Footballers may spend their days following carefully curated nutrition plans, but off the pitch, many of the world’s biggest stars still find comfort in the dishes that remind them of home. From childhood favourites passed down through generations to indulgent treats enjoyed in moderation, these meals offer a glimpse into the personalities and cultural roots of the players fans admire.
Erling Haaland - Butter chicken and garlic naan
The Norwegian striker recently spoke about his love for Indian food, making it his go-to choice for cheat meals! “I love Indian food, to be honest,” he said, sending desi fans into a frenzy. His favourites include butter chicken paired with garlic naan. He also spoke about enjoying lamb chops and chicken tikka masala, naming his favourite Indian eatery, the family-run New Delhi Restaurant in Oslo.
Mohamed Salah - Koshari
The Egyptian icon is often linked with koshari, Egypt’s beloved national dish. The hearty street-food staple brings together rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, spiced tomato sauce and crisp fried onions. For Salah, whose professional diet is tightly managed, koshari works as a homegrown comfort dish closely tied to Egypt’s food culture and his public image as one of the country’s biggest sporting stars.
Lionel Messi - Milanesa napolitana
{{/usCountry}}The Egyptian icon is often linked with koshari, Egypt’s beloved national dish. The hearty street-food staple brings together rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, spiced tomato sauce and crisp fried onions. For Salah, whose professional diet is tightly managed, koshari works as a homegrown comfort dish closely tied to Egypt’s food culture and his public image as one of the country’s biggest sporting stars.
Lionel Messi - Milanesa napolitana
{{/usCountry}}The Argentina captain’s favourite comfort food is widely reported to be milanesa napolitana, an Argentine classic made with breaded meat topped with tomato sauce, ham and melted cheese. Often served with fries or mashed potatoes, it is the kind of home-style dish Messi has been linked to since childhood, especially when prepared by his mother, Celia. For him, it remains a taste of his homeland.
Lamine Yamal - Arroz con pollo y salsa de cacahuete
For the Spanish teenage sensation, comfort comes in the form of arroz con pollo y salsa de cacahuete, that is rice with chicken and peanut sauce. The dish is linked to his mother’s Equatorial Guinean roots and has been described as a childhood staple. Reports suggest his mother would prepare it before important matches, making it less of a “cheat meal” and more a reminder of home, family and support.
Harry Kane - Salmon, rice and vegetables
The England captain keeps his food choices simple and performance-focused. Kane has spoken about loving salmon with rice and vegetables, a meal that fits elite football nutrition: protein for recovery, carbs for fuel and vegetables for micronutrients. He has also said he varies his meals depending on training load, leaning more on carbs before matches and lighter protein-heavy meals on easier days.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Bacalhau à Brás
The longstanding captain of Portugal national team is known for following a disciplined diet, but he has long been associated with bacalhau à Brás, one of Portugal’s best-known cod dishes. Made with shredded salted cod, onions, thin potato strips and eggs, it is a classic comfort meal from his home country. For a player known for strict fitness routines, the dish reflects his continuing connection to Portuguese flavours.
(Written by Vibhuti S)