"Surprised by Ronaldo's Toenails"... What Is the "Black Toenail" Many Athletes Use?

Not for Fashion, but for Hygiene
A Measure to Prevent Bacterial Infections

Football star Cristiano Ronaldo's black toenail polish is drawing attention online.

On June 17 (local time), British sports media outlet Sports Bible published a photo of Ronaldo at the gym with his son, reporting that the black polish on his toenails has become a hot topic among fans. In the photo, Ronaldo is shirtless, showing off his muscular physique, and strikes the same pose as his teenage son, Cristiano Junior, emphasizing their father-son bond.

Cristiano Ronaldo's black toenails are drawing attention online. Ronaldo SNS

What caught the eye in the photo was not his sculpted abs, but his toes. Both of his toenails were painted a deep black. While some online interpreted this as a fashion statement, analysis suggests the primary purpose is functional.

German media outlet Bild explained that Ronaldo's black nail polish is not for aesthetic decoration, but rather for foot care as an athlete. Football players, due to wearing football boots continuously during training and matches, tend to sweat a lot on their feet, making them susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections. Applying nail polish or a special coating to the toenails can help prevent such infections to some extent.

In fact, some fighters and professional athletes also protect their feet in a similar way. Boxing legend Mike Tyson and former UFC fighter Israel Adesanya have both been seen wearing nail polish on their toenails during matches on several occasions.

Experts assess that this habit is not simply for cosmetic purposes, but is a strategic choice to extend athletes' careers and prevent injuries. Ronaldo, who continues to perform at the top level even at the age of 40, is considered a prime example of pushing self-care to the extreme.

Ronaldo is well known for his extreme dietary control, sleep habits, and systematic rehabilitation routines throughout his more than 20-year playing career. The toenail polish is also seen as an extension of this, and analysts say it is not merely a trend but a routine developed from years of experience.