What more can be said about Cristiano Ronaldo? Over 700 career goals, 30 trophies, five Ballons d'Or - we've run out of ways to describe him.
From his younger days at Manchester United as a tricky winger, to his tenure as a goalscoring powerhouse at Real Madrid, Ronaldo is an icon of the game, and a symbol of the mantra that hard work pays off.
The Portuguese forward's astonishing brilliance has wowed supporters for the best part of 18 seasons, and inspired a generation of up and coming footballers.
Here are just some of the many players who have been inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo.
10. Mason Mount
A very young, very long-haired Mason Mount teaches us all how to perform Ronaldo's iconic free kick style, before replicating it with ease.

Fast forward a few years, and the young Englishman is converting a set piece against Wolves to seal Chelsea's place in the top four. The butterfly effect in full swing.
9. Gabriel Martinelli
Ronaldo may have demolished Arsenal on many occasions during his time at Old Trafford, but the Gunners can thank the Juventus man for motivating one of their brightest young talents.

In an interview with Arsenal's official website, the forward said: "I base my football on Cristiano Ronaldo, he is the player model I want to follow. He is a footballer who works hard and always seeks to reach the next level."
8. Martin Odegaard
At the age of just 16, Odegaard made the move to Real Madrid. And, in Cristiano Ronaldo, he could hardly have had a much better teacher.

The Norwegian said that he tries "to learn as much as possible" from the Portuguese. A few years later, he is now flourishing in La Liga.
7. Joao Felix.
Ronaldo and Joao Felix in the UEFA Nations League | Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Joao Felix was just three years old when Ronaldo made his debut for the national team, and just 19 when he played alongside the great man.

Describing the experience, the Atletico Madrid forward said: "It was a dream come true to be with him in the same locker room".
6. Harry Kane
The Spurs talisman has faced Ronaldo twice in his career, having been drawn against Real Madrid for the group stages of the 2017/18 Champions League.

After the final whistle at the Bernabeu, Kane swapped shirts with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, and later described him as "a big role model of mine".
5. Marcus Rashford
If Man Utd fans couldn't love their former player any more, the Portuguese legend inspired some of their most talented youngsters.

Rashford described Ronaldo as 'iconic' on Twitter, in reference to his sensational bicycle kick goal against Juventus in 2018.

And you can see the similarities in Rashford's game - with the pace, directness, and even the free kick technique. Then again, maybe he's been watching Mount's tutorials.
4. Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling
Sterling named Ronaldo as his idol while at Liverpool | Pool/Getty Images
Mount, Kane, Rashford, and now Sterling - Gareth Southgate owes a big thank you to the 35-year-old.

Whilst at Liverpool, Sterling named the Manchester United legend as his idol. A risky move, but I'm sure the Anfield faithful have forgiven him by now...

Speaking to The Mirror, a teenage Sterling said: “I really look up to Cristiano Ronaldo, he is someone that has always been an idol to me".
3. Erling Braut Haaland
Another Norwegian to add to the list, this time in the form of Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Erling Braut Haaland.

Speaking to ESPN, Haaland talked about how Ronaldo and Sweden forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic shaped his career.

"You could just see it in Ronaldo's face that 'today I'm the man' and 'today, I will score goals' and that's what he did.

"That's what I like the best, how dedicated and hungry they are to succeed and to be the man in the moment."

The BVB striker has also spoken of his admiration for fellow countryman Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as well as his love for Premier League cult hero Michu.
2. Bruno Fernandes
Ronaldo and Fernandes in the UEFA Nations League | Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
They say never meet your heroes, but Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes may disagree with that.

The midfielder has shared a pitch many times with the five-time Champions League winner for the Portuguese national team, and the two have since become close friends. The Juventus talisman even played his part in securing Fernandes' move to Old Trafford from Sporting CP.

Fernandes told Italian site Cronache Di Spogliatoio: “We look at him as an idol, he has always been an idol for me. I followed his example, he is one of my favourites".

I'm sure Ronaldo will be honoured to be named alongside Stephen Ireland in the list of Bruno's favourite footballers.
1. Kylian Mbappe
Since his breakthrough in 2016, Kylian Mbappe has shot right to the top of the footballing pyramid. And, at just 21 years of age, it's frightening to think what the future might hold for the PSG forward.

Whatever becomes of the Frenchman, he will have to really outdo himself to reach the standards of his hero.

The former Monaco man worshipped Ronaldo as a kid, having posters of the Portuguese superstar plastered all over his bedroom wall..
Source: https://www.90min.com/posts/the-modern-day-stars-inspired-by-cristiano-ronaldo-01ehcr8w...

Simply the G.O.A.T

Ronaldo is a personal addiction for me. I can't count how many times I have tuned in to watch a match simply because Ronaldo is playing in it. I can't also count how many times I have gotten disappointed because he was not going to feature in a match(countless!!!).

Ronaldo you are truly a blessing to the world. Pls click share if you feel the same way.....

nura15:
Simply the G.O.A.T

Ronaldo has created the template...that nothing is impossible only if you work hard...a great player indeed worthy of emulation...

Cc lalasticlala

thats nice but i expected more than this list because cr7 and messi are lords of the game, they have inspired soo many players and both are role models to upcoming players..
thats the same way cr7 looked up to other football greats like ronaldinho, zidane, figo etc and see nothing special about the list because you making it seems asif cr7 created a special philosophy of football dt they are following...

ojaysam25:

Ronaldo has created the template...that nothing is impossible only if you work hard...a great player indeed worthy of emulation...

Cc lalasticlala

yes and also remember dt he was also inspired by other football greats and created his template from other greats templet, stop making it sound asif cr7 invented football or he is the only football great dt have played soccer.

nura15:
Simply the G.O.A.T

because he inspired players?? i would give u endless list of African and foreign footballers that okocha, ronaldinho, beckam, pirlo all inspired...does dt make them goats too??
cr7 inspired them simply means dt watching cr7 gave them the desire, confidence or enthusiasm to play football...stop sounding asif cr7 created a football philosophy for them to study dt made them successful...

Dizzyrascal:
Ronaldo is a personal addiction for me. I can't count how many times I have tuned in to watch a match simply because Ronaldo is playing in it. I can't also count how many times I have gotten disappointed because he was not going to feature in a match(countless!!!).

Ronaldo you are truly a blessing to the world. Pls click share if you feel the same way.....

Exactly bro....I remember drinking all nite in ecstasy after he orchestrated the comeback against Wolfsburg in UCL....the words of the commentators are still fresh in my memory "he has turn the tie around,all by himself"...
The mantra hard work pays is something ronaldo has taken to the next level....with determination and hard work one can achieve anything.....he is my role model

ojaysam25:

Exactly bro....I remember drinking all nite in ecstasy after he orchestrated the comeback against Wolfsburg in UCL....the words of the commentators are still fresh in my mind "he has turn the tie around,all by himself"...
The mantra hard work pays is something ronaldo has taken to the next level....with determination and hard work one can achieve anything.....he is my role model

I freaking remember the Wolfsburg match like it was yesterday. The truth is that the commentators were right. It was one of the numerous times he singlehandedly or assisted in bailing Real Madrid out. Legend!

I just dey watch Madrid with my left eye. I wan see who dey go bring come replace Ronaldo the great....one love

paulolee:

yes and also remember dt he was also inspired by other football greats and created his template from other greats templet, stop making it sound asif cr7 invented football or he is the only football great dt have played soccer.

Bro we are talking of Ronaldo here,yea they are other players who are also role models.. so stop bringing your insecurities here.

Dizzyrascal:
I freaking remember the Wolfsburg match like it was yesterday. The truth is that the commentators were right. It was one of the numerous times he singlehandedly or assisted in bailing Real Madrid out. Legend!

I just dey watch Madrid with my left eye. I wan see who dey go bring come replace Ronaldo the great....one love

Apt

Dizzyrascal:
I freaking remember the Wolfsburg match like it was yesterday. The truth is that the commentators were right. It was one of the numerous times he singlehandedly or assisted in bailing Real Madrid out. Legend!

I just dey watch Madrid with my left eye. I wan see who dey go bring come replace Ronaldo the great....one love

lol...i thought Hazard was his replacement

abeliver:


lol...i thought Hazard was his replacement

No one player can replace ronaldo....at least 3 or 4....it will be impossible for any player to fill that void....the number 7 should be retired from football permanently when he finally hangs his boot.

abeliver:


lol...i thought Hazard was his replacement

@abeliver, do you really believe that this hazard can replace Ronaldo the king?

because he inspired players?? i would give u endless list of African and foreign footballers that okocha, ronaldinho, beckam, pirlo all inspired...does dt make them goats too??
cr7 inspired them simply means dt watching cr7 gave them the desire, confidence or enthusiasm to play football...stop sounding asif cr7 created a football philosophy for them to study dt made them successful..




Not only because he inspired players, but rather due to the fact that cr7 has been consistent year in year out much more than any player to have ever graced football.Like him or not cr7 is a fighter,self motivated and dedicated player who always to break records and set news one.

Dizzyrascal:
@abeliver, do you really believe that this hazard can replace Ronaldo the king?

tbh I don't even rate Hazard that high, not to talk of replacing CR7....

abeliver:


tbh I don't even rate Hazard that high, not to talk of replacing CR7....

your mama born you well; your head is intact.....Have a wonderful week ahead