Kylian Mbappe had posters of Cristiano Ronaldo on his bedroom walls as a child.You’ve probably seen the photos of a young Mbappe on his bed, surrounded by several images of Ronaldo.The young French striker idolised Ronaldo growing up, and so it’s a thrill for him whenever he gets to share a pitch with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.That happened on Sunday when France faced Portugal in the UEFA Nations League. Mbappe tweeted two photos of himself with Ronaldo, adding the caption: “Idol”.
The Juventus forward still has goals he wants to achieve before he hangs up his boots, but he’s already left a legacy.
Mbappe is just one of the players who worship him. Erling Haaland, Marcus Rashford and Joao Felix have all expressed their admiration for Ronaldo in the past.
“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."
You can see Ronaldo’s influence at every level from the professional ranks to grassroots. Players will copy his free-kick technique, or wear long sleeves and high shorts.
Anything to be just like Cristiano.
Further evidence of his incredible influence comes from all those players who have copied his signature ‘Siii’ celebration.
His storming jump, mid-air pirouette and emphatic landing is iconic.
You might think that Ronaldo spent hours crafting his now-iconic move, but there was really little thought behind it.
He told YouTube channel Soccer.com: “I was in the US and we played against Chelsea and I don't know where it came from. I just scored and I went, ‘Siii!’
"But it was natural, to be honest.
"After that, I started doing it and I feel like the fans, when they see me they're like ‘Siii' and I was like, 'wow, people remember Cristiano because of the Siii,' so I continued like that."
Video shows Ronaldo's influence
You’ll see kids doing it on the street and adults doing it during Sunday League. NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. even did it after scoring a touchdown for the New York Giants.
A guy even did it at his wedding once...
A video has now emerged showing various instances of Ronaldo’s ’Siii’ celebration being performed, from Ajax’s youth players to Neymar.
It really emphasises Ronaldo’s influence around the world.