Football stars are used to having their names in the news and seeing themselves on television, but what happens when they encounter a statue that is a life-size duplicate of themselves? Numerous football legends, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, Oliver Kahn, Mohamed Salah, and Antoine Griezmann have all experienced this, among others.

The unveiling of these players’ sculptures was a source of pride and gratitude for their contributions to the game for many of them. Others found it strange to see themselves carved or cast in stone or bronze. However, for everyone of them, it served as a reminder of the influence they have had on football.

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool was among the most recent footballers to get a statue honoring them unveiled in his Egyptian hometown of Nagrig in 2019. The statue, which features Salah in his famous goal celebration posture, has grown to be a well-liked tourism destination in the region.

“I never thought I would have a statue like this, especially in my hometown,” Salah stated in reference to the statue. It’s a wonderful honor and something I’ll always remember. I believe it will motivate other young athletes to pursue their goals.

Antoine Griezmann of Barcelona is another player whose likeness has been rendered eternal in sculpture. The old home of the French forward’s former team, Atletico Madrid, the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, saw the unveiling of a statue of him in 2017.

It’s an honor to have a statue like this, said Griezmann, who was visibly affected by the gift. I never anticipated it, but it’s a wonderful feeling to know that I will be remembered here forever.

In 2019, a statue honoring former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was installed in front of Anfield stadium. The statue shows Gerrard in his well-known goal-celebrating position with his arms extended and fists clenched.

Gerrard expressed his admiration for the statue by saying, “I’m really blown away by it. Having a statue like this and being regarded in this manner by the team and the supporters is an enormous honor. It’s a fantastic sensation.

In his hometown of Mostoles, Iker Casillas, a former goalkeeper for Real Madrid and Spain, was also given a statue. The statue shows Casillas making a save while holding out his arms and focusing on the ball.

With words like, “It’s an incredible feeling to have a statue like this in my hometown,” Casillas demonstrated how affected he was by the gesture. Although I never anticipated it, it is a huge honor and one I will always value.

A statue has also been erected in recognition of Oliver Kahn, a former goalie for Germany and Bayern Munich. 2019 saw the unveiling of the statue, which features Kahn in his well-known posture of glaring down opponents with his piercing gaze.

The statue serves as a reminder of Kahn’s fervor and zeal for the game. “I always tried to give it my all on the pitch, and I think that’s what this statue represents,” he said. “Having a statue like this is a great honor, and I hope it can motivate other players to pursue greatness.”

Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the most well-known football player to have a statue erected in his memory. Many people have voiced their opinions about the statue since it was inaugurated in his hometown of Funchal, Madeira, in 2014. Some have criticized it for being too similar to the Portuguese actor.

Ronaldo was obviously moved by the gesture despite the criticism, adding, “It’s a huge honor to have a statue like this in my hometown. I never anticipated it, but it’s a wonderful feeling to know that I will be remembered here forever.

Finally, the installation of monuments of football greats is evidence of the influence they had on the sport and the respect they garnered from fans all around the world. Whether it’s Steven Gerrard in Liverpool, Antoine Griezmann in Madrid, or Mohamed Salah in Egypt, these sculptures serve as a constant reminder of the commitment and enthusiasm great players had for the game and the influence they had on it.