Cristiano Ronaldo has inspired some of world football’s biggest stars over the years

Cristiano Ronaldo is unquestionably one of the greatest footballers of all time.

The legendary Portuguese forward has won five Ballon d’Or awards during his illustrious career, scored an extraordinary number of goals and won titles with major clubs in England, Spain and Italy.

Oh, and he also helped Portugal win Euro 2016.

Ronaldo deserves all the credit in the world for maximising his potential through sheer hard work and dedication to his profession.

And for many aspiring footballers all over the globe, Ronaldo is their footballing idol.

Ronaldo, who turns 38 in February, has also inspired some of football’s current superstars – including Kylian Mbappe.

During Sunday’s UEFA Nations League clash between France and Portugal, Ronaldo and Mbappe shared a lovely moment at half-time.

And after the match, Mbappe tweeted the word “Idol” alongside the crown and goat emojis in a direct message to his hero.

But Mbappe isn’t the only current star to openly admit that Ronaldo is his idol.

Let’s take look at some others…

Erling Haaland

Man City star Erling Haaland is one of the best young forwards on the planet – but the Norwegian said he may not have become a footballer if it wasn’t for Ronaldo. That’s according to the man himself.

“I would love to meet him and tell him that I am a footballer thanks to him,” the 22-year-old told reporters earlier this year. “For me, he was always a role model.”

Marcus Rashford

You only have to look at Marcus Rashford’s free-kick technique to realise that the Manchester United forward grew up watching Ronaldo.

“For me there is no bigger inspiration in football,” he told Man Utd’s official website in 2018.

“I could speak for a lot of young players and United fans that watched the team when he was here and the majority of us have followed him as he’s moved on in his career and that’s what’s special about United.”

Rashford added: ”The way he’s sustained his career and even improved year on year is just amazing.

“People don’t do that at his age, people are usually heading towards the end of their career and their level starts going down a little bit, but he’s just gone up and up and up.”

In the same year, Ronaldo sent Rashford a signed Real Madrid shirt with the words “To Marcus. Keep up the good work” written on the back. Class.

Joao Felix

“Cristiano is my childhood idol, he is an example in everything for me,” Felix told Record in 2019. “I was still a child and he was already the best player in the world. He is unique.

“He is making football history. I loved it when he said I was a phenomenon.”

The Cheasel star added: “People always ask me if I can reach Cristiano’s level and I always tell them the same thing.

“Cristiano is unique and irreplaceable. All I want is to be Joao Felix.”

Source: givemesport.com