Cristiano Ronaldo may be nearing the end of his illustrious career, but his popularity and renown continue to radiate among football fans and players alike.
The 37-year-old former Manchester United star is presently embarking on a new journey in the Middle East with Al-Nassr, but he is still adored by numerous European football stars.
Ronaldo’s charisma, unrivaled work ethic, pure determination, and glamorous off-the-field lifestyle inspire many football players to aspire to reach the heights attained by the Portuguese superstar.
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Ronaldo spent nine trophy-laden years at Real Madrid, so it is hardly ꜱᴜгρгιꜱing that he continues to inspire the club’s current champions.
Recently, the superstar took time away from his training to spend time with his former club. Vinicius Junior essentially referred to Ronaldo as the greatest footballer of all time to demonstrate his unwavering admiration for the Portuguese.
Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
During Real Madrid’s training session in Saudi Arabia, Rodrygo was overjoyed to meet his “greatest idol.”
When the five-time Ballon d’Or winner visited, the Brazilian forward was visibly star-struck.
Joao Felix (loaned to Chelsea)
It is fair to say that Ronaldo has had the greatest influence on Portuguese footballers, and it is no ꜱеϲгеt that Joao Felix adores the veteran striker.
It is not ꜱᴜгρгιꜱing that the former Benfica star, who was once touted as the next Ronaldo, has a soft place for a true Portuguese legend.
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
Garnacho will be eliminated as an aberration on this list due to his origin country, Argentina, and current club, Real Madrid, where Ronaldo is viewed as a divisive figure.
The 18-year-old continues to profess his affection for the Al-Nassr man in a grand manner despite the prevailing circumstances that should have influenced his feelings. After sharing the field with Ronaldo for the first time, he expressed his feelings via social media.
Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
Martinelli, one of the rising strikers in the Premier League, is having an outstanding season with Arsenal.
It can be attributed to his reverence for Ronaldo’s style of play that he has been so effective operating on the flanks for the Gunners’ title bid.
Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)
Raheem Sterling, perhaps the most ᴜnеᶍρеϲtеd name on this list, has played for Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
The Englishman, a multiple-time Premier League champion, regards Ronaldo in high regard.
James Reece (Chelsea)
Reece James should not have been included on this roster, given his reputation as a defender. However, the athletic fullback has always been a huge admirer of Ronaldo, to the extent that he chose the Portuguese captain over Lionel Messi.
Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
Kylian Mbappe is the greatest Ronaldo fan, and he does not hide his admiration for the former Madrid star.
The Frenchman’s love for the superstar defies description. The 24-year-old, who is frequently considered Ronaldo’s heir apparent, adores the Portuguese.
Mbappe’s reverence for Ronaldo is unwavering
Former Paris Saint-Germain forward Jese Rodriquez has геᴠеаlеd Mbappe’s undying reverence for his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Sports Brief.
The Frenchman has made no ꜱеϲгеt of his admiration for Ronaldo and came close to following in his footsteps last summer.
Rodriguez – who also played for Los Blancos – divulged more about Ronaldo’s impression of the PSG star, bolstering Mbappe’s admiration for Real Madrid and their former legend.