17th December, 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo is more than just a footballer—he is an icon whose legacy stretches far beyond his countless goals and trophies. The Portuguese legend, with five Ballon d’Or awards and a stunning career spanning Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr, continues to inspire the next generation. His relentless work ethic, unmatched mentality, and determination to be the best have turned him into a role model for aspiring footballers around the world.
From replicating his free-kick technique to hanging posters of the Portuguese superstar on their walls, this generation’s elite players have drawn inspiration from Ronaldo’s relentless drive for greatness. Let’s take a look at some of the top football talents who count Cristiano Ronaldo as their hero.
- Kylian Mbappe
Arguably one of the best players in the world right now, Kylian Mbappe grew up idolizing Ronaldo. As a child, the French superstar had posters of CR7 on his bedroom walls. This admiration came full circle in 2020 when Mbappe shared a heartfelt moment with Ronaldo during a UEFA Nations League clash, later tweeting “Idol” with crown and goat emojis in tribute to his hero.
Mbappe’s story is a testament to the power of inspiration. Like his idol, he has reached extraordinary heights in football, showcasing the same explosive pace, skill, and eye for goal that made Ronaldo a global phenomenon.
2. Erling Haaland
Manchester City’s goal machine, Erling Haaland, credits Ronaldo as the reason he became a footballer. Speaking in 2020, the Norwegian striker said: “I would love to meet him and tell him that I am a footballer thanks to him. For me, he was always a role model.”
Haaland’s hunger for goals and incredible scoring record mirrors Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of greatness. With Haaland still in the early stages of his career, he may yet challenge CR7’s all-time scoring records.
3. Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford’s free-kick technique is enough to show that he grew up watching Ronaldo. The Manchester United forward has always spoken fondly of his idol, stating: “For me, there is no bigger inspiration in football… The way he’s sustained his career and even improved year on year is just amazing.”
Rashford’s admiration was reciprocated when Ronaldo gifted him a signed Real Madrid shirt with the message: “To Marcus. Keep up the good work.” A class gesture from one legend to another rising star.
4. Rasmus Hojlund
Manchester United’s Danish forward, Rasmus Hojlund, also grew up inspired by Ronaldo. Reflecting on his journey, he shared: “My idol is Ronaldo… I just like his mentality and love that he’s so eager to score goals.”
With Hojlund now wearing the iconic red shirt of Manchester United, he dreams of following in CR7’s footsteps and becoming a talisman for the club.
- Matthijs de Ligt
Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt grew up pretending to be Ronaldo in his garden, saying:
“We came to the conclusion that I always wanted to be Cristiano Ronaldo when we were playing football.”
His dream came true in 2019 when he joined Ronaldo at Juventus, a surreal moment for the boy who once wore CR7’s Manchester United shirt.
6. Joao Felix
Growing up in Portugal, Joao Felix naturally idolized his country’s biggest footballing star. Speaking in 2019, Felix said: “Cristiano is my childhood idol… He is unique. He is making football history.”
The young Portuguese forward is now carving his own path, but his admiration for CR7’s mentality and success remains unwavering.
7. James Maddison
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison grew up as a Manchester United fan, watching Ronaldo dominate the Premier League. He once shared: “My idol is Cristiano Ronaldo… When I was younger, I always looked up to him.”
Like his idol, Maddison has become a master of set pieces, often attempting Ronaldo-style free-kicks during matches.
- Harry Kane
Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane once admitted to asking Ronaldo for his shirt after a Champions League clash, calling him a “role model.” Kane said:
“Watching him when I was growing up, he’s a big role model of mine.”
The England captain’s goalscoring prowess is inspired by the Portuguese legend’s clinical finishing.
- Vinicius Jr
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr followed in Ronaldo’s footsteps by dazzling at the Santiago Bernabeu. After scoring against Barcelona in 2020, Vinicius even paid tribute to his idol with Ronaldo’s famous “Siii!” celebration. His admiration highlights Ronaldo’s influence on Madrid’s next generation.
- Mason Mount
Mason Mount, now a Manchester United midfielder, spent hours perfecting Ronaldo’s iconic free-kick technique as a child.
Mount proudly explained: “I try to base my free-kick on Ronaldo. Hit the ball by the valve, and it moves. That’s all you do, top corner, top bins.”
Wearing the number seven shirt at United, Mount honors the legacy Ronaldo established at Old Trafford.
- Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli cites Ronaldo’s work ethic as his greatest inspiration. Speaking to Goal, Martinelli said:
“I admire him very much for the strength of will he has, for the way he works and for everything… He always wants more. That is what I want for myself.”
12. Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes, like many Portuguese players, grew up idolizing Ronaldo. Speaking in 2020, he shared: “I’m a Cristiano Ronaldo fan… That’s why it was a dream of mine to play for Manchester United.”
Fernandes now carries the torch at Old Trafford, following in his idol’s footsteps.
13. Endrick
Brazilian prodigy Endrick, who will join Real Madrid in 2024, admires Ronaldo not just for his achievements but for who he is as a person: “If there’s anyone who influences me… it’s Cristiano Ronaldo.”
- Bukayo Saka
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka highlighted Ronaldo’s mentality as his inspiration, saying:
“He always wants to be the best, is always working hard on and off the pitch. I try to take the good things from his game.”
- Alejandro Garnacho
Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho openly declared Ronaldo as the “GOAT”, a sentiment not often heard from Argentines. After Ronaldo’s hat-trick against Norwich in 2022, Garnacho posted:
“The greatest of all times.”
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