The NBA is a completely different beast when compared to soccer leagues. The league single-handedly dominates the basketball world, unlike soccer leagues which are spread across the world and are significant in their own right. However, these worlds intertwine when it comes to the players’ greatness. Two such legends of their respective sport are LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo.
LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the most celebrated athletes of this generation. Their popularity is spread across the globe, reaching even the non-sports fans. As two of the biggest names in the sporting world, their influence is unmatched. However, come to think of it, the two share a lot in common. How is LeBron James the soccer equivalent of Cristiano Ronaldo?
LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo share a lot in common
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
LeBron James has dominated the basketball world for 20 years so far, while Ronaldo has already completed 21 years as a professional soccer athlete. However, the two towering figures in their respective sports share a lot in common in their careers.
The King began his NBA career as “The Chosen One”, straight out of high school. At the age of 18, he became one of the youngest players to be drafted in the NBA. Similarly, Ronaldo started his professional soccer journey as a mere 17-year-old with Sporting CP. Then came a glorious career where both the superstars achieved unprecedented heights.
While the Los Angeles Lakers forward tallied 4 NBA championships to go with 4 MVP awards, Ronaldo became the most decorated soccer athlete in the European circuit. The Al-Nassr striker won the prestigious Champions League title 5 times in his illustrious career. Furthermore, he racked up 5 Ballon D’Ors along with several other honourable individual accolades. However, the similarities in their game do not stop there.
Earlier this year, LeBron James dethroned Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer in the NBA. The King stands alone at the top currently, with 38,652 points overall. Interestingly, Cristiano Ronaldo achieved this historic feat in his sport years ago. He is the top goal-scorer of all-time, accounting for 844 goals. However, they share similarities even in their personalities and off-court endeavours.
Twosome Awesome’s offplay parallelism
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The two superstars have not just had similar career paths but also off-court lives. At the age of 38, both players have only strengthened their case to be considered the greatest players of their respective sport over the years. However, they have also lived exemplary lives as athletes.
LeBron James famously spends over $1M on his fitness and diet. The effort shows in The King’s game as he is one of the most unstoppable forces on the basketball court. Ronaldo too, puts a similar emphasis on his fitness, acquiring unparalleled athleticism and speed. The two legends have also been able to display unbelievable longevity, dominating their respective sports despite their growing age.
Additionally, both players have staggering deals with the billion-dollar sporting company, Nike. Both serve as the faces of the brand, bringing in phenomenal profits to the company with their charismatic personas and innovative designs in products.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Ten Times Cristiano Ronaldo Four Goals in a Game
The two legends are more than just iconic figures in their respective sports. Their personalities and business acumen have made them the most wealthy athletes in history. Their legendary careers only add to their stature in the world of sports.