5 players who could become the next Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is unarguably one of the greatest players of all time. He has enthralled fans for more than a decade with his scintillating performances. The Portuguese is an inspirational leader, and his passion for the game is second to none. He takes great pride in playing the game of football and gives it less than his 100%.

The former Manchester United star has been in sensational form for Juventus and is showing to the world that he can adapt to various kinds of leagues and succeed everywhere. The Real Madrid legend has scored 21 goals and assisted another 12 in 33 games. He has contributed in more than 50% of Juve's goals and that gives us a clear indication of his importance to the club.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is 34 years old and he might hang up his boots in another 3-4 years' time. The world will most certainly miss him, but there are certain youngsters who can replace him and his legacy.

Also see : Womens World Cup Bracket, Copa America Standings, Gold Cup Standings

#5 Mason Greenwood

England U17 v Germany U17 - International Match

Manchester United is world famous for the brilliant youth system they have developed, and it has produced yet another rising star in the form of Mason Greenwood. The 17-year-old has already been earmarked for big things in the future.

The Englishman has been compared with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Robin Van Persie already and that is an indication of the talent he possesses. Like Ronaldo, Greenwood is adept at playing with both feet and is equally good at taking direct free-kicks. He also has a physique similar to that of Ronaldo and has great dribbling skills.

Add to that his sheer goal-scoring ability, and you know that you have the next Ronaldo in the making. He has scored 22 goals and assisted six in 22 games for Manchester United at the junior level this season. The talented youngster can play in various positions, but his favoured ones are those of centre-forward and left winger, similar to Ronaldo. With his playing style and position so similar, one can't help but think of him as the next Ronaldo.

#4 Joao Filipe

Portugal U21 v Italy U21 - International Friendly (17)

Joao Filipe is a rather unknown commodity to the footballing world. The Portuguese talent has created waves in his homeland and those who have seen him play, have touted him for big things in the future. The 19-year old has been promoted to Benfica's senior team after a string of successful performances for their 'B' team.

He has been on the bench thrice, and one can expect him to get some game-time for the senior team in the near future. He won the Euro U19 and U17 championships with Portugal and played a key role in those triumphs. He also won the Golden Boot at the U19 championships and unleashed his repertoire in the tournament. He has been a consistent performer for his country at the youth level, and one can surely expect him to come into the national team sooner than later.

He also gave a trial at Manchester United when he was 15 but wasn't accepted. The club might be regretting that decision because he is now a gem who just needs a bit of polishing.

In the 21 youth level and 'B' team games he has played for Benfica this season, he has scored 8 and assisted 7. His playing style has evoked comparisons with Ronaldo, and he definitely, has the talent to become as good Ronaldo.

#3 Joao Felix

Another Benfica starlet in the form of Joao Felix has made it to the list. One of the hottest prospects in world football at present, he is a man in serious demand. Teams like Manchester United, Real Madrid and Liverpool are after the youngster, giving one an indication of the talent he possesses. His release clause of €120 million isn't pushing clubs away from signing him, showing that he has the ability to make up for the huge expenditure.

His good dribbling, shooting skills and creativity can most certainly make up for his skinny personality. The Portuguese has been very successful for his nation at the youth level and has displayed an array of skills. He has scored 9 and assisted 6 in 25 appearances this term. He has been in great form off late and has had a direct contribution in 7 goals in his last 4 Primeira Liga appearances.

#2 Anthony Martial

Arsenal v Manchester United - FA Cup Fourth Round

Manchester United star, Anthony Martial has been compared to the Cristiano Ronaldo on several occasions. The 23-year-old has a lot of potential in him and he has shown his talent, time and again for his club. The French International has the ability to play in any attacking position and has in fact, played in every attacking position this season.

He has been in good form this season having netted 11 times and assisted 2 in 28 games. However, he is a lot more important to the team than his stats suggest. He has great speed and is one of the most important men for Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer's team. His dribbling skills are sublime, and his passing skills are also quite good. He is adept at finishing off chances and is known for curling the ball low and into the opposite corner.

#1 Kylian Mbappe

Manchester United v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg

Being one of the best players in the world at the age of 20 isn't an easy task to accomplish, but this wonder-kid has accomplished it. He has taken the world by storm with his stunning form and is as consistent as the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He is just 2 goals behind Messi in the race for the European Golden Boot and is currently placed 2nd in the race.

The PSG star has scored 25 goals and 14 times in just 30 games this season and averages 61 minutes for either a goal or an assist. He is a gifted sprinter and his speed with which he goes about his business is unparalleled. His dribbling skills, shooting skills and creativity are spot and it is impossible to find an error in his game.

He idolized Cristiano Ronaldo throughout his childhood and could go on follow in the great man's footsteps.

Edited by Ben Roberts