– OPINION –
"Superfood – That's why I drink it."
That's how soccer superstar Erling Haaland described raw milk during a visit to Greenoaks Farm in Cheshire, England. In a video that has circulated widely online, Haaland praises raw milk as being good for the stomach, skin, bones and muscles.
For millions of young soccer fans, comments like that carry real weight.
As a soccer fan myself, I understand the appeal. Kids have always copied their heroes, from the cleats they wear to the workouts they follow. When one of the biggest stars in the sport calls raw milk a "superfood," it's easy to see why some young athletes might try it.
That's where food safety enters the conversation.
Raw milk isn't just another nutrition trend
Raw milk isn't like choosing one protein powder over another. It carries a well-documented risk of foodborne illness.
Haaland may not be encouraging anyone to drink raw milk. He's simply sharing part of his personal routine. But celebrity influence doesn't require an explicit endorsement. Fans often assume that if a superstar does something, there must be a reason.
That's how trends spread.
Raw milk has become increasingly popular among some athletes, bodybuilders and wellness influencers who claim it offers better nutrition, easier digestion or improved recovery. Those claims continue to circulate online even though decades of research don't support them.
The science tells a different story
Raw milk can contain harmful bacteria, including Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria and Campylobacter. Healthy-looking dairy animals can carry these pathogens without showing signs of illness, and contamination can occur during milking, bottling or storage. You can't see, smell or taste dangerous bacteria.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, raw milk was linked to more than 200 outbreaks between 1998 and 2018, causing more than 2,600 illnesses and hundreds of hospitalizations. More recently, dozens of people became sick in an Idaho outbreak linked to raw milk contaminated with Campylobacter.
Children, pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness. In some cases, infections can lead to kidney failure, miscarriage, bloodstream infections or even death.
Haaland isn't alone in making claims about raw milk. Supporters have long argued that pasteurization removes valuable nutrients, beneficial bacteria or enzymes. Decades of research, however, have found no health benefit that outweighs the documented risks of consuming unpasteurized milk. Pasteurization destroys disease-causing bacteria while preserving the nutrients that make milk an excellent source of protein, calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals.
That's why the FDA, CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics continue to recommend pasteurized dairy products.
Celebrity influence is difficult to counter
Government fact sheets rarely go viral. Professional athletes do.
We've seen similar cycles with questionable supplements, extreme diets and wellness trends that explode on social media long before the science catches up or pushes back.
It's also worth remembering that elite athletes don't succeed because of one food. They train with nutritionists, physicians, trainers and performance specialists who monitor every aspect of their health. Most young athletes don't have that kind of support.
Copying one item from a professional athlete's routine doesn't recreate the system behind it.
What parents and coaches can do
Parents and coaches can help put these trends into perspective.
Young athletes don't need risky shortcuts. Consistent training, balanced meals, hydration and adequate sleep remain the biggest contributors to athletic performance. Those habits have produced champions for generations without exposing children to preventable foodborne illnesses.
Public health agencies may also need to rethink how they communicate. Facts matter, but facts alone rarely compete with celebrity culture. Partnering with respected athletes, coaches and sports organizations could help deliver food safety messages in ways that resonate with younger audiences.
Admire the athlete, not every habit
None of this diminishes Haaland's remarkable accomplishments. His work ethic, talent and enthusiasm for the game have earned him fans around the world.
There's nothing wrong with wanting to train like your favorite player. But that doesn't mean every personal habit belongs in your own routine.
When it comes to raw milk, the evidence has been remarkably consistent for decades. The safest choice is still the simplest one: drink pasteurized milk.
