Virat Kohli's Admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo

Virat Kohli and Cristiano Ronaldo

Virat Kohli has never shied away from expressing his deep respect for Cristiano Ronaldo. In various interviews, he has lauded Ronaldo's unparalleled work ethic, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Kohli once stated:

"Ronaldo. In my opinion, he has taken on more challenges and succeeded at all of them. He's the most complete player I have seen and his work ethic is unmatched. He inspires people. I don't think many people do that."

This profound admiration has significantly influenced Kohli's football club preferences over the years.

From Manchester United to Real Madrid: Following Ronaldo's Journey

Initially, Kohli supported Manchester United, primarily because of Ronaldo's association with the club. However, when Ronaldo transferred to Real Madrid in 2009, Kohli's allegiance shifted accordingly. He mentioned:

"I used to support Manchester United when he was playing there. Now my loyalties have shifted because of him."

This transition underscores that Kohli's support is more player-centric, revolving around Ronaldo's career moves.

The Juventus Chapter

In 2018, Ronaldo made a surprising move to Juventus. Staying true to his admiration, Kohli began supporting the Italian club. He told FIFA.com:

"I support Juventus now because of Cristiano. Simple. I support every club at which he plays. He inspires me."

This statement further cements the idea that Kohli's football fandom is intricately linked to Ronaldo's journey.

Current Affiliation: Manchester City?

Interestingly, in a 2023 Instagram post, Kohli expressed admiration for Manchester City, stating:

"My favourite football club right now is Manchester City."

This revelation suggests a potential shift in his football preferences, possibly influenced by City's playing style or recent successes.

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: Where Does Kohli Stand?

Given Kohli's Ronaldo-centric support, it's evident that during Ronaldo's tenure at Real Madrid, Kohli leaned towards the Madrid camp. However, with Ronaldo's departure and Kohli's recent mention of Manchester City, it's challenging to pinpoint a fixed allegiance between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Moreover, Kohli has kept his cards close to his chest regarding direct support for either of the Spanish giants outside of Ronaldo's influence. 

Conclusion

Virat Kohli's football fandom is a testament to his admiration for excellence, discipline, and relentless ambition—qualities he sees embodied in Cristiano Ronaldo. While his club support has evolved over the years, following Ronaldo from Manchester United to Real Madrid, then Juventus, and now possibly Manchester City, it's clear that Kohli's allegiance is more player-focused than club-centric.

For fans wondering whether Kohli supports Barcelona or Real Madrid, the answer lies in understanding his deep-rooted respect for Ronaldo. As Ronaldo's journey continues, so too might Kohli's football affiliations, reflecting a dynamic and evolving fandom.

Stay tuned for more insights into the intersections of cricket and football, and the personal passions of your favorite sports stars.