Cristiano Ronaldo’s Herbalife Endorsement Sparks Health Fury: Liver Doc Slams Shakes as ‘Pyramid Scheme’

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It seems like even Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t immune to the occasional storm on social media. The football icon, who’s celebrated for his immaculate fitness and devotion to a healthy lifestyle, recently faced a wave of backlash for promoting a Herbalife product without clearly labeling the post as a paid endorsement.

In an era where transparency is everything, especially in influencer marketing, fans and experts alike aren’t holding back in their criticism.

Cristiano took to X with a seemingly innocent message about starting the day right with a “healthy breakfast,” recommending Herbalife Formula 1 as the perfect meal replacement shake. “A good way to start the day? A healthy breakfast. Herbalife Formula 1 delivers a balanced mix of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals,” he wrote alongside a photo of him preparing the shake.

But what seemed like just another fitness tip from the football superstar quickly spiralled into a controversy, with many fans pointing out the glaring absence of an “ad” tag—an essential disclosure for social media promotions. In the age of sponsored content, where every other post is a paid collaboration, the lack of transparency raised more than just a few eyebrows.

Health professionals were some of the most vocal critics. Dr. Cyriac Abby Phillips, an Indian hepatologist known as "The Liver Doc" on social media, took aim at both the product and Cristiano Ronaldo's endorsement.

“A good way to start the day? A healthy breakfast. No doubt. But Herbalife has no role in it. Herbalife is a multilevel marketing pyramid scheme company which manufactures low-quality mixed protein made from peas and soy and includes other dangerous botanicals, all the while charging consumers like they’re selling Swarovski diamonds,” he wrote, pointing out studies linking Herbalife shakes to liver injuries.

According to Dr. Phillips, the brand, which operates on a multilevel marketing model, peddles “low-quality protein” and potentially harmful ingredients under the guise of a health product. He even went as far as to label Herbalife as a “pyramid scheme,” claiming it charges exorbitant prices for subpar goods.

The criticism didn’t stop with health experts. Cristiano’s followers were quick to call out the hypocrisy in his actions.

Many questioned how someone who previously made headlines by promoting healthy habits. The footballer’s decision to publicly align himself with Herbalife seemed out of step with his previously squeaky-clean image as an advocate for wellness. Fans are now asking if his motivations are more about the paycheck than the product's integrity.

While Cristiano’s fitness routine might still be the gold standard for millions of fans, his latest endorsement of Herbalife has left many questioning whether the king of the football field is making the right moves off it.