Published: 12:28 AM, 26 June 2018 Last Update: 12:59 PM, 26 June 2018
This is everything Ronaldo does before and after a big match
Cristiano Ronaldo has a very specific game-day routine.
The Portugal national team striker, who has played a starring role in the 2018 World Cup so far, gets up early, adheres to a diet that is full of whole grain carbs, and admires his own reflection in the mirror.
Ronaldo starts his day early, having gone to bed early the night before. The player once told Four Four Two magazine that "sleep helps my muscles recover."
Eight hours sleep is the optimum amount, according to Ronaldo, while apparently leaves him enough time to complete "abs workout" in his bedroom before he even eats breakfast. He told Goal.com that, eventually, early morning workouts "become a habit."
Ronaldo will drink plenty of fluids so he stays hydrated throughout the day. His diet is known to include lots of fish, but will likely eat light meals full of protein and whole grains on the day of a big match.
Once Ronaldo has arrived at a stadium, he will warm up, stretch, and listen to music. According to former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney, he will even look at himself in the mirror.
Rooney told Goal.com: "The kit goes on, the boots go on. Not long after, Ronnie turns to his reflection and stares, psyching himself up for the game."
Ronaldo continues his game day routine even when a match is over. He once told Spanish newspaper AS that, after a game, he will eat at the stadium (usually fruit and pizza), take hot and cold baths, and go for a 20-minute swim. "This swim helps Cristiano go over events from the game and clear his mind," according to AS.
Considering Ronaldo has scored four times in his first two World Cup 2018 matches for Portugal, clearly it is a routine that works for him.
Ronaldo next competes when his country Portugal takes on Iran on Monday.
