Politics determines whether you prefer Ronaldo to Messi
New analysis shows that your support for Ronaldo or Messi during the World Cup reflects your political views – and football is more than just a sporting issue.
Your choice between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi during the World Cup is not just sport. A new analysis from Dagens Nyheter shows that support for the two icons correlates with political opinion. The study, which is based on opinion data from several countries during the last World Cup tournaments, points out that the politicization of football is deeper than previously known.
According to the analysis, voters with conservative values tend to prefer Ronaldo, while sympathizers of left-wing parties more often praise Messi. The numbers are clear: 63 percent of those who identify as right-wing in the survey stated Ronaldo as their favorite, compared to 31 percent of those who are left-leaning. Messi, on the other hand, topped left-wing supporters with 58 percent, while only 22 percent of right-wing voters shared the view.
The researchers behind the study, which is published in Dagens Nyheter, emphasize that the connection is not random. They have mapped how media narratives and societal debates shape the image of the players – Ronaldo as the disciplined, goal-focused leader and Messi as the creative, underdog narrative respectively. This polarization in turn reflects wider social divisions, where football becomes an arena for identity politics.
The study also shows that age plays an unexpected role. Among young adults (18-29 years old), Messi is the clear choice regardless of political affiliation, with 65 percent support, while Ronaldo only attracts 19 percent. Among the elderly (60+), the picture is the opposite: 52 percent prefer Ronaldo, against 28 percent for Messi.
This generation gap suggests that political opinion is not the only driving force, but that cultural and media exposure while growing up shapes preferences. Additional data show that nationality affects the choice, but not in the way many expect. In countries with strong right-wing populist currents, such as Italy and Brazil, Ronaldo is the dominant choice even among left-wing supporters – 41 and 39 percent respectively.
In countries with traditionally strong left-wing cultures, such as Argentina and Spain, Messi is the obvious choice for both political camps, with 55 and 60 percent respectively. This suggests that national narratives and historiography outweigh individual political opinion in certain contexts. This polarization is also reinforced by how the players are portrayed in social media.
According to the analysis, Ronaldo is strongly associated with discipline, success and traditional values – attributes often highlighted in conservative circles. Messi, on the other hand, is often associated with creativity, humility and social justice, narratives that tend to resonate more strongly in left-wing contexts. This media portrayal creates a self-reinforcing effect where the players become symbols of wider societal debates.
Another interesting aspect is how economic background comes into play. The study shows that among high-income earners, Ronaldo is the clear choice, with 55 percent support, while Messi dominates among low- and middle-income earners (52 percent). This economic division reflects to some extent the symbolic values associated with the players: Ronaldo as the self-made entrepreneur and Messi as the representative of the hardest-working underdog.
This dimension adds another layer to the complex web of factors that shape our sporting preferences. "It's not about the quality of football, but about what the players symbolize," one of the researchers told the newspaper. Reactions to the analysis have been mixed.
Some critics believe that the study exaggerates the connection, while others see it as an important contribution to the understanding of how sports and politics are woven together. What happens now? The study opens up further research into how other sports stars are affected by political narratives.
The next step includes in-depth interviews with supporters to understand the underlying mechanisms behind the choice. In addition, a follow-up analysis is planned before the next WC to see if the trend continues. A broader investigation of other sports and their connection to political identity is also underway. Read at Dagens Nyheter Sport
Why this matters
Football has always been more than just a sport – it reflects society's divisions and values. This analysis shows how our sporting preferences are shaped by political perceptions, far beyond the pitch. It challenges the image of sport as a neutral arena and opens up a new type of debate about identity, power and representation in the sporting world. The study also points to how national and generational differences create complex patterns that extend beyond a simple right-left division, which makes football's role in the social debate even more multifaceted than previously known. Furthermore, it highlights how economic and social backgrounds shape our sporting choices, showing that the politicization of football is a multidimensional process rather than a simple correlation.
Frequently asked
How was the study conducted linking Ronaldo and Messi to political opinion?
The analysis is based on opinion data from several countries during the most recent WC tournaments. The researchers compared supporters' political affiliation with their choice of favorite players and found clear patterns.
Is the relationship between political opinion and player choice random?
No. The study shows that 63 percent of right-wing supporters prefer Ronaldo, while 58 percent of left-wing supporters praise Messi. The numbers indicate a strong connection.
What other factors can influence the choice between Ronaldo and Messi?
In addition to political opinion, age, nationality, cultural background and economic situation play a role. However, the study shows that politics is a significant factor, although it is not the only one.
Have other researchers criticized the study?
Yes, some believe that the connection is exaggerated. Others see the analysis as an important contribution to the understanding of sports and politics.
Will the study be followed up?
Yes. The researchers are planning in-depth interviews with supporters and a follow-up analysis before the next World Cup. A broader investigation of other sports is also underway.
Why is the choice different between countries like Italy and Argentina?
In countries with strong right-wing populist currents, Ronaldo dominates, even among left-wing supporters. In countries with a strong left-wing culture, such as Argentina, Messi is the obvious choice for both camps. National narratives and historiography weigh more heavily than individual political opinion in certain contexts.
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