Cristiano Ronaldo: The Global Idol for the World’s Best Players
In the realm of football, there are idols who transcend the ordinary, and then there’s Cristiano Ronaldo – a figure whose influence reaches even the world’s finest players. The testament to his greatness is the unequivocal adoration and aspiration expressed by the top 18 players in today’s game. Here’s an exclusive glimpse into how Ronaldo’s remarkable journey has impacted these stars’ lives.
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Marcus Rashford – Manchester United: The experience of playing alongside his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, is something Marcus Rashford describes as surreal. Rashford articulates, “Teaming up with Ronaldo is an unbelievable experience. He’s one of my idols, someone I’ve always looked up to. It’s an everlasting memory, and we want to thank him for what he’s done for Man United.”
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Bukayo Saka – Arsenal: Bukayo Saka, a devoted Real Madrid fan, confesses to idolizing Cristiano Ronaldo since childhood. He admires Ronaldo’s skills and even emulates some Arsenal players. Saka shares, “As a kid, my favorite player was Cristiano Ronaldo… Ronaldo can do things that others can’t, and he’s definitely a role model for me.”
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Erling Haaland – Manchester City: Erling Haaland envisions a day when he can personally thank Cristiano Ronaldo for inspiring his journey. Haaland says, “I aspire to one day have a conversation with Ronaldo and tell him that I became the player I am today because of him. Ronaldo is the perfect role model for me.”
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Mbappe – Paris Saint-Germain: Kylian Mbappe’s father revealed his son’s admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, stating, “Kylian Mbappe is a Real Madrid fan, and my son’s idol is Cristiano Ronaldo.” Defender Abdou Diallo adds, “Cristiano Ronaldo truly means everything to Kylian Mbappe… For him, Cristiano is untouchable.”
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Neymar Junior – Al Hilal: Neymar, while fervently praising Lionel Messi, acknowledges Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol too. Neymar states, “Ronaldo is a great player, one of the finest in the world. I have immense respect for him. Ronaldo is one of the idols that I will look up to for inspiration.”
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Rasmus Hojlund – Manchester United: Rasmus Hojlund, a new addition to Manchester United, is aiming to emulate Ronaldo’s spirit and determination. “I like Ronaldo’s mentality, he’s my idol… Ronaldo’s spirit is something I’m striving towards. I want to become the best version of myself. Ronaldo is my idol,” says Hojlund.
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Joao Felix – Atletico Madrid: Joao Felix admits that Cristiano Ronaldo’s five Ballon d’Or awards inspire him. He shares, “Cristiano Ronaldo has won 5 Ballon d’Or titles, which is every player’s dream. Clearly, I want to be like Ronaldo.”
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Diogo Dalot – Manchester United: Diogo Dalot reveals that Ronaldo was a driving force in his decision to join Manchester United. “Cristiano Ronaldo, I don’t need to describe him anymore. Everyone knows who he is. With me, he’s the reason I chose to follow this path,” Dalot affirms.
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Son Heung-Min – Tottenham Hotspur: Son Heung-Min recognizes Ronaldo’s work ethic and determination as exemplary. He expresses, “A professional player needs more than just talent; it requires willpower. Like my idol Cristiano Ronaldo, he worked extremely hard to achieve greater heights.”
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Matthijs de Ligt – Bayern Munich: Matthijs de Ligt reveals his childhood aspiration to be like Ronaldo. He shares, “Recently, when dining with my friends from childhood, we talked about how I always pretended to be Cristiano Ronaldo when we played football in the backyard. He was a special player for Manchester United back then.”
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Memphis Depay – Barcelona: Memphis Depay looks up to Ronaldo for his dedication. “No one invests in themselves like Ronaldo does. That’s why he’s been able to maintain peak performance for so long,” Depay comments.
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Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United: Bruno Fernandes fondly recalls idolizing Ronaldo as a child. “I chose a Manchester United jacket when my dad took me shopping. Because of Ronaldo, I’ve always dreamed of playing at Old Trafford,” he reveals.
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Francisco Trincao – Barcelona: Francisco Trincao speaks of his love for Ronaldo. “If you’re born in Portugal, it’s hard not to love Ronaldo. I’m always learning from how he and Lionel Messi play football,” Trincao states.
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Ana Maria Markovic – Croatia Women’s National Team: Ana Maria Markovic credits Cristiano Ronaldo’s discipline as a source of inspiration. “There are many top women players, like Ramona Bachmann. But my favorite player is Ronaldo because he’s very disciplined,” Markovic emphasizes.
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Reece James – Chelsea: Reece James would choose Cristiano Ronaldo as a playing partner, someone to emulate, and even as a dinner guest. James declares, “If I had to choose someone to play with from history, it would be Ronaldo. And if I had to become someone for a day, it would still be Ronaldo. Even for dinner, it would be Ronaldo.”
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Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid: “Cristiano Ronaldo entered the locker room during halftime to support the team and provide us with his backing. That’s why I celebrate like him. He’s a winner both on and off the field.”
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Rodrygo Goes – Real Madrid: “My idol? That would be Cristiano Ronaldo. I’ve always dreamed of playing alongside him, though unfortunately, that didn’t happen at Real.”
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Garnacho – Manchester United: On his personal page, young MU star Garnacho posted two photos, capturing moments of celebration reminiscent of CR7 and embracing the legendary senior. “18 years and 125 days dreaming of this moment. Thanks to my idol @Cristiano,” Garnacho wrote. On Instagram, C. Ronaldo also shared a joyful photo with his 19-year-old junior and wrote, “We move forward and continue pursuing our goals this season. Thank you to the fans who have never given up on us,” he added.
In the galaxy of football stars, Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence radiates far beyond the pitch. His dedication, discipline, and skill have made him an unparalleled icon whose legacy resonates with players of all ages, positions, and backgrounds. As the finest talents of today’s game look up to him, Ronaldo’s impact remains timeless and inspiring.
