10 superstar footballers and their idols
Being one of the most followed sports in the world, it is obvious that footballers serve as inspirations to millions of their fans. Their dedication, talent, humbleness and charisma are some significant attributes that bring out admiration from the fans who look up to them and consider them as idols in their lives.
Recognised players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and many others have already reserved a respectable place in the hearts of fans all over the globe. And they have driven plenty of aspiring footballers to be like them.
And just like they have been able to influence many, they also modelled their game and style according to their predecessors – icons of the sport who were their childhood heroes. We take a look at eleven modern-day superstars and their footballing idols.
10. Robert Lewandowski - Thierry Henry
Poland international Robert Lewandowski has established himself as one of the best strikers of the game. The Bayern Munich frontman made his move from Borussia Dortmund, a club where he earned his recognition as one of Europe’s most lethal finishers, for free.
One of the many qualities about Lewandowski is that he possesses the traits of a classic no.9 and is a prolific target man. Since his move to Dortmund from Lech Poznan, he has won consecutive Bundesliga titles and also reached the 2012 Champions League final after an unforgettable 4-goal performance against Real Madrid in the semi-final.
And the 31-year-old has admitted that his inspiration to be one of the best goal scorers comes from ex-Arsenal forward Thierry Henry. Lewandowski’s football education on the pitch was gained by watching Henry during his learning phase.
“There was a player I tried to follow; it was Thierry Henry in his time at Arsenal,”
“I liked the way he played a moved on the pitch. I think he was a great player.”
9. Andres Iniesta - Michael Laudrup/Pep Guardiola
Barcelona fielded one of the greatest club football sides in the history of the game from the period of 2008 to 2012. And in the heart of their midfield, this generation has been honoured to witness one of the most immensely gifted and talented midfielders – Andres Iniesta.
With the ball at his feet, Iniesta has often produced magical moments; toying with opponents with his movement and dribbling. He has been the saviour for his club and national side on several instances, most notably scoring the winning goal to give Spain their first World Cup trophy in 2010.
Those magical feet that the world got to watch claims to have idolised Pep Guardiola and Michael Laudrup during his childhood days. During an interview with FIFA, Iniesta revealed that it was these two Blaugrana legends, especially Laudrup (whose style is very much similar to Iniesta’s), whom he closely watched as a child.
“When I was little I always used to watch [Pep] Guardiola and [Michael] Laudrup really closely. They were the two players I most wanted to be like, and I’d try to do the things they did.
“Then, as time goes by and when everything goes well, the lads who are the age you were back then are now watching you. That means that you’re doing the right things.”
Also Read: 10 best Premier League strikers of all time