If you haven't noticed, it's that time of the semester where the HUB and even areas outside it are bombarded with the faces of Kramer, James Dean and Frank Sinatra. You know what I'm talking about, and I'm sure you've even picked up a few items at the traditional, start of the semester poster sale.
But I must say, walking through the HUB this afternoon, I saw a familiar face. His name is Cristiano Ronaldo. Know him? Well, you should.
Now to preface this post, I have to admit my slight bias toward the Portuguese soccer player. Besides sharing my nationality, Ronaldo started his career with the soccer club I adopted from my grandfather - the one and only Sporting. I remember him in the green and white jersey, but he's gone on to bigger and better things playing for the ever-popular Manchester United in England. (And even wearing the No. 7 jersey, once donned by the one and only David Beckham).
And now look at him, staring right at me in the HUB. Quite a difference from the mention of him in Portuguese newspapers I have tucked away at home.
Whatever you may think of the 23-year-old European celebrity, he was recently named FIFA's world player of the year. No easy feat. He claimed the honor after leading ManU to the Premier and European League titles. He also scored 42 goals in '08, making him Europe's leading scorer. He beat out the likes of Euro 08 hero Fernando Torres, Argentina's Lionel Messi, and last year's winner Kaka.
Despite all his accomplishments, Ronaldo is still perceived as arrogant and immature. If you read the tabloids, you might hear about all the escapades which include even crashing a Ferrari 599 GTB just a few days after it came in his possession. You either love him or you hate him, as the new Nike commercial points out.
But here's the truth. Soccer is a big deal everywhere but in the United States, and that's just sad. When there are people like Ronaldo, Beckham, Torres and Messi accomplishing feats in the most popular sport in the world, a little recognition on this side of the pond is nice to see. Even if it is on a cardboard poster board standing in your way as you get to class.
-Julie
