Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Rodrygo

Playing at a World Cup is unforgettable but it requires every ounce of your dedication

Rodrygo of Brazil controls a ball.
Rodrygo of Brazil during a World Cup qualifier against Argentina in 2024. A knee ligament injury ruled him out of the tournament in North America. Photograph: Silvia Izquierdo/AP

For a player the World Cup day begins with everyone gathering in the restaurant for breakfast at the scheduled time. Buffet options are determined by the nutritionist, who specifies which food and in what quantities each player can consume. The morning also includes on-field training, usually within the team’s accommodation complex.

After that, lunch is likewise personalised, based on each athlete’s body composition and physiological needs. The afternoon is then dedicated to gym sessions and, when necessary, recovery massages, as well as meetings for strategic guidance from the coaching staff and video analysis of the upcoming opponent. Dinner, attended by the whole squad, allows for more relaxed conversation and games such as cards, pool, or dominoes. A final snack wraps up the schedule before the night’s sleep recharges energy levels to repeat the process the next day. And the next. And the next.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.