5 famous Portuguese players who consider Cristiano Ronaldo as their idol

#3 Diogo Jota

Jota has been sensational for Liverpool

Another Portuguese superstar, inspired by the stellar footballing journey of Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota is making waves with Liverpool at present. Having joined from Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, the Portugal international has quickly established his place in the starting lineup.

The 24-year-old forward, who is viewed as the ideal heir to Roberto Firmino's throne at Anfield, has experienced a sudden rise to prominence. Commenting on his childhood hero in an interview with FourFourTwo, Jota stated:

"Cristiano was my idol – I saw him playing at the highest level at Manchester United, winning the Ballon d’Or and other awards. Being Portuguese, I’ve always looked up to him as an example to follow."

The prolific forward has extended his red-hot form of the 2020-21 season this campaign, scoring four goals in nine Premier League appearances. A team-mate of Cristiano Ronaldo in the national setup, Jota has improved massively under his idol's guidance.

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#2 Joao Felix

Atletico Madrid v Liverpool FC: Group B - UEFA Champions League

Another teenage prodigy to have grown up idolizing Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix has experienced a much steeper upward curve in his career trajectory than Fabio Silva. The Atletico Madrid star is already an integral part of a Champions League club at such a young age.

The second most expensive teenager in football history, Felix has voiced his appreciation for idol Cristiano Ronaldo on multiple occasions. He publicly stated his respect for his compatriot, saying:

"Cristiano is my childhood idol, he is an example in everything for me. I was still a child and he was already the best player in the world. He is unique."

Even though Felix is yet to justify the hefty price Atletico Madrid paid to acquire him, the youngster has impressed in flashes. The 21-year-old forward has the potential to succeed in the game and possibly compete for Cristiano Ronaldo's throne in the Portugal squad in the future.

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#1 Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes has revived Manchester United from the depths of mid-table mediocrity

Affectionately labeled "Agent Bruno" by fans for his role in Cristiano Ronaldo's summer move to Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes has been a known admirer of his compatriot. The duo have linked up brilliantly at Old Trafford so far, playing in nine games together for the Red Devils.

The former Sporting CP talisman famously admitted to having joined Manchester United because of Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking to Sky Sports in 2020, Fernandes said:

"I’m a Cristiano Ronaldo fan and he’s a player I’ve always followed. When Cristiano burst on to the scene here in Manchester, he spent a good chunk of his early career here and enjoyed so much success."

While one is a lethal finisher, possessing an acute sense of positioning, the other is a masterful innovator, creating chances out of thin air. In Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal and Manchester United have two of the most gifted footballers of the current generation on their ranks.

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