There’s no shortage of curiosity when it comes to what fuels elite athletes. Sure, their talent and training are jaw-dropping, but their go-to meals? Sometimes just as fascinating. Whether it’s a power-packed post-game dish or a nostalgic bite from home, their favorite foods say a lot about who they are beyond the arena.

From brisket-loving sprinters to NBA superstars piling on pizza toppings, here’s a look at what fuels some of the biggest names in sports.

1. Sha’Carri Richardson

Sha’Carri Richardson, with her blazing speed and bold energy, has a soft spot for something slow-cooked: brisket. The Olympic sprinter is all about the Texas-style barbecue that falls apart at the touch of a fork. She’s serious about the prep too — marinated for days and smoked until it's melt-in-your-mouth perfect.

She’s loyal to the hole-in-the-wall joints back in Dallas, where the real pitmasters do their magic. When not chasing gold, Sha’Carri’s grabbing a burger from Blackjack Pizza (yep, not what the name suggests), enjoying slices at Big T Plaza, or munching on tacos at the iconic Fuel City. And when she needs something quick post-training, Golden Chick is her go-to.

2. LeBron James

Instagram | soleretriever | LeBron's high-energy diet includes Italian staples like pasta and his famous 17-topping pizza.

LeBron isn’t just making plays on the court — he’s building his empire one pizza at a time. A massive fan of Italian food, the NBA legend prefers carb-heavy dishes that keep his energy up. Think pasta, rich sauces, and yes — a pizza with 17 toppings.

That love for Italian led him to invest in Blaze Pizza back in 2012. His custom order? Spicy red sauce, grilled chicken, turkey meatballs, and basically every topping available. It’s more than just a craving — it’s fuel for a guy who never stops moving.

3. Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes didn’t hesitate when asked about his favorite burger joint. “Whataburger, all day,” he said in a podcast chat with Jason and Travis Kelce. He even joked about dragging Travis there every other day just to prove how good it is.

Mahomes is especially into their Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit and that signature ketchup he claims is unmatched. His Texas roots run deep — and so does his loyalty to this fast-food staple.

4. Travis Kelce

For Travis Kelce, it’s the Double Whopper with cheese that wins. “No mayo, no onions — that’s the move,” he said on New Heights, getting hyped just talking about it. The guy knows his burgers.

With nearly 1,000 calories and over 50 grams of protein, it’s not just tasty — it’s game day-ready. His backup picks? Wendy’s Baconator and In-N-Out. But the Whopper holds the crown in Kelce’s playbook.

5. Deion Sanders

Coach Prime has reshaped his diet over the years, but one craving still tugs at his heart: KFC. “Man, I could eat that every day,” Sanders told GQ. But these days, it’s a rare indulgence.

Now, his plate is filled with almonds, grilled proteins, and nutrient-dense meals. In 2023, he even teamed up with California Almonds to show how he’s keeping his recovery on point. Still, he’ll never stop loving that original recipe.

6. Albert Pujols

Before big home games, Albert Pujols turned to a Dominican staple — pollo guisado — cooked by his wife, Deidre. Nicknamed “Home Run Chicken,” the savory stew was more than just tasty — it was tradition.

Served with rice and brimming with flavor, it became a lucky charm of sorts. The proof? Pujols ended his career with over 700 home runs. Even celebrity chefs like Paula Deen gave it a thumbs up.

7. Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark’s post-game meal is a mix of hearty and sweet. She often unwinds with a plate of chicken Parmesan and pasta, followed by a tall glass of chocolate milk. “It’s my favorite combo after a tough game,” she shared during her college days.

Breakfast? That’s usually a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich with a vanilla-sweet iced macchiato. Come game time, she’s got Honey Stinger chews and applesauce pouches on standby to keep her energy up.

8. Lionel Messi

When Lionel Messi talks about food, he doesn’t name a five-star chef — he talks about his mom. His all-time favorite? Milanesa Napolitana — a breaded cutlet topped with tomato sauce, melted cheese, and herbs.

His mom makes it with chicken and a flavorful mix of breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley. Add prosciutto and a rich tomato sauce, and you’ve got the kind of comfort food even GOATs dream about. Messi’s other food love? Argentine-style asado.

9. Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw might keep his diet pretty clean, but one thing he won’t give up is Mexican food. The Dodgers star, known for his killer fastball, often turns to tacos, burritos, or other Mexican staples to satisfy his cravings.

He even became part of a Taco Bell promo in 2018 when Red Sox star Mookie Betts stole a base off him, triggering a national free taco giveaway. Who knew fastballs could earn free food?

10. Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka has two food moods — soulful and fresh. “I’m always down for soul food or sushi,” she shared in a lighthearted Q&A. Whether it's fried chicken and cornbread or a fresh salmon roll, she keeps it balanced.

Her day starts with a bagel or toast, some smoked salmon, and a smoothie. And if there’s vanilla ice cream in the freezer? You know she’s digging in.

11. Angel Reese

Instagram | angelreese5 | Moving to Chicago, Angel Reese wasted no time in naming Harold's Chicken the top eat.

After moving to Chicago, Angel Reese wasted no time sampling the city’s eats. Her verdict? Harold’s Chicken is the real MVP. “It’s straight fire,” she told local news, grinning from ear to ear.

She’s into exploring and even asked fans to send her their best recommendations. Chicago’s food scene is massive, but Harold’s tangy-sauced, crispy chicken clearly left a mark.

12. Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé might run like a machine, but his heart lies with spaghetti carbonara. The French striker has been open about loving pasta since he was a kid, and this creamy, cheesy dish topped with pancetta is still his top pick.

Of course, his daily meals are mostly clean: lean proteins, fruit, and whole grains. But every now and then? It’s pasta night.

13. Suni Lee

After flipping, tumbling, and sticking landings, Olympic gymnast Suni Lee heads straight for pizza. “It’s all I think about during meets,” she said in an NBC interview, still buzzing from her Tokyo win.

Her favorite? Classic pepperoni. But she’s also been seen experimenting with wild toppings — like pickles — at a state fair. For Suni, pizza is always a good idea.

14. Derek Jeter

Back in his Yankees heyday, Derek Jeter stuck to the basics before games — a PB&J an hour before first pitch. But after games? That’s when he indulged. “Chicken Parm has always been my go-to,” he said in an interview.

He admitted to being a creature of habit, dining at the same restaurants and ordering the same meals. It worked — the guy’s a baseball icon.

15. Claressa Shields

Boxing powerhouse Claressa Shields doesn’t hold back when it comes to comfort food. In a Mythical Kitchen episode, she lit up talking about her grandma’s soul food spread — fried chicken, baked mac, tamales, yams, and catfish.

She joked about her coach in “The Fire Inside” trying to keep her away from fries. “Even now, fries are my weakness when I’m cutting weight,” she laughed. With a plate like that, who could blame her?

From high-protein meals to rich comfort foods, athletes don't just eat for fuel — they eat for joy, tradition, and sometimes superstition. Whether it's brisket, pasta, or fried chicken, their food favorites are as unique and compelling as their stories on the field.