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One of the greatest players to have played the game of football, Cristiano Ronaldo has etched a phenomenal legacy in the sport.
The 36-year old continues to be one of the best players in the world, and his performances at the Euros highlighted his world-class qualities once more. Having said that, every footballer endures a decline in his career during his 30s and Ronaldo, despite his incredible fitness, is no different.
Many players have been labeled the next Cristiano Ronaldo, but few have fulfilled their potential. However, some young players are paving their own path in recent seasons and could emulate the Portuguese superstar's career.
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We look at 5 footballers who could take over Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy.
#5 Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid)
Joao Felix's career has stagnated a little since joining Atletico Madrid from Benfica for a club-record fee of £114.5 million in 2019.
A highly-rated talent during his days with Benfica, Felix enjoyed a stunning 2018-19 season at the club, scoring 15 goals and providing 7 assists in 21 league appearances. He subsequently attracted interest from top clubs across Europe. Atletico Madrid won the race and Felix was signed as Barcelona-bound Antoine Griezmann's replacement.
The 21-year old has shown glimpses of his undoubted potential in Spain, but there is a feeling that Felix doesn't fit into Diego Simeone's rigid system. The forward has made 76 appearances in all competitions, scoring 19 goals and providing nine assists.
Having said that, the Portugal international is clearly gifted and still has time to grow and become one of the best players in world football. Felix is seen by many as the future of the Portugal national team and the player who will replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
#4 Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)
Jadon Sancho's move to Manchester United has finally been announced, and fans of the club are breathing a sigh of relief.
The saga, which started last summer, is over with Manchester United now employing one of the best young footballers in the world. Sancho enjoyed three highly productive seasons with Borussia Dortmund, where he made 137 appearances in all competitions, scoring 50 goals and providing 64 assists.
The England international is a highly creative forward with excellent dribbling and technical skills. Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo departed the club, Manchester United have not properly replaced him. Sancho could be the answer.
#3 Federico Chiesa (Juventus)
Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus teammate, Federico Chiesa attracted the attention of the global audience after a stellar Euro 2020 campaign.
The Italy international was excellent on the wings for his nation, providing impetus, drive and creativity from the wide areas. Chiesa's overall quality was visible at the tournament, with Italy manager Roberto Mancini picking him ahead of the more experienced Domenico Berardi during the latter stages of the competition.
Juventus did not enjoy a good 2020-21 season, but Chiesa was one of their better players. The 23-year old made 29 Serie A starts, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists.
#2 Erling Braut Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
Erling Braut Haaland may be left-footed, but his hunger for goals and the intensity of his style of play is comparable to that of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Regarded as one of the best strikers in world football, Haaland is already a superstar. The Norway international has been a revelation at Borussia Dortmund, where he has made 59 appearances in all competitions, scoring 57 goals and providing 15 assists.
Haaland has been linked with some of the biggest clubs in world football, with Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid all interested. Many see the 20-year old as a future great of the sport.
#1 Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
One of the best players in the world, Kylian Mbappe has already achieved a lot in football at a young age.
His penalty miss in the shootout against Switzerland in the Euros' Round of 16 is still fresh in the minds of his critics, but there is no denying that Mbappe is a global superstar. The 22-year old has been sensational for club and country on a consistent basis, and there is little to suggest that this consistency will stop.
Mbappe made 27 Ligue 1 starts, scoring 27 goals and providing seven assists. The France international is a complete forward and it is not surprising to see him linked with Real Madrid.
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