Researchers from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, conducted a survey involving more than 10,000 participants across 26 countries to examine whether football preferences are linked to broader psychological and social characteristics.
What did the study find?
The researchers found a noticeable pattern between political ideology and player preference.
Participants who described themselves as more politically liberal were generally more likely to prefer Lionel Messi, while those who identified as more conservative tended to favour Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, the researchers noted that this relationship was strongest among younger participants and became much weaker with increasing age.
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The study also explored other factors, including self-esteem and news consumption habits, alongside political outlook. According to the findings, these factors showed independent associations with whether respondents leaned towards Messi or Ronaldo.
Differences across countries
The survey highlighted that preferences also varied from country to country. On average, respondents in 11 countries, including Singapore, rated Ronaldo more favourably.
Participants in eight countries preferred Messi, while seven countries showed no statistically significant preference for either player.
What the findings do and don’t mean?
The researchers emphasised that the study identifies associations rather than cause-and-effect relationships.
In other words, the findings do not suggest that supporting Messi or Ronaldo determines a person’s political beliefs, personality or behaviour. Instead, they point to measurable patterns observed across a large international sample.
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The long-running rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has often been viewed as a sporting debate. This research adds another layer by suggesting that the choice of a football icon may also reflect broader individual characteristics. Even so, the study makes it clear that football preference remains only one small part of a person’s overall identity.
FAQs
What does the study say about Messi and Ronaldo fans?
The study found that people who prefer Lionel Messi were more likely to identify as politically liberal, while those who favoured Cristiano Ronaldo were more likely to identify as politically conservative. Researchers also found links between fans’ preferences, self-esteem, and news consumption habits, though these were only statistical associations.
Does your football preference determine your personality?
No. The researchers stressed that the study shows correlations, not cause-and-effect. Supporting Messi or Ronaldo does not determine a person’s personality, political ideology, or behaviour. It simply identifies patterns observed among more than 10,000 participants across 26 countries.
