Soccer is a beautiful game that billions around the world love and follow daily. The sport has attracted many, mainly because of the feeling that one derives when playing the game. One such individual is Soheil Var, who has been on a tiring yet resilient journey to make it to the top of the soccer world. He is a soccer player who is focused on playing for the biggest clubs in the world, like everyone else, and is keen on working to achieve his dream one day.
Soheil hails from Iran but moved to Canada at a very young age. This was when he developed a longstanding interest in soccer, and eventually fell in love with the game. After numerous trials at clubs in various countries, Soheil plays for Gulf United in the UAE right now. It’s a long way from home for the youngster, but he has his sights set on becoming a top player.
He has documented his journey as a soccer player on his Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube pages. Recently, Soheil spoke exclusively to Sportsmanor about his journey, and two of the biggest icons in the sport; Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been the biggest athletes in the world for two decades now. Soccer fans have been debating who is better than the other. It would be safe to claim that it depends on one’s opinion, and who one prefers as a player.
The biggest debate in soccer: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?
For Soheil, it certainly looks like the Portuguese superstar has been the inspiration. He said, “Since I was young, my pick has always been Ronaldo because of his crazy work ethic and discipline. I also loved his playing style back in the day. The guy is still putting on top performances when most other players would have been retired for years. He’s a beast. However, Messi’s natural talent for the game is unreal. Anyone who actually understands football knows they’re both the GOATs.”
As Soheil mentions, Ronaldo’s work ethic has been pretty self-explanatory. Although Leo Messi has been giving it all on the pitch, Ronaldo’s elite mentality and winning attitude seem to be what inspires the young Gulf United wingback. The soccer community is aware of how hard Ronaldo had to work since joining Manchester United back in 2003, and he still keeps that intensity up even at 38 years old.
The Portuguese star joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr at the end of 2022 after a controversial interview with Piers Morgan. Many discriminated against the 5x Ballon d’Or winner for the move but Soheil has a unique take on the record-breaking transfer.
He mentions, “Would have loved to see him play in Europe for another season or two because he brings a level of excitement to a game that no other player does. But the guy has achieved everything in football, he can make whatever move he wants. And I think given the big picture opportunity in Saudi Arabia and the middle east, it’s a great long-term move. The disrespect and judgment will always be there. When you’re at the top, all you need is one mistake and they criticize. That’s football. But the best of the best know how to block out the noise and just keep doing their thing.”
Var believes that Ronaldo attracts fans to the sport unlike any other player, which is true. The former Real Madrid star is undoubtedly one of the biggest athletes in the world and this was also one of the reasons why his Al-Nassr presentation was reported to be watched more than the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar.
In addition to that, as Soheil mentions, CR7 has won everything there is to be won in the sport and has been at the top for many years now. According to Soheil, that’s also one of the reasons why Ronaldo receives plenty of criticism from fans. The striker has been receiving hate for decades now and he still seems to be going strong on the pitch, indicating that he knows how to “block out the noise” as Soheil says.
Both Messi and Ronaldo have given it all for soccer, and they continue to do so even towards the end of their illustrious careers right now. Despite siding with Ronaldo on the GOAT debate, Soheil admits that both of these players are legends and that they have been the biggest inspirations for his journey as a soccer player.
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