Why do Cristiano Ronaldo and other athletes rinse their mouths with water instead of drinking it during matches? Scientific explanation revealed

Cristiano Ronaldo and many other footballers tend to spit water instead of drinking it during matches, leaving many fans confused. The reason for their action is scientific, more than just wasting water on the field.

according to 45 Performance Pro on Instagram, soccer players all use “carb mouthwash” to trick their brains into thinking they've had water, while reducing fatigue and increasing energy. The publication adds that drinking water would make it difficult for players to circulate due to stomach discomfort, which is why they prefer to hydrate before games rather than during games.

“Have you ever noticed that Cristiano Ronaldo and other athletes don't drink water during the game? They just wet their mouths and spit it out. There is a scientific explanation for that.”

“They use 'carbohydrate mouthwash' – a carbohydrate rinse that activates receptors in the mouth and 'tricks' the brain, reducing fatigue and giving a feeling of energy – without the need to swallow. Why? Drinking during intense exercise can cause stomach upset. So heavy hydration happens before the game and during breaks in between the action.”

Although Cristiano Ronaldo is not popular all over the world because of his way of spitting water, the players like him Kyle Walker have replicated former WWE Superstar Triple H's iconic entrance.

Cristiano Ronaldo has a strict no-phones policy, his national team-mate has said

Portuguese defender Cedric Soares spoke to ESPN Brasil earlier this year and revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo makes sure his teammates follow a no-phone policy. He holds meetings with the players in one room and tells everyone to put their phones away, and said (via Dioguinho):

“In the selection he said: 'No phones, let's go to the room and talk a little'. He shares his experiences and everyday life, tells stories. He is a great professional and the results are obvious. He stops using his phone at certain times.”

“He says it affects his sleep, so he leaves it out of the bedroom. There was one point where he said to me, 'Cedric, you can't use 5G because it can affect your sleep.' That's when 5G arrived. I don't know if it still does, but it has blocked the signal to sleep for X (certain) hours.”

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to play in Saudi Arabia and has extended his contract to Al-Nasr until 2027. It will also take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Portugal sealed their qualification in November.