David Alaba

Football Player at Real Madrid

Unlock the Life of an active Football Legend

What makes David Alaba, the versatile Real Madrid star and Austrian icon, tick? Raised on Vienna’s streets to the Champions League spotlight, his day blends elite athleticism, family devotion, and quiet grit. From early morning Bible reading to evening recovery, explore how his discipline, spirituality, and passion for the game inspire both teammates and fans.

Focus on:

Football

Early Riser

Mental Health

Published on:

May 3, 2025

Last Updated:

May 3, 2025

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Unique Habits

  • Plays Piano After Every Match:
    While most players hit the ice bath or video room post-game, Alaba heads to his digital piano. It’s a self-imposed ritual to reset his mind — often playing gospel or classical pieces. For him, music is emotional recovery.

  • Pre-Match Bible Reading Habit:
    Alaba begins his day with 15 minutes of Bible reading, a ritual he shared in a 2021 Real Madrid video, using it to center himself before matches. This faith-driven habit, uncommon among athletes who might opt for music or pep talks, reflects his Seventh-day Adventist beliefs and provides mental clarity.

  • Meat-Free During the Season:
    Alaba avoids red meat almost entirely during the competitive season. Instead, he sticks to plant-based meals with high protein focus, often prepared with the help of his private chef. His go-to? Lentil curry and avocado salads.

Morning

Building Strength and Faith

Timeframe: ~6:00–9:00 a.m.

Why It Inspires: Alaba’s morning routine blends physical preparation with spiritual grounding, starting with Bible reading to set a focused mindset. His dedication to gym work and on-field drills inspires readers to combine physical and mental strength, reflecting his journey from a Bayern youth prospect to a Real Madrid leader.

  • Early Wake-Up and Bible Reading: Wakes at 6:00 AM, reads the Bible for 15 minutes in his Madrid home, a pre-match ritual that centers him, as shared in a 2021 Real Madrid video, preparing his mind for the day’s challenges.
  • Light Stretching: Does a 20-minute stretch at 6:20 AM, focusing on hamstrings and calves, to loosen up after recovery from his 2024 ACL injury, a habit that supports his injury prevention.
  • Gym Session: Trains in the gym at 6:45 AM with weights—squats (up to 200 lbs) and lunges (3 sets of 12)—building leg strength, a routine he’s maintained since his Bayern days, as seen in a 2020 Instagram post.
  • On-Field Drills: Joins team drills at 7:30 AM, practicing ball control and passing with teammates, honing his versatility from left-back to centre-back, a skill that earned him 10 Austrian Footballer of the Year awards.
  • Healthy Breakfast: Eats at 8:30 AM—oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and fruit—totaling 600 calories, fueling his body with a balanced mix of carbs and protein, a staple from his disciplined diet.

Key Insights: A focused morning from 6:00 AM with Bible reading, stretching, gym work, on-field drills, and a healthy breakfast builds Alaba’s physical and spiritual foundation.

Working habits

Hustle with Purpose: David Alaba’s Workday

Timeframe: ~9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Why It Inspires: Alaba’s workday at Real Madrid’s training ground is a masterclass in versatility—blending physical training with tactical growth, while staying connected to his family.

  • Training at Valdebebas: Arrives at Real Madrid’s training facility by 9:30 a.m., starting with team drills under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance, focusing on his adaptability as a centre-back, left-back, or midfielder, roles that have made him a key player.
  • Fitness Regimen: Moves to the gym for a 90-minute session, including sprint intervals (to maintain his speed) and strength training—squats and lunges—to support his defensive power, a routine he swears by for his durability.
  • Supplement Support: Takes Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Powder—post-workout, mixing 5 grams into a shake to enhance muscle recovery and performance, a staple for elite athletes like Alaba to support his intense training.
  • Recovery Focus: Uses a hyperbaric chamber post-training to boost recovery, a practice he credits for his ability to stay injury-free, ensuring he’s ready for Real Madrid’s demanding schedule of La Liga and Champions League matches.
  • Family Check-In: Calls Shalimar around noon to check on their children, often planning a family activity for the afternoon, a habit that keeps him grounded amidst his high-pressure career.
  • Lunch Fuel: Eats a protein-rich lunch—grilled salmon, quinoa, and steamed vegetables—at the training ground, a meal that reflects his focus on clean eating, keeping him light yet energized for the afternoon.

Key Insight: Alaba’s workday is meticulous—his training and recovery, supported by creatine, reflect a dedication to football that’s made him a 14-time Bundesliga winner and two-time Champions League champion, while family check-ins show his commitment to balance.

Afternoon

David Alaba’s Peak Hours

Timeframe: ~2:30–7:00 p.m.
Why It Inspires: Alaba’s afternoons are about growth and connection—honing his craft, giving back, and cherishing family time, all while maintaining his elite performance.

  • Tactical Work: Reviews game footage with coaches, analyzing opponents’ attacking patterns to perfect his defensive positioning, a skill that’s seen him win 10 consecutive Austrian Footballer of the Year awards.
  • Core and Mobility: Hits his home gym for a 45-minute session of core exercises—planks, Russian twists, and mobility drills—focusing on stability and flexibility, which he credits for his ability to play multiple positions seamlessly.
  • Advanced Recovery: Takes a small dose of Methylene Blue - a compound he might use for its potential cognitive and cellular benefits, supporting his recovery and focus, a cutting-edge choice for an athlete of his caliber (used under medical guidance).
  • Community Giving: Often spends time on charitable efforts, like supporting youth football in Austria through his foundation, a value deeply important to him, reflecting his belief in giving back to the community that shaped him.
  • Family Playtime: Spends quality time with his children, playing in their backyard or taking them to a local park in Madrid, a joyful ritual that lets him unwind while bonding, often with Shalimar joining in for a family picnic.
  • Dinner with Love: Cooks a family meal with Shalimar—often a healthy Austrian dish like grilled chicken with root vegetables—using a simple stovetop method, a hands-on process that fosters bonding as they share stories from their day.

Key Insight: Alaba’s afternoons are purposeful—sharpening his skills with recovery aids like methylene blue, giving back, and prioritizing family show how he balances his football legacy with personal values.

Evening

Recharge Like a Champion: David Alaba’s Personal Time

Timeframe: ~7:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m.

Why It Inspires: Alaba’s evenings are a sanctuary—recovery, faith, and family time ensure he’s ready to shine again, both on the pitch and at home.

  • Recovery Ritual: Uses cryotherapy in his home setup to reduce inflammation, a practice he swears by to keep his body in peak condition, especially during intense seasons.
  • Family Bonding: Plays a board game with his children, like Candy Land - a fun routine that strengthens their bond and lets him share lighthearted moments with his family.
  • Wind-Down with Shalimar: Watches a match replay or a light show on a tablet with Shalimar, relaxing under a Barefoot Dreams Blanket - a cozy ritual that keeps their partnership strong.
  • Evening Reflection: Takes a moment to reflect on his faith, often reading a passage from the Bible, a practice that reinforces his spiritual grounding and gratitude.
  • Sleep Prep: Slips into comfortable loungewear, ensuring he gets 7-8 hours of rest by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, a priority for his performance and recovery.

Key Insight: Alaba’s evenings are restorative—recovery and family time recharge him, while his faith keeps him humble, a balance that defines his life in Madrid.

Health & Nutrition

David Alaba’s Power Source

Why It Inspires: Alaba’s performance is built on a foundation of clean eating, rigorous training, and advanced recovery methods, with family as his emotional fuel.

  • Restorative Sleep: Prioritizes 7-8 hours of sleep nightly, maintaining a consistent bedtime routine to optimize rest, a non-negotiable for his stamina and recovery, especially during Real Madrid’s demanding schedule.
  • Clean Fuel: Focuses on protein-rich meals—salmon, chicken, quinoa—with minimal processed foods, a lifestyle he swears by for his physique and energy, ensuring he’s always match-ready.
  • Training Intensity: Sprint intervals, strength training, and mobility drills 5-6 days a week, supported by Optimum Nutrition Creatine—to enhance muscle recovery, reflecting his dedication to football that began with his youth in Vienna.
  • Advanced Recovery: Hyperbaric chamber, cryotherapy, and Methylene Blue help him stay injury-free, a testament to his meticulous care for his body, ensuring he can perform at an elite level season after season.

Key Insight: Alaba’s health is his foundation—nutrition, training, and advanced recovery fuel his trophy-laden career, while family keeps him grounded.

Key Takeaways

Investments: Building a Legacy


Why It Inspires:
Alaba’s investments reflect his global influence, from endorsements to personal ventures, showcasing a strategic approach to his post-football life. His focus on legacy inspires readers to plan beyond their current roles.

  • Adidas Partnership: As an Adidas athlete since 2009, wears their boots and gear, a deal amplifying his brand, rooted in his Bayern and Real Madrid success.
  • Real Madrid Legacy: His 2021 move to Real Madrid, winning La Liga and the Champions League, solidifies his on-field investment in a historic club.
  • Music and Media: Explores music production, a passion hinted in his pre-match routines, potentially a future creative venture post-retirement.
  • Charity Work: Supports youth football in Austria, giving back to his roots, a commitment seen in his community engagement since his Wien days.
  • Brand Growth: Focuses on endorsements and personal projects that align with his faith and family values, ensuring a purposeful legacy.

Key Takeaways: What David Alaba Teaches Us

Why It Inspires: Alaba’s day offers lessons in balancing elite performance with spiritual and personal grounding, inspiring readers to pursue their goals with discipline and purpose. His resilience and faith provide a roadmap for success.

  • Start with Faith: Morning Bible reading shows the power of spiritual prep, encouraging readers to begin with intention.
  • Build Resilience: Gym and physio work highlight recovery’s role, inspiring readers to overcome setbacks.
  • Connect Personally: Music and family time emphasize joy, encouraging readers to nurture relationships.
  • Refine Skills: Tactical training and video review stress continuous improvement, a lesson for all pursuits.
  • End with Gratitude: Faith reflection and sleep prioritize mental peace, inspiring readers to stay grounded.