Alejandro Garnacho: The Brave Argentine Fan of Cristiano Ronaldo
In the world of football, allegiances are often a matter of deep-rooted passion, but sometimes they can defy the norm. Meet Alejandro Garnacho, a remarkable young player whose admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo has made him an outlier in Argentina, a nation fervently devoted to Lionel Messi. Garnacho’s unique journey as a fan and a player highlights the complexities of footballing allegiances and the impact of global football icons.
Garnacho’s Aspiration: The Iconic Number 7: Alejandro Garnacho, despite donning the number 49 jersey for Manchester United, has always expressed his desire to wear the iconic number 7, a jersey famously associated with his lifelong idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. If Garnacho gets his wish, he could become the first teenager to wear the prestigious number 7 for Manchester United since Ronaldo brought it to life in 2003.
A Controversial Figure in Argentina: Garnacho’s inclusion in Argentina’s preliminary 55-man squad for the 2022 World Cup sparked controversy and debate in the football-crazy nation. While some believe that his impressive performances at Manchester United might warrant a place in the national team, others question his eligibility due to his Spanish upbringing. Garnacho, born in 2004, donned the U20 Argentina jersey due to his family background but grew up in Spain.
Mixed Reactions from Argentine Football Pundits: Guido Glait, a pundit on TyC Sports, openly criticized Garnacho, arguing that he lacks a genuine connection to Argentina and is unaware of its culture and language. Glait questioned Garnacho’s loyalty to the national team, stating, “Garnacho has only played 1.5 games for Man Utd in the Premier League. He doesn’t speak Spanish, doesn’t know Argentina’s ‘dulce de leche,’ and is unfamiliar with ‘Caminito’ street. He also doesn’t know Argentina’s Independence Day on July 9th.” Glait’s criticism reflects the intensity of passion associated with Argentine football.
Garnacho’s Dream of Playing with CR7: Alejandro Garnacho’s journey took a significant turn in the summer of 2020 when he joined Manchester United from Atletico Madrid. He was hailed as a gem from Atletico Madrid’s youth academy by Spanish media. For Garnacho, playing in the red jersey of Manchester United alongside his childhood idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, is a dream come true.
The Ronaldo-Messi Rivalry: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been the defining figures of contemporary football, and their rivalry has spanned over a decade. While both players have their devout fan bases, Messi’s connection with Argentina is unparalleled. This rivalry has often been a source of debate among fans worldwide.
The Brave Argentine Fan of Cristiano Ronaldo: Alejandro Garnacho’s open admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, even in the heart of Messi’s homeland, sets him apart as a brave and bold fan. His public declarations of admiration for Ronaldo on social media have sparked discussion and divided opinions among football enthusiasts in Argentina.
Therefore, Garnacho openly idolizing Ronaldo everywhere and at all times, instead of Messi, is sure to incite the ire of Argentine fans. This is precisely why supporters have hailed Garnacho as the “bravest man in Argentina.”
Many fans swiftly took to social media to react and share their comments following Garnacho’s public display. One person tweeted, “The idol of every young person is undoubtedly Cristiano Ronaldo, and that’s why Garnacho is destined for greatness.” Another person added, “The bravest man in Argentina is Garnacho.”
Another fan remarked, “Garnacho wearing Ronaldo’s jersey at Al Nassr. He is indeed a fanboy.” Meanwhile, someone else noted, “Garnacho doesn’t hide who his GOAT is.”
Garnacho has never concealed his love for Ronaldo. After playing alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United in the previous Europa League season, the Argentine winger shared a photo with Ronaldo, captioning it, “I don’t know if this is real or if I’m dreaming.”
Alejandro Garnacho’s unique journey as a fan and a player illustrates the complexities of footballing allegiances. In a nation where Lionel Messi is considered a deity, Garnacho stands as a symbol of unwavering admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo.
While his fervent support for Ronaldo may raise eyebrows in Argentina, it also highlights the power of football to transcend borders and unite fans worldwide. Garnacho’s story reminds us that in the world of football, passion knows no boundaries, and the heart often leads us to unexpected places.
