The diet secrets behind Cristiano Ronaldo's impressive physique at 41

Barone said Ronaldo avoids milk based on his view of nature.

"No milk," Barone told covers.com. "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 the age of three months. Animals don't drink the milk of other animals. We breastfeed from our mothers, like dogs, wolves, cows and donkeys. It is normal. After infancy, it is not normal. It is against nature."

Ronaldo eats six high-protein meals a day. He also uses saunas and ice baths to recover from high-intensity training, which can last up to four hours daily.

Cristiano Ronaldo shows off his toned physique at 41 years old. Photo by X/@Cristiano

Barone, a famous chef in Italy, was hired to prepare Ronaldo's meals during his time at Juventus.

The Portuguese superstar maintains a body fat percentage of around 7%, lower than the usual 8-12% seen in Premier League players. He prioritizes low-fat, nutrient-dense foods like fresh fish, chicken, avocado, whole grains, vegetables and fruit, according to Daily Mail.

Breakfast often includes avocado, eggs and unsweetened coffee. For lunch, he eats chicken or fish with vegetables. His dinner is a light meal of protein and vegetables. He avoids refined carbohydrates like bread and pasta.

Ronaldo also strictly avoids soft drinks. He famously urged fans to drink water instead of soda during a Euro 2020 press conference.

Barone called Ronaldo's diet balanced and healthy. He stressed that Ronaldo's strict discipline is the main reason he can maintain top form in his 40s.

Many younger players use Ronaldo as a role model for longevity. Real Madrid star forward Vinicius Jr. follows a similar diet and training plan. Brazilian superstar Neymar also consulted Ronaldo's methods to lose weight during the 2020 pandemic lockdown.

Ronaldo celebrates a goal for Al Nassr in the 4-0 win against Al Hazem in Saudi Pro League on Feb. 21, 2026. Photo by Al Nassr

Ronaldo's form remains strong at 41 years old. He has scored 26 goals in 30 matches this season. His club, Al Nassr, lead the Saudi Pro League with 76 points. They sit eight points ahead of Al Hilal with five games left to play.

Al Nassr will also play Japanese club Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final on May 16. This match gives Ronaldo a chance to win his first official club trophy since his 2021 Coppa Italia win.

If Ronaldo does not have any fitness setbacks, he will captain Portugal at the 2026 World Cup. Portugal will compete in Group K, facing DR Congo on June 17, Uzbekistan on June 23 and Colombia on the 27th.