Cristiano Ronaldo, a long-time Nike partner, gave his cleats to five upcoming football talents in 2020. Vinicius Jr., Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Bruno Fernandes, and Ansu Fati were among them. Vinicius Jr revealed his delight after getting the footwear from Ronaldo in a YouTube video in 2020.
“Now here we have Cristiano Ronaldo’s new cleats. He sent me himself. Gotta thank him. Feels good? I don’t know if I play or of I dance. I want to thank Nike, thank Cristiano for choosing me.” he said in the video.
Three years later, Mbappe and Haaland are largely regarded as the European football’s heirs to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Since the departure of Karim Benzema this summer, Vinicius Jr. has been Real Madrid’s standout forward. Manchester United’s captain is Ronaldo’s Portugal colleague Bruno Fernandes.
Ansu Fati, a Barcelona forward, has failed to achieve the heights that were anticipated of him. The Spanish youngster will be trying to regain form at Brighton & Hove Albion, where he is on loan for the season.
It was only me and three other players. Ansu Fati, Haaland, Mbappé… It was four, Mbappé and Bruno Fernandes. I am so happy to know he’s following my work, even from far away.”
Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Real Madrid in 2018, the #7 shirt was given to Mariano Diaz, and subsequently to Eden Hazard in 2019. However, once the Belgian departed the club earlier this year, Vinicius Jr was able to obtain the legendary shirt. Vinicius Jr has appeared in 230 games for the Spanish giants, scoring 60 goals and assisting on 64 others.
” I’m very happy and very grateful to be able to wear this number that Cristiano, Juanito have worn, great players. I hope it’s a great season. I am inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo because I have seen all his matches and he has marked an era at the club. He is an idol for me. “
The Real Madrid player was quick to praise the club and expressed gratitude for being able to wear the same number as Ronaldo. Vinicius Jr has scored once in five league appearances this season. He did not play in the UEFA Champions League last week due to a biceps femoris muscle issue.
Editors pick
