Ronaldo's Long-Term Partnership with Herbalife
The association between Cristiano Ronaldo and Herbalife is well-documented and has spanned over a decade. The partnership began in 2013 and has been consistently renewed, highlighting a significant and enduring business relationship. The collaboration is not a secret; in fact, Herbalife frequently features Ronaldo in its marketing materials and refers to him as a global nutrition partner and sponsored athlete.
One of the most concrete outcomes of this partnership was the co-creation of the sports drink Herbalife24 CR7 Drive. This product was specifically formulated in conjunction with Ronaldo to meet his nutritional needs during training and competition. While this confirms his direct involvement in product development and endorsement, it raises questions about the extent of his personal, non-contractual usage.
The Role of Endorsements in Elite Sports
It is crucial to differentiate between a celebrity endorsement and the athlete's actual, comprehensive daily routine. For highly-paid athletes like Ronaldo, brand deals are a significant source of income. These agreements require public promotion of a product, but they do not always dictate every single item an athlete consumes. The public-facing statements, while often true in the context of the sponsorship, may not represent the full picture of an athlete's personal health and nutrition strategy.
Unveiling Ronaldo's Multi-Brand Nutrition Strategy
Recent years have seen Ronaldo expand his interests in the wellness and nutrition space beyond just his Herbalife sponsorship. His actions reveal a more complex and personalized approach to his health, one that involves multiple companies and technologies.
In October 2024, Ronaldo announced an investment and partnership with Bioniq, a personalized nutrition company. Bioniq uses AI technology and blood biomarker data to create bespoke supplement formulas for individuals. According to Bioniq, Ronaldo had been a customer for nearly three years before investing, indicating a personal belief in the company's product. This relationship with Bioniq demonstrates that his nutrition isn't solely managed by one brand.
Beyond supplements, Ronaldo has also invested in other wellness ventures. In 2024, he launched Erakulis, a wellness app focusing on fitness, nutrition, and mental balance. He also became an investor and global ambassador for the human performance brand Whoop, which produces a popular health and fitness wearable.
Herbalife vs. Bioniq: A Comparison
| Feature | Herbalife Partnership (Since 2013) | Bioniq Partnership (Since 2022/Invested 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Involvement | Official nutrition sponsor and co-creator of a specific product (CR7 Drive). | Customer first, then investor and significant shareholder. |
| Product Customization | Standardized line of products, including the co-created CR7 Drive. | Highly personalized supplements based on blood tests and biomarker data. |
| Primary Focus | Public-facing endorsement and sports drink collaboration. | Personal, science-backed nutritional optimization and investment. |
| Public Statement | Quotes emphasize the effectiveness and longevity of the partnership. | Quotes focus on his personal experience and belief in the personalized approach. |
The Verdict: Endorsement and Personal Use
Based on the available information, it is accurate to say that Ronaldo really does use Herbalife products, at least in the context of his official partnership and the co-created CR7 Drive. However, it is also clear that his overall nutritional strategy is much more complex and personalized than a single brand can represent. His investment in Bioniq and use of its tailored supplements show that an elite athlete's diet is a multi-faceted approach, incorporating a variety of scientifically-backed products and technologies.
Potential Concerns with Herbalife's Business Model
While Ronaldo's endorsement has brought significant visibility to Herbalife, the company has faced controversy unrelated to its sponsorship with Ronaldo. Herbalife's multi-level marketing structure has been criticized and investigated by regulatory bodies like the FTC. In 2016, the company settled with the FTC regarding its business practices. There have also been a small number of reported cases linking Herbalife products to liver injury, although the evidence is not conclusive and studies are mixed. These issues pertain to the company at large, not specifically to Ronaldo's use of its products for athletic performance. A balanced understanding requires acknowledging both the endorsement and the broader context of the company.
Conclusion: A Multi-Layered Approach to Nutrition
To conclude, the answer to the question "Does Ronaldo really use Herbalife?" is not a simple yes or no. He has an undeniable, long-standing, and public partnership with the company, which includes the development of the CR7 Drive sports drink. He has also publicly stated his belief in the company and its products. However, his more recent partnerships and investments with personalized nutrition brands like Bioniq, as well as wellness technology companies, illustrate that his ultimate nutritional strategy is highly individualized and involves more than a single brand. For an athlete performing at the highest level for over two decades, relying on a diverse, science-backed approach to supplementation is a pragmatic strategy for longevity and peak performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Cristiano Ronaldo still sponsored by Herbalife? Yes, Herbalife extended its partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo, which has been in place since 2013. He serves as a global nutrition partner and ambassador for the brand.
2. Does Ronaldo use other supplements besides Herbalife? Yes. Ronaldo has been a user and investor in Bioniq, a personalized supplement brand, since 2024. He also has endorsements with other fitness-related brands.
3. Did Ronaldo develop a product with Herbalife? Yes, in collaboration with Herbalife, Ronaldo helped co-create Herbalife24 CR7 Drive, a sports drink designed to support hydration and endurance.
4. Is Ronaldo's nutrition plan based solely on Herbalife products? No. While he is an official partner and uses some products, his overall nutrition is managed by his personal dietitian and includes a variety of whole foods, specific macronutrient ratios, and other supplements, such as personalized formulas from Bioniq.
5. Why are there controversies surrounding Herbalife? Herbalife has faced legal challenges concerning its multi-level marketing business structure and has been investigated by regulators like the FTC. There have also been scattered, though inconclusive, reports linking products to health issues.
6. What is Bioniq and how is it different from Herbalife? Bioniq is a personalized supplement company that uses AI and biomarker data from blood tests to create highly customized formulas for individuals, a very different approach from Herbalife's standardized product lines.
7. What does Ronaldo say about using Herbalife? Ronaldo has publicly stated that Herbalife has been an important part of his performance-driven nutrition for over a decade.
