Have you noticed something unusual about Cristiano Ronaldo lately? The football icon has been sporting black toenails - and no, it's not a fashion statement. This surprising habit is actually part of the legendary forward's dedication to peak performance.
In a recent gym photo with his son Cristiano Junior, eagle-eyed fans spotted CR7's black-painted toenails. The 40-year-old Al Nassr star shared the image with his 115.5 million followers on X with the caption "Tal pai tal filho" (Like father, like son).
Ronaldo has been photographed with black toenails several times over the past couple of years. Whether relaxing in a sauna or on holiday, his painted toes have made appearances that left fans curious.
MMA-Inspired Performance Technique
The black polish is actually a technique borrowed from MMA fighters. These athletes paint their toenails to harden them and prevent cracking or splitting during intense physical activity.
It also serves as protection against bacteria and fungi. This is particularly useful for footballers who spend hours in boots where warm, moist conditions create perfect breeding grounds for infections.
According to Britain's Royal College of Podiatry, there's some evidence suggesting nail polish can protect healthy nails from infection. This could be especially valuable in Saudi Arabia's hot climate, where Ronaldo now plays.
"With over 250,000 sweat glands in your feet, the average person produces around half a pint of sweat per day in their feet," explains Dr. Helen Branthwaite from the college.
Will Other Footballers Follow Suit?
Ronaldo's influence could spark a new trend among footballers looking for every competitive edge. His meticulous attention to physical maintenance has already inspired countless players worldwide.
Atletico Madrid's Marcos Llorente recently complained about toenail pain during a match in California's heat. Players facing similar issues might consider Ronaldo's solution.
For bettors, this highlights Ronaldo's continued commitment to performance excellence even at 40. His dedication to maintaining peak physical condition suggests he may continue performing at high levels for Al Nassr, potentially affecting odds in Saudi Pro League matches.
But before you rush to paint your own toenails, remember the experts' advice: good foot hygiene and avoiding barefoot walking in communal areas are equally important steps for foot health.
Whether this unusual technique actually enhances performance remains debatable. But for Ronaldo, who's built a career on leaving no stone unturned in his quest for excellence, it's just another example of his legendary dedication.
