The Modern Day Stars Inspired by Ronaldo
By Michael Lee
Ronaldo. R9. The Brazilian sensation is undoubtedly one of the greatest strikers ever to play the beautiful game. Twice a World Cup winner and recipient of one Ballon d'Or, the original Ronaldo was a global icon who played for many of the world's most glamourous clubs.
Not many players could play for both Milan clubs, while also starring for Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, R9 could transcend club rivalries and supporters everywhere were enthralled by his remarkable talents.
It's only natural that Ronaldo inspired a generation of attacking talent - including some who went on to define their own eras. Here's just a few who revered the striker.
1. Lionel Messi
Endorsements do not come much bigger than this.
In an interview with AS last year, the legendary Argentine was quoted as saying: "Ronaldo [Nazario] was a phenomenon, Of all the strikers I ever saw, he was the best. He was seriously impressive."
2. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Despite giving the impression he is entirely self-absorbed, one of R9's most effusive fans has been the enigmatic Swede.
After the pair met in 2014, Zlatan posted a picture on Instagram with the caption: "This was the best thing that happened last night. The best player of all times, Ronaldo. The Phenomenon."
High praise indeed from such a modest man.
3. Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema seems to have been leading the line at Real Madrid since dinosaurs roamed the earth.
However, the Frenchman has credited Ronaldo with being the biggest influence upon his career.
The reporters gathered were only surprised Benzema did not also go on to credit Olivier Giroud.
4. Xherdan Shaqiri
The barrel-chested winger may be in danger of becoming a forgotten man at Anfield, but he has provided many moments of fantasy football during his career.
No surprise then that R9 was his childhood idol - to a slightly worrying degree. The Swiss international admitted: "He was my big, big idol. I did his haircut too – in 2002, the triangle – I did it, too."
5. Anthony Martial
After a difficult few years, Anthony Martial has started to blossom at Manchester United - and the forward's direct style of play is reminiscent of the original Ronaldo.
In United's matchday programme, Martial revealed a few of idols, admitting: “Ronaldo, the Brazilian one, and Ronaldinho.”
6. Kylian Mbappe
The French sensation is already on his way to becoming the greatest player of his generation - and the Brazilian Ronaldo was just one of his childhood idols. “Well, I’ve had phases,” said the World Cup winner.
“To start, as a child, it was [Zinedine] Zidane. If you’re a boy and you’re French, your idol is Zidane.
“After that, it was Cristiano [Ronaldo] and I’ve been lucky enough to face him. Then it was the Brazilian Ronaldo for the way he played."