Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has opened up about his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, revealing that he looks up to the Portuguese legend and hopes to achieve similar success at the club.

The Brazilian forward played a key role in Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 clash on Tuesday.

He was instrumental in Brahim Diaz’s late goal and provided the assist for Jude Bellingham’s stoppage-time winner, earning him UEFA’s Player of the Match award.

After the game, Vinicius shared that Ronaldo has been a major inspiration for him. He also acknowledged their strong relationship, saying he often speaks with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol. I talk to him a lot. Hopefully, I can win as many titles as he did at Real Madrid,” he said, as quoted by Madrid Xtra.

The 24-year-old, who was a standout performer in Madrid’s Champions League triumph last season, is determined to follow in Ronaldo’s footsteps and lead the club to more silverware.

Rangers defender Leon Balogun has shared what he believes the Super Eagles need to do to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria last lifted the AFCON trophy in 2013 and came close again in the last edition, finishing as runners-up in Côte d’Ivoire. As they prepare for the next tournament in Morocco, Balogun emphasized the importance of ambition, confidence, and a solid game plan.

Speaking to Flashscore, he stressed that every team enters the AFCON to win, and Nigeria must approach it the same way. He also noted that after their heartbreak in the last final, the Super Eagles have a point to prove.

“You have to go there with a lot of ambition, a lot of confidence, but also with a clear plan,” he said.

Gianluigi Buffon has shared a special moment from the 2015 Champions League final that made him feel truly proud.

The match, held at Olympiastadion in Berlin, saw Juventus face off against Barcelona. Ivan Rakitic put Barça ahead early in the fourth minute, but Alvaro Morata brought Juve back into the game with a goal in the 55th minute.

However, Barcelona quickly regained control when Luis Suarez capitalized on a rebound from a Lionel Messi strike that Buffon had parried in the 68th minute. Neymar sealed the 3-1 victory in injury time, securing the trophy for the Spanish giants.

Despite the loss, Buffon experienced an unforgettable moment after the match. Messi approached him and asked for his shirt, a request that left the legendary goalkeeper feeling honored.

“Leo made me proud when he asked for my shirt after the final in Berlin. I was 37 years old, and in that moment, I thought, ‘Mamma mia, how beautiful this is!’” Buffon recalled in an interview with TuttoJuve.

“It was one of those rare times in my life when I saw myself differently, not feeling uncomfortable but rather appreciating the moment. We exchanged shirts, and it meant a lot to me.”

For Messi, that night marked his last appearance in a Champions League final, while for Buffon, it was a memory that remained just as significant as any trophy he had won.