Ball player Quote by Ron Rivera

One of my favourite sportsmen was Diego Maradona and every time I saw him play football you could see the passion in the heart.

— Sourav Ganguly

For soccer, it was Diego Maradona, and then another idol for me was Michael Jordan. To see them play and how that they could…

— Clint Dempsey

Carlos Valderrama was the one I admired most, really. At the time, he was a top player, and I had a lot of admiration…

— James Rodriguez

In my career, Diego Maradona had the biggest influence on me.

— Fabio Cannavaro

He was a huge football man - he loved football. He was a good parent, a great father, and brilliant with me.

— Chris Coleman

I see myself not only as a football player, but an entertainer and icon.

— Cam Newton

My footballing idol is Zinedine Zidane; he was an amazing guy on and off the field.

— Victor Moses

He (Roberto Clemente) is a hero to me.

— Sammy Sosa

My biggest idol has always been Ronaldinho Gaucho. He was the player I most liked to see play on television.

— Joao Cancelo

My dad was not a footballer. He wasn't anything remotely what the average person would say was a role model - but in my…

— Troy Deeney

Roberto Carlos has always been my idol, even before I actually met him.

— Marcelo

In my position, I've always admired Claude Makelele. I grew up watching him play. I was able to play against him in the final…

— Javier Mascherano