While millions of families across the United Kingdom gather for a traditional turkey roast on December 25th, the festive plates of elite athletes often tell a very different story. From sushi to a massive hog roast, top sports personalities frequently bypass the classic Christmas feast in favour of meals that suit their rigorous training regimes and personal tastes.
The Unconventional Festive Menus of Elite Competitors
For professionals in sports like football, where Boxing Day fixtures are a hallowed tradition, or in individual disciplines where every calorie counts, Christmas Day is rarely a time for full indulgence. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has previously warned his squad about returning from the break carrying extra weight, highlighting the constant balance between celebration and competition.
This scrutiny extends beyond the pitch. Athletes across the board understand the importance of nutrition for maintaining peak performance, even during the holidays. Here is a look at six famous sports figures who have famously opted for alternative festive fare.
1. Sir Andy Murray's Sushi Surprise
Tennis legend Sir Andy Murray once left baking icon Mary Berry speechless during a TV special. While his family enjoys a conventional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, the former Wimbledon champion revealed he prefers to tuck into his favourite meal: sushi. His unconventional choice left Berry with little more to say than a stunned "No comment."
2. Max Verstappen's Dutch Delights
Though he lives and races for a UK-based team, Red Bull's four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen does not crave a British Christmas. The Dutch driver instead yearns for dishes from home, such as 'stamppot'—mashed potatoes with vegetables and sausage—or a 'frikandel speciaal', a type of seasoned minced-meat snack.
3. Ricky Evans' Curry and Gravy Controversy
Darts star Ricky "Rapid" Evans, a regular at the festive World Darts Championship, once sparked a minor uproar. After a first-round victory, he proclaimed his preference for curry over turkey and asked the Alexandra Palace crowd, "Hands up if you think gravy is the devil," much to the amusement and shock of traditionalists.
4. Daley Thompson's Double Training Day
Decathlon icon Daley Thompson, now 67, took festive discipline to another level in his prime. The double Olympic gold medallist would famously train twice on Christmas Day, avoiding the traditional dinner and relaxation to gain an edge over rivals. His extreme dedication paid off, as he broke the decathlon world record four times and remained unbeaten for nine years.
5. Gary Neville's Plain Pasta
Footballers are perhaps the most scrutinised athletes during the festive period. Manchester United legend Gary Neville exemplified this during his playing career. His wife Emma revealed that while his family ate a full Christmas dinner, Neville would sit at the head of the table and consume a simple, plain bowl of pasta to stay in prime condition for the hectic fixture schedule.
6. Manu Tuilagi's Monumental Hog Roast
England and Sale Sharks rugby powerhouse Manu Tuilagi comes from a famous Samoan rugby dynasty, and their Christmas is a colossal affair. In 2023, he described a feast centred on a full 52kg roast pig, complemented by British touches like pigs in blankets and roast potatoes. When asked about leftovers, Tuilagi quipped, "Only the vegetables."
A Different Kind of Festive Feast
These stories reveal that for the world's top sports stars, Christmas dinner is less about tradition and more about tailoring nutrition to the demands of their profession. Whether it's for precise weight management, cultural preference, or sheer competitive obsession, their December 25th plates prove that peak performance doesn't take a holiday. Their choices, while sometimes bizarre to the public, are a testament to the unique sacrifices and routines that define life at the pinnacle of sport.
