4 Unusual Tactics Footballers Employ to Prolong Their Careers

• Off-the-pitch development has done wonders for players continuing their careers on it
• Unlike Eden Hazard, a number of football stars are bidding to keep going until their 40s
• Sports Brief looks at unconventional practices adopted by stars to prolong their careers

In recent years, advancements in football off the field have significantly contributed to players extending their careers on the pitch.

The heightened investment into sports science and nutrition within elite clubs has naturally enhanced the health and recovery of athletes, moving away from habits like smoking and consuming alcohol.

In essence, an extended career at the highest level is typically attributed to a healthy diet and a rigorous training regimen.

However, some footballers have defied conventional practices and adopted unique methods to sustain their careers.

Sports Brief looks at the stars who have broken the mould with some unique practices to keep their careers going.

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How some football stars extend their careers

Cristiano Ronaldo

The 38-year-old's fitness regimen is renowned, often acknowledged for his extraordinary stamina in the sport.

Ronaldo's commitment goes beyond his strict diet; his undisclosed approach includes taking five brief naps a day, adopting the fetal position.

Per The Independent, sleep expert Nick Littlehales disclosed this unique approach after collaborating with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner during his tenure at Real Madrid.

Rather than adhering to a conventional and uninterrupted eight-hour sleep, Ronaldo chooses to have 90-minute intervals of rest scattered throughout his day.

Kazuyoshi Miura

Thriving at the age of 56, the world's oldest footballer owes his enduring success to unconventional fitness approaches.

Hailing from Oliveirense and presently on loan from J1 League club, Yokohama FC, the forward incorporates specially imported carbonated water from Italy into his routine.

Known as King Kazu, he kicks off his day at 5am with a breakfast crafted by his personal nutritionist and conscientiously tracks his body fat every day.

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According to The New York Times, if Miura ever encounters low iron levels, he addresses it by locating a restaurant and consuming liver.

Andros Townsend

Returning from a two-year hiatus from football, the former England international became focused on prolonging his career.

Townsend, now a month into a short-term deal with Luton Town, credits his resurgence to the consumption of chicken feet.

Moreover, the 32-year-old incorporates the practice of taping his mouth, a technique aimed at improving his breathing quality - a method also employed by Erling Haaland.

Ashley Young

Holding the position of the second oldest player in the Premier League, closely following Thiago Silva, the Everton defender was dubbed 'a machine' by Antonio Conte during their time together at Inter Milan.

Despite his age of 38, he doesn't depend solely on ice baths to sustain his peak condition; he also allows himself occasional indulgences in sweets and chocolates.

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Ronaldo scores in Portugal win

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Ronaldo maintaining his exceptional goal-scoring form for Portugal against Liechtenstein in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers.

Despite a challenging first half where opportunities were scarce, he eventually saw a chance to unleash a remarkable left-footed strike to break the deadlock.