Revealed, the science behind Cristiano Ronaldo's unwavering success at 37 trends now
He's one of the living legends of football and still churning out key match-winning performances at an age when many professional players have already retired.
But how exactly has Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo maintained his athleticism at the ripe old age of 37?
International football's all-time top scorer, with 118 goals, may break another record amid speculation he could sign a £173m-a-year deal with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, which would make him the highest earner in sport.
To keep himself in top condition, and attract such eye-watering offers, the footballer has followed a strict regime of a consistent diet, rest and recovery for years.
Here, MailOnline dives into some of the factors that he uses to stay in shape ahead of Portugal's quarter-final match against Switzerland.
From 'magical' chicken, a strict napping schedule and at home cryotherapy. MailOnline examines the health hacks that could be helping Ronaldo stay in top form at 37-years-old
Avocado toast, swordfish, and 'magical' chicken - but zero fizzy drinks
The millennial mainstay of avocado toast is just one of the superfoods that Ronaldo has used as a power-up snack during the day.
Counting as one of his five-a-day, the nutrient-rich fruit is packed with healthy fats, as well as vitamins and minerals, that support good heart and lung health.
Avocado is particularly abundant in potassium and folate which, between them, help keep the heart muscle healthy and form red blood cells, the part of the blood that carries oxygen around the body, helping muscles work.
For breakfast, the ex-Manchester United star often opts for cheese, ham, and low-fat yogurt.
While excess dairy can be fattening, small amounts, or low fat versions, are rich sources of protein to build muscles and calcium to maintain healthy bones.
The same is true for red meat like ham, which is also rich in protein, though experts say people should only eat small amounts each day.
But on the whole Ronaldo chooses leaner types of meat to get most of his protein fix.
Portuguese national team chef Luis Lavrador has said his nation's most famous footballer has a particular love of fresh fish.
He is said to regularly tuck into swordfish, sea bass, sea bream and cod.
These species of white fish are high in protein but low in fat compared to red meat.
Ronaldo is strict about what he eats, and has small meals on several occasions in the day, often featuring fresh vegetables and avocado on toast
Sea bass and sea bream are also rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep the heart healthy, according to the NHS.
Fellow Portuguese players have said Ronaldo favourite dish is Bacalhau a Bras, a traditional dish combining scrambled eggs, fried potatoes and salted cod.
Another meat, chicken, holds a special place in Ronaldo's heart, with the star once lauding it as 'magical' for its mix of high protein but low-fat.
Salad, whole grains, and fresh fruit are also piled up onto his plate every day.
Former teammate Lee Grant previously said Ronaldo opted for the trendy grain quinoa when the Manchester United team ate together.
Originating from South America, quinoa is protein rich compared to other grains like wheat and has anti-inflammatory properties.
But it's not only what Ronaldo eats that may be the keeping him in shape, but when.
He is said to eat small portions frequently throughout the day, ditching the three main meals of breakfast, lunch, and dinner for six smaller, but protein packed equivalents.
While scientists are still debating the merits of multiple smaller meals for the rest us, Ronaldo's pattern of eating isn't unusual for athletes.
Smaller but more frequent meals are said to help meet the high nutritional demands of footballers, giving the energy they need for the range of training they do throughout the day.
Diet is clearly very important to Ronaldo, reportedly having a personal nutritionist who has been following him since his Real Madrid days.
And one thing he seemingly won't touch is sugary drinks.
The footballer infamously caused a sponsorship headache at the Euro 2020 last year when he pointedly removed Coca-Cola bottles from his seating area at a press conference before shouting in Portuguese: 'Drink water!'.
However, he has also admitted to the occasional cheat day and enjoying a pizza with his son.
Getting a regular 40 winks: five 90-minute naps every day
For most people getting a solid seven to nine hours of sleep each night to feel refreshed might be a struggle.
But Ronaldo has reportedly ditched this concept entirely and instead opts for five 90-minute naps each day on fresh sheets, for a total of 7.5 hours of sleep.
Known as polyphasic sleep, the
