Cristiano Ronaldo is the admired sportsman this year, based on a recent survey conducted by YouGov.
YouGov put together lists of the most admired men and women in 2019, with over 42,000 people from 41 countries being consulted to assemble the names. Ronaldo is the highest-ranked athlete, climbing three places to seventh on the male list - two places ahead of Messi in 9th.
Both Ronaldo and Messi, who have dominated at the highest level of football for the best part of ten years, are more admired than United States President Donald Trump and Pope Francis.
While the pair both strive to the best in the business and break countless individual records, there is a great deal of respect between them.
"Of course I miss Ronaldo, he made Real Madrid stronger," Messi has once told Fox Sports, as per Ole.
"I said that they were going to feel the exit of Cristiano, as it would have happened to any team.
"A few people got angry but it's a reality, he scored 50 goals per season for them and it was a key factor in their success. The whole league misses him now."Messi and Ronaldo's rivalry has always been exaggerated by the media and fans, with the Argentine stating that while they weren't exactly best pals, they had a pretty good relationship.
"It was good for us both, we always wanted to improve ourselves. We did not have much of a relationship. We knew each other only from matches and at award ceremonies, but we always had good vibes and often talk too."
Dosdempsz
1314
Trying to see Donald Trump on that list together with Lord ZLATAN
Dwise
1136
Poll shows Valverde is the most admired Coach b/w 2018 and 2019 .... Not jxt admirable but worst admired coach[Crylaugh]
Johnnyohm
319
Lets love and appreciate them both while they are still able to play in the pitch, cuz when they are gone things won't be the same
Prince-of-persia
243
Why is Pogba name not on the list. he's not even admired at Theatre of dreams. Greenwood gas more fame dan Paul. he knws I speak the truth n he's telling me to keep quiet. [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
shadir 711
222
The whole world Admire Them
Rashnic/GOAT/CR7
156
Best player in the world🐐
timcdiltu
101
They still try to use different languages to tone down on CR7's global sports standing. CR7 is the greatest sportsman ever born! Is that really too hard to admit?
fehbcmz
79
Because Ronaldo is admired more than Messi according to that poll,doesn't Mean that Ronaldo is better at playing football than Messi in reality, Messi and Ronaldo are both great players and if anyone tries to argue on the fact of who is better that argument would never end #FACT.
siycmnuyz
75
Both of them have diferent styles of playing ,Honestly I'm portuguese I'm Cr7 fan but with all my respect Messy also is beautiful. To me the 2 are the Masters and equals.
Shreycr7
59
people admire him more not because he is one of the best player ever...they admire him bcoz of his hardwork,his dedication towards his work. Messi might be better but hardwork always pays off. So Cristiano u r my inspiration ♥️♥️
jibsonflexy
52
You just can't stop examining the Two Goats for the past 15years...Even till dia death,There memory will 4eva linger in everyone's heart...imagine ,reading 2particular novels for over 10years and never get tired
yooamsyz
47
stop comparison between Ronaldo and Messi we can see them play a few more years respect both legend and enjoy their game. I am a messi fan but don't like to participate where people compare them for nothing. Respect both and thank God to give us such legends in our era.