"My hero in the men’s game" - Al-Nassr women's team star makes claim about Cristiano Ronaldo
Al-Nassr women striker Clara Luvanga has joined a big list of footballers who publicly named Cristiano Ronaldo as their hero. The Tanzania forward said that she was fortunate to have seen Ronaldo and that he was the one who inspired her the most from the Al-Nassr men’s team.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s hard work and dedication to the beautiful game are unarguably incredible, and it has made him a footballing idol for young and aspiring players worldwide. Players like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe have publicly expressed their admiration for the Al-Nassr man.
Ahead of the 2024-25 Saudi Women’s Premier League campaign, Luvanga publicly expressed her adulation for Cristiano Ronaldo. She told BBC Sports Africa:
“Cristiano Ronaldo is my hero in the men’s game,” said Luvanga, who also reveals that Zambia’s Barbra Banda is among her football role models. I’ve been lucky enough to see him [Ronaldo] but haven’t yet met Mane - hopefully that can happen soon.”
The Tanzania prodigy joined Al-Nassr from Spanish side Dux Logrono in 2023 and was happy about the move. She said:
“I had a very good time in Spain but when I got a chance to go play in the Saudi league, I thought it was better to look at other challenges based on my goals."
Luvanga will be hoping to commence the new season from where she left off last season. The 19-year-old scored 11 goals in her debut season for the Saudi Pro League club and topped the assists charts (7).
Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo reveals how he wants to be remembered
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United man Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed how he would like to be remembered after he leaves the game. The Al-Nassr man said he would like to be remembered as a good man, as he considered it the most important thing.
In a video recently posted on his YouTube channel, Ronaldo reflected on the journey of his football career. When asked what he would like to be remembered for, he said (via GOAL):
"I will say, unique player. In life, a good man. For me, it's the most important thing. Honestly, never. I never thought one day I'd be on this stage. I always believed that I was going to be a professional player. But the rest, no. My whole life, it's about challenge. I left my house as an 11-year-old to live in a big city. So for me, it's easy. I change Madeira to Lisbon, Lisbon to England., England to Italy, Italy to I'm back in Spain. For me, it's not a problem, it's part of my life. I'm used to having this kind of a life."
He was then asked about his feelings about getting UEFA’s special award as the competition’s top scorer. Responding, he said:
"For me, it's a pleasure. To be recognised in this competition for all-time top scorer. It's a unique trophy for a unique player, I'm joking. So I'm happy. When I receive trophies, I am always thinking of my family, especially my kids. They still see daddy receiving awards, daddy scoring goals and playing football. For me, it's amazing. It's my motivation to carry on playing."