Cristiano Ronaldo recently caught fans off guard when they noticed his toenails were painted black—but there’s a practical reason behind the look.
Fresh off helping Portugal win the Nations League again, Ronaldo shared a gym photo with his son Cristiano Jr., showing off their physiques after a workout. ..Continue Reading
While many admired the father-son moment, others were quick to spot the black polish on Ronaldo’s toes.
Though some speculated it was a fashion choice, it turns out the polish serves a protective purpose.
According to reports, Ronaldo uses it to guard against fungal infections and bacteria—common risks for athletes who spend hours in tight, sweaty footwear.
The polish forms a hardened layer that helps prevent cracking and damage.
This method isn’t unique to Ronaldo; it’s also used by athletes in combat sports like boxing and MMA. Legends like Mike Tyson and Israel Adesanya have reportedly done the same.
At 40, Ronaldo continues to perform at the highest level, thanks in part to his famously disciplined lifestyle.
He follows a strict high-protein, low-sugar diet—his favorite meal being Bacalhau à Brás, a traditional Portuguese dish.
He also relies on cryotherapy for recovery and follows a unique sleep routine, taking several short naps throughout the day.
This approach, developed with sleep coach Nick Littlehales during his Real Madrid days, is said to be more effective than a single long night’s sleep.
