THE secret recipe to success for Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema? Regularly eating seaweed.
Despite being deep into their 30s, the global superstars are still thriving at the highest levels of the game.
The free-scoring trio, somehow, are arguably in better condition than when they were in their 20s.
And their success on and off the pitch is reportedly down to them making seaweed a staple of their "super strict" and highly nutritious diets.
That's according to Spanish newspapers Marca and Mundo Deportivo, who claim the trio are regular eaters of the superfood.
Seaweed is packed with Spirulina, which has a 70 per cent protein count and is rich in Vitamins (A, B1, B2, C, D, E and K).
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It also contains Chlorella, which has a 60 per cent protein count that "helps slow down ageing and much more."
It also reportedly "accelerates metabolism and eliminates toxins from the body" at a quicker rate than it would otherwise.
Alberto Mastromatteo, a private chef to the stars in Spain, is a big advocate of seaweed consumption.
He said of Spirulina and Chlorella: "They contain great nutritional value.
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"Because with a small amount you get a lot of vegetable protein, which the body synthesizes even better than animal protein.
"I am a fervent believer in the extraordinary nutritional power of microalgae, incomparable sources of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids -and other healthy lipids-, vitamins, carotenoids, antioxidants, etc.
"That is why I usually include spirulina and chlorella in all my dishes."
Ronaldo, Messi and Benzema's consumption of seaweed is clearly having the desired effect as they are still smashing it at their respective clubs.
Ronaldo was Manchester United's top goalscorer last season – finding the back of the net 24 times in all competitions.
However, he has now left the club following his tell-all interview with Piers Morgan.
Meanwhile, Messi scored 11 goals and provided a whopping 15 assists in his debut season with Paris Saint-Germain.
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Real Madrid hitman Benzema was the most prolific of the trio – scoring an incredible 44 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos.
So maybe there is something to having a side of seaweed with each meal.
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