Prominent Individual Athletes Sponsoring Herbalife
Herbalife has a long history of forging partnerships with top-tier athletes to promote its products. These endorsements are often multi-year deals that feature athletes in marketing campaigns and collaborations on specific product lines. The strategy aims to align the brand's image with high performance and elite sportsmanship.
Cristiano Ronaldo and the CR7 Drive
Perhaps Herbalife's most famous and longest-standing individual endorsement is with football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The partnership, which began in 2013, was renewed in May 2023, confirming the continuation of their decade-long relationship. A key outcome of this collaboration is the Herbalife24 CR7 Drive, a sports drink co-created with Ronaldo to aid in nutrient replenishment and hydration. The deal has made Ronaldo a primary face of Herbalife's athletic nutrition line, marketing the products directly to his massive global following.
Indian Cricket and Boxing Stars
Herbalife has a strong presence in the Indian sports market, sponsoring several high-profile athletes across different disciplines.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: A promising young Indian cricketer and T20 World Cup winner, Jaiswal became a sponsored athlete in December 2024.
- Smriti Mandhana: The Vice-Captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team, she is a star batter and has been a brand ambassador since 2025.
- Manika Batra: A top Indian table tennis player, Batra renewed her partnership with Herbalife in June 2025 to represent the vritilife Ayurvedic skincare line.
- Mary Kom: The legendary Indian amateur boxer has been associated with the brand since 2010 and has endorsed products like the Personalized Protein Powder.
Other Notable Athletic Ambassadors
In addition to these major names, Herbalife sponsors other notable athletes to expand its market reach:
- Lakshya Sen: A celebrated Indian badminton player and Arjuna Awardee.
- Palak Kohli: An Indian para-badminton athlete who qualified for the Tokyo Paralympics.
- Sharlene Mawdsley: A track athlete who is a Herbalife Ambassador.
- Heather Jackson: An elite endurance athlete with a longstanding partnership.
Famous Sports Team Partnerships
Beyond individual endorsements, Herbalife secures major sponsorships with entire sports teams, a strategy designed to build broad brand recognition and community ties.
Herbalife and the LA Galaxy
Herbalife's partnership with the LA Galaxy soccer club is one of the longest-standing jersey sponsorships in Major League Soccer history, dating back to 2007. The collaboration was particularly prominent during David Beckham's tenure with the team from 2007 to 2012, which helped give Herbalife's brand global visibility. The sponsorship has involved not only product provision for the team but also significant community outreach projects.
The David Beckham Connection
David Beckham's connection to Herbalife is primarily through his association with the LA Galaxy. While Beckham himself was not necessarily a personal endorser in the same vein as Ronaldo, his presence on a team prominently sponsored by Herbalife created a strong indirect link. His involvement with the LA Galaxy included community projects, some funded by Herbalife, further solidifying the connection.
Comparison of Prominent Herbalife Endorsements
| Celebrity / Team | Sponsorship Details | Duration / Tenure | Key Associated Product(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Global Nutrition Partner; co-created product line | Began 2013, renewed 2023 | Herbalife24 CR7 Drive |
| LA Galaxy | Official Nutrition Partner; longest-running jersey sponsor in MLS history | Since 2007 | Herbalife Nutrition products |
| David Beckham | Association through LA Galaxy; involved in community outreach | 2007–2012 | - |
| Smriti Mandhana | Brand Ambassador, including vritilife Ayurvedic line | Extended June 2025 | vritilife Ayurvedic Skincare |
| Mary Kom | Indian Amateur Boxer Ambassador | Since 2010 | Personalized Protein Powder |
| Manika Batra | Brand Ambassador, including vritilife Ayurvedic line | Extended June 2025 | vritilife Ayurvedic Skincare |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Indian Cricket Sponsored Athlete | Since December 2024 | Herbalife Nutrition products |
Understanding the Dynamics of Celebrity Endorsements and Controversies
Herbalife's use of celebrity endorsements is a standard marketing tactic, but it has not been without controversy. In 2016, the company was forced to pay a $200 million fine to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and change its business model following allegations it operated as a pyramid scheme. While the company denied the allegations, the FTC investigation occurred while high-profile sponsorships were ongoing, raising questions about how such controversies impact endorsers. Despite the legal issues, Herbalife has continued to sign and renew partnerships with athletes and teams.
The endorsements serve as a powerful tool for brand credibility, especially within the sports community, and can help mitigate reputational damage from such events. However, it's important to differentiate between an official sponsorship deal and the personal consumption habits of a celebrity. An athlete may promote a brand without exclusively using only those products. For a detailed list of sponsored athletes, visit Herbalife's official athlete page: https://www.herbalife.com/en-in/about-herbalife/our-athletes/.
Conclusion
The answer to "which celebrities take Herbalife?" is complex, involving numerous individuals and teams across various sports and countries. The list is extensive, with football legend Cristiano Ronaldo and India's cricket and boxing champions among the most visible examples. These high-profile partnerships, along with team sponsorships like the LA Galaxy, are a cornerstone of Herbalife's marketing strategy, helping it maintain a strong brand presence globally despite facing past scrutiny over its business model. The endorsement strategy continues to evolve, as evidenced by recent brand ambassador extensions and new signing announcements in 2025.
