Is It Embarrassing to Support Ronaldo on HuPu? A Quiet Defense of Personal Taste in Football

Why We All Need Permission to Like Who We Like

I used to think being a fan meant joining a tribe. But somewhere along the way—maybe during late-night debates on HuPu after another Champions League exit—I realized something: no one owns greatness.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy isn’t just stats or trophies. It’s the grind, the glare of the spotlight, the ritual of pre-game preparation that feels more like theater than sport. And yes—some people love it.

Nowhere is this more evident than in online football forums where fandom turns into identity politics. You’re either with Messi or you’re… what? Not part of the conversation?

But here’s my take: liking Ronaldo doesn’t make you wrong. Just like enjoying hip-hop while respecting symphonies isn’t hypocrisy—it’s taste.

The Myth of the “One True GOAT”

Let me be clear: I respect Lionel Messi’s artistry. His vision, his rhythm—it’s poetry in motion. But so is Ronaldo’s precision under pressure, his ability to will himself through pain and still deliver when it matters most.

In tennis, everyone agrees Novak Djokovic has redefined greatness—but do we all have to say he’s our favorite? No. I’m team Nadal because of his fire, his resilience on clay, his refusal to surrender even when down two sets.

That doesn’t mean I disrespect Djokovic—I celebrate him as a peer.

Football should be like that: multiple legends coexisting without hierarchy imposed by social media algorithms or forum mobs.

When Fandom Becomes Exclusionary

There’s an odd social contract forming online: if you don’t worship Messi or Jordan (yes, even basketball gods get dragged into this), you’re somehow less valid as a fan.

It’s strange how some fans seem to earn status by aligning with popular narratives—not for joy, but for validation.

I’ve seen comments like “You can’t appreciate football if you don’t love Messi.” That kind of statement isn’t just opinion—it’s gatekeeping disguised as passion.

And who benefits? Not fans. Not players. Just those who thrive on tribalism and outrage.

Real appreciation comes from understanding complexity—the why behind every choice—not from echoing what others expect you to feel.

The Emotional Weight of Being ‘Undervalued’

Growing up in Chicago’s South Side taught me about marginalization—about being overlooked even when doing your best. That same feeling exists when you quietly root for someone deemed ‘less cool’ by consensus.

Ronaldo didn’t win titles because he was lucky—he earned them through relentless discipline and psychological strength few possess.

To dismiss that because he wasn’t born into grace is unfair—especially when we all know talent requires context.

Maybe he doesn’t play your preferred style. Maybe he doesn’t fit your aesthetic ideal of elegance. But does that erase his impact? The answer is no—and neither should your right to admire him ever be questioned simply because others don’t share your view, Or because he happened to peak at an awkward time between eras, The truth is simple: fandom should never cost shame.