For Nash, MJ and CR7 are the same beasts in different sports.
Adaptability is an overlooked yet crucial trait that separates the good from the great in the world of sports. For Steve Nash, the legendary Michael Jordan showcased that during his playing years as the eras changed right before his eyes. Nash recognized Cristiano Ronaldo as the player who epitomized the same characteristic in soccer.
In a special piece for Bleacher Report in 2018, the two-time NBA MVP emphasized that MJ and Ronaldo’s greatness was not merely about physical prowess but also speaks a lot about their mental resilience. Nash pointed out that both iconic athletes have excelled in their fields through talent and demonstrated a remarkable ability to evolve throughout their respective careers.
“In so many ways, Cristiano Ronaldo reminds me of Michael Jordan,” Nash wrote. “He’s one of the most remarkable players and individuals we’ve had in sports, and he’s still going. But it’s not just his ability on the field. I’ve really admired his metamorphosis, how he’s changed his game over the years.”
They followed a similar blueprint for greatness
Steve’s compelling comparison highlights that despite competing in different sports, Jordan and CR7 share a common thread in various facets. As a keen observer and athlete of basketball and soccer, Nash also noticed a striking similarity in how MJ and Ronaldo prioritize winning over individual recognition.
Nash was on point when he noted how MJ rose to prominence with his raw talent and relentless competitiveness. However, “His Airness” gradually transitioned to a firm yet commendable leader who built his legacy with his unwavering desire to win.
On the other hand, the Portuguese striker’s ascent in soccer exemplified a journey of growth parallel to Jordan’s. Ronaldo started out as an explosive goalscorer and eventually morphed into an impactful leader of every club he represented.
For “MVSteve,” Jordan and Ronaldo’s undying commitment to winning was a testament to their maturity as competitors, something that made them even more admirable and inspiring figures in the world of sports.
“Early Ronaldo is like early Michael,” Nash assessed. “With Jordan, people thought of him as this super exciting, brash gunslinger. Michael always called his shot. But like Ronaldo, Jordan learned to win. He learned he needed to conform to the team. That’s when Michael became the greatest player of all time, in my eyes.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is Man United’s Michael Jordan, says Ole Gunnar Solskjær 👀 pic.twitter.com/r74rpPNPJW
— 433 (@433) November 3, 2021
“As Jordan got older, he became much more economical and efficient, and that’s exactly what Ronaldo has done,” he continued. “On the pitch, he’s learned how to make his play—less explosive in individual movements—more successful for the team, and in that, I see the greatness of Jordan.”
They feel the same way about the new generation
Besides their attributes, Jordan and Ronaldo also have identical views on the mindset of younger generations of athletes. The world witnessed how MJ and CR7 reached the pinnacle of their respective careers through dedication, exceptional skills, and an unyielding competitive spirit. That said, they both believe modern-day athletes no longer have the same hunger they once possessed.
For them, the lack of effort and grit has resulted in early rewards and recognition, which, over time, could be a troubling trend among young athletes today.
“Most of the young kids right now, we don’t know how great they’re gonna be. But they got 5-year guarantees, millions of dollars, admiration of many. You look back at our era, Michael Jordans, Magic Johnsons, Larry Birds, Charles Barkleys, we earned what we got. We had a game that could validate their admiration. Now they get that before they play one game. I think it sets a bad work ethic. When you get something so easily, you’re not gonna work as hard,” the six-time NBA champion once said.
“They live in a different era. The mentalities are not the same… The anger, I think they have things more easily, everything is easily, they don’t suffer. And they don’t care. I don’t mean only Manchester United, all the leagues, all the youngsters, they are not the same of my generation. But you cannot blame them. Because it’s part of the life, the new generation,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner shared.
Mike and Ronaldo meet once
Nash isn’t the only one who acknowledges the resemblance between Jordan and Cristiano. While it is fairly agreeable that both legends share a lot in common, MJ doesn’t see CR7 as his precise counterpart in soccer.
As it turns out, the former Chicago Bulls star once confirmed that “The Michael Jordan of soccer” is the Ronaldo from Brazil, otherwise known as “Original Ronaldo” or “Il Fenomeno.” Jordan even personally told Ronaldo about it when they once met at Nike’s headquarters in Oregon.
Regardless of what Jordan thinks, it’s still safe to say that he and Cristiano are in the same breath regarding athletic achievements. This is also why many consider them the GOATs of their respective sports.