Aitana Bonmatí’s Hidden Strength: Why She Gave Up Meat for Ethics, Not Performance

A Principle First, Not a Performance Strategy

Aitana Bonmatí, 27, midfielder for FC Barcelona and leader of Spain’s national team, made headlines again during the Euro 2025 semi-final, scoring the goal that sealed Spain’s place in the final and broke the longstanding curse against Germany. But behind the scenes, it’s not just her footwork or training that makes her one of the most decisive players in the world—it’s also her “invisible preparation.”

That preparation includes a powerful personal choice she made two years ago: giving up meat entirely. “I stopped eating meat because of animal exploitation, not for performance,” she told AS. “It’s an ethical decision.”

She still eats eggs and fish, but red meat and poultry are off the table—permanently. It was a move that forced her to rethink her entire nutritional routine, without compromising the demands of elite-level football.

Reshaping Her Diet Without Losing Her Edge

Giving up meat as a professional athlete isn’t easy. But Aitana approached it like she approaches a final: with method and discipline.

“I had to change some things,” she explains. “Some dietary habits. I was missing a high percentage of protein, which could have affected my recovery and performance.”

She turned to the best professionals—at FC Barcelona and beyond—to build a nutrition plan that respected both her ethics and her body’s needs. “I didn’t used to think of nutrition as essential, but once I started learning and surrounding myself with experts, everything changed,” she said.

Today, her protein sources are clean, effective, and animal-friendly: eggs, fish, supplements, and a plant-based meat alternative called Heura, which she eats frequently. “I wouldn’t want to stop taking supplements,” she adds, “but only natural ones that don’t harm the body.”

Why Heura Became Her Secret Weapon

Heura, a soy-based meat alternative enriched with iron and vitamin B12, has become one of Aitana’s staples. Its high protein content and fibrous texture make it an excellent stand-in for meat, especially for athletes who need sustained energy and muscle recovery.

“I eat a lot of Heura,” she says. “It’s rich in protein and aligns with my principles. I’ve learned over time how important supplementation can be, as long as it’s done responsibly and naturally.”

With every meal, Aitana is not just fueling her body—she’s reinforcing her values.

Nutrition, Mental Health, and the Invisible Work

For Aitana, performance isn’t just built in the gym or on the pitch. It also happens in quiet moments, in self-discipline, and in mental preparation. “This is part of invisible training,” she says, “just like the mental aspect. I pay close attention to both.”

The change in diet marked a turning point, but it wasn’t the only one. “I’ve had several changes in my life,” she admits. “But everything has a solution. I stopped eating meat two years ago, and I’m performing well.”

Her story is proof that an ethical, conscious approach to life can coexist with excellence at the highest level. It’s not just about scoring goals—it’s about showing that success can be achieved with integrity, both on and off the field.