Cristiano Ronaldo has accomplished almost everything there is to achieve in football.
The Portuguese star has amassed more than 300 accolades, medals and trophies since he first started kicking a ball around a football field – several of them right here in Manchester.
Yet, Ronaldo’s greatest achievement of all is the role he’s played in taking this sport to a new level.
Before the turn of the millennium, late-night partying wasn’t just pervasive in football – it was normal. But when a new wave of talent emerged in the modern era – a generation of fitness-obsessed footballers spearheaded by the likes of Ronaldo – the athletic expectations of the average player increased.
Cristiano Ronaldo completed his move to Manchester United this week // Manchester United
The culture at the highest level of football has changed ever since. No longer can players get by on a diet of fried food and alcohol – Ronaldo has played a major role in raising the bar.
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Today, athletes all over the world aim to emulate ‘CR7’s body shape… but how exactly does he do it? What’s the secret to becoming one of the fittest, strongest players to ever grace a football field?
At 36 years of age, Ronaldo ought to be making cameo appearances from the bench and circling an upcoming retirement date on his calendar – instead he’s returning to Manchester United to help them win trophies and compete at the highest level.
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Off the pitch, Ronaldo takes a tactical approach to his meals – tucking into a different dish every three to four hours. A little bit, a lot of the time.
Ronaldo tucking into one of his many meals a day // Cristiano on Instagram
His preferred meals are what you might expect: whole grains, fresh fruit, fish and chicken. He also eats cheese, ham, yoghurt and toast in the mornings, whilst making a conscious effort to avoid red meat and frozen food at all times (well, after the above photo was taken).
He also guzzles sports drinks to boost his electrolyte and vitamin B12 levels.
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Ronaldo has never looked like a normal footballer on the field, and he doesn’t sleep like an ordinary guy either. Instead of shutting his eyes for eight hours at a time, he grabs 90 minutes of rest up to five times a day.
This allows him to recharge regularly and remain in peak physical condition at an age where most footballers are looking to hang up their boots.
Cristiano on Instagram
At the recent Dubai Sports Conference, Ronaldo admitted he could potentially retire at any time – although there’s a good chance he could continue playing beyond 40-years-old. Something that millions of Manchester United fans will be hoping for.
“The moment my body no longer responds in the right way on the pitch, then it will be time for me to stop,” he told the crowd.
“Many years ago the ideal age to retire was 30 or 32, now you still see players aged 40.”
If any player can keep smashing it at the highest level well into their forties – it’s CR7.
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Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”