In a remarkable move reflecting both personal and professional commitment to the environment, former football star and current coach Robbie Savage announced that he has adopted a fully vegan lifestyle after being appointed manager of England’s Forest Green Rovers the world’s first eco-friendly football club. This decision was more than just a dietary shift; it symbolized a deep alignment between Savage’s personal values and the philosophy of the club he now leads.
Savage, 50, who was once known for his aggressive playing style and a record number of yellow cards in the Premier League, has given up meat and dairy entirely, replacing traditional milk with oat milk. His choice mirrors the ethos of Forest Green Rovers, a club that serves only vegan food to players and fans alike on match days. This harmony between personal lifestyle and professional environment highlights how a workplace can genuinely influence meaningful life changes.
Although Savage led his team to a 3-0 victory in his first pre-season match, he didn’t miss the chance to share some light-hearted humor joking that his little French bulldog might struggle to climb the beautiful hills of the Cotswolds, and he might have to carry her.
Savage’s transformation also sheds light on the growing connection between sports and sustainability. Forest Green Rovers isn’t just another non-league football team it’s a powerful environmental platform, spearheaded by eco-entrepreneur Dale Vince. Vince is known for his bold activism, such as raising the Palestinian flag on his company headquarters, an act that sparked legal controversy in the UK due to the government’s non-recognition of Palestine as a state.
Robbie Savage’s story serves as an inspiring example of how sports can be a catalyst for positive change not just among players and fans, but in the personal lives of its icons. A former footballer who once thrived in the high-pressure world of competition now placing compassion and sustainability at the heart of his lifestyle is a reminder that transformation begins with a single step… and perhaps a single plant-based meal.
