You might not realise it, but there are a number of top footballers around the world living vegan diet lifestyles. You may think vegans are similar to vegetarians, which isn’t too far from the truth. But people who practice a vegan diet lifestyle go a step further and eliminate any parts of animal byproducts from their diets.

England’s National Health Service defines veganism as people who “do not eat foods that come from animals, including dairy products and eggs”.

You may believe it is impossible to do without foods that come from animals due to the protein and nutrition needed to play top-level sports. Today, there are plenty of ways athletes can get those nutrients in other types of food. In addition, a proper vegan diet can enable you to shed weight to get into the playing shape you need to be in.

Here are 3 footballers you may have heard of that are vegan.

3. Alex Morgan

Alex Morgan is one of the world’s top female football stars. She currently plays for the Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League where she has scored 18 goals in 47 matches. Morgan also spent time on loan at France’s Lyon, who are one of the top women’s clubs in the world.

The United States international will be a major part of America’s team at the 2019 Women’s World Cup. She was a member of the US team that won the tournament in 2015 and will be hungry to win it once more.

2. Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero did not go vegan due to his animal ethics. He chose to go vegan to improve his football fitness. The Argentine striker went vegan in 2017 in preparation for the World Cup.

As one of the world’s top strikers, Aguero is constantly playing football. He is always looking for a new edge to improve performance and diet is one of the best ways to get better. A vegan diet looks to have helped.

1. Lionel Messi

Yes, that is correct, Lionel Messi is vegan. It is claimed Messi switched to a vegan diet in 2017 to keep him healthy and injury-free. It seems to have worked as Messi is very rarely hurt.

According to reports, Messi met with Italian nutritionist  Giuliano Poser. The nutritionist advised him to consume the following things: Water, good quality olive oil, whole grains, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and nuts and seeds to improve his health.