Christiano Ronaldo’s resume is extensive.
Five Ballon d’Or’s, 34 trophies and multiple records including the most Champions League goals (140), international goals (143), and caps (226).
And that’s just a drop in the pond of his soccer achievements. He is football’s all-time top scorer with over 970 career goals.
And now, he’s preparing to play in his record sixth World Cup. It wouldn’t be a far-fetched claim to consider the 41-year-old soccer icon one of the greatest players of all time.
Regardless of his habits or superstitions, whatever Ronaldo does works. He has had a huge impact on the football community, breaking records and paving the way for younger players. The FIFA 2026 World Cup will be Ronaldo’s last major international tournament as he plans to retire from professional football within the next few years.
But how did Ronaldo achieve so much? Was it natural talent? Intense training and practices? Or maybe something a little more.
Here are four habits and superstitions that Ronaldo follows meticulously:
Look but never touch
Ronaldo has never a touched a trophy before winning it. Ever. He believes it is bad luck, no matter how beautiful the trophy may be. Even in a one-on-one meeting with the 2017 FIFA Confederation’s Cup trophy, Ronaldo gazed longingly but refused to break his superstition. Though he didn’t get to hold the trophy at the end of the day, his stance on the subject stands.
Back in Black
Black toenails have become a part of Ronaldo’s look, but why? It is actually to prevent getting a fungal infection after spending hours in sweaty footwear. It is believed that the paint adds a protective layer and the extra coatings make it difficult for the nails to split and crack. Just like everything in his routine, the black nail polish is to improve his performance and health.
Getting his beauty sleep
Rather than a full night of sleep, Ronaldo follows a routine of five 90-minute naps. During each nap, he sleeps in fetal position to reduce back pain and improve posture. This technique was given to him by sleep specialist, Nick Littlehales. There are some sleep guidelines Ronaldo must follow like fresh pajamas and black-out curtains, but these habits keep Ronaldo at the top of his game.
Right foot first
Last but certainly not least, one of Ronaldo’s more famous superstitions. As Ronaldo takes the field, he confidently steps on. But not just any foot, always right foot first. This habit comes from a Portuguese cultural belief, “entra com a direita,” meaning enter with the right. Not only is this a nod to his heritage but it also represents good fortune, something Ronaldo has certainly had during his career.
Ronaldo and the Portugal national team will take on Congo DR at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The game is set to take place at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17th. Watch Ronaldo’s last run on FOX US, Peacock Premium, or Fubo TV.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Cristiano Ronaldo, World Cup superstar, fueled by four strange habits
Reporting by Samantha Guillotte, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Samantha Guillotte, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union | USA TODAY Network
