A Day in the Life of a Footballer: My Daily Routine
Every day, I wake up early—it’s a habit I’ve always had. My morning starts with a prayer, followed by a shower. My routine remains the same each day.
After that, what I do next depends on our training schedule. Although our official report time is around 9:30 a.m., I like to arrive early for some therapy. Usually, I get there about an hour ahead to meet with the medical staff for treatment before heading to the gym to warm up for the day’s training.
Some athletes prefer to skip treatment, but I always go because I want to feel my best. If I have any minor concerns, I make sure to inform the doctors. At this level, every small percentage of performance matters, so I believe it’s crucial for footballers to maintain peak physical condition at all times. If you have access to the right recovery and preparation options, you should use them. That’s why I work hard daily to stay in top shape. When I feel any tightness in my groin, calf, hamstring, or back, I visit Melwood for therapy.
I usually eat breakfast at home before heading to training, but if I have an early report time, I eat at Melwood. My meals vary—some days I have oatmeal, other days eggs and bread, or sometimes nuts with fruit and yogurt. I don’t have a particular favorite food, but my main rule is always to eat healthily. Nutrition is extremely important.
Over time, I’ve learned to listen to my body. When I was younger, I didn’t pay much attention to what I ate, but now I understand the importance of proper nutrition for performance. Young athletes should start early by eating well, preparing properly, and ensuring they get enough rest. Sleep is just as important as training. Many young players don’t realize this at first, but establishing good habits from the beginning can make a huge difference in their careers.
In the evenings, I have dinner around 7:30 p.m. Again, I prioritize a balanced, nutritious meal. After that, I may check social media, but not always. While many people in our generation are active on social media, I don’t post very often. I do use Instagram occasionally, but I don’t spend much time on these platforms.
One thing I always make time for is speaking with my family. I call my mother, uncle, and sisters every day. At first, I missed home a lot, but now that I’m busy working and living in Europe, I don’t feel as homesick. I still love my country and would be happy to return whenever possible, but I stay focused on my career.
As a footballer, I don’t mind spending extended periods in hotels. I’ve gotten used to it, and I think it helps with concentration. When we travel, I usually eat at the hotel before heading to my room to watch TV or a movie on my iPad. No matter where I am—at home or in a hotel—I always make sure to get good rest.