that can be optimized through disciplined habit. Whether he achieves this goal depends on continued adherence to these routines — and the absence of injury or illness.
Why does Cristiano Ronaldo avoid drinking milk?
He believes consuming milk from other animals into adulthood is unnatural, as no other species continues this practice beyond infancy, and views it as biologically inappropriate.
What does Ronaldo eat in a typical day?
He eats six small, protein-rich meals: breakfast often includes avocado, eggs, and coffee; lunch is fish or chicken with vegetables; dinner is light, usually fish or lean steak; carbohydrates come from vegetables and whole grains like quinoa, avoiding refined sugars, bread, and pasta.
How does his body fat percentage compare to other athletes his age?
At approximately 7%, his body fat is significantly lower than the typical range for athletes over 40, many of whom maintain levels between 8% and 12%, according to the sources.
Is he still aiming to play in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, despite his age, Ronaldo has expressed the intention to play football for at least 10 more years and aims to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Portugal.