'I've never felt like the most talented player' - Rasmus Hojlund explains why Cristiano Ronaldo is his role model and names two Premier League strikers among 'best in the world' beside Al-Nassr star

Despite rocketing to global fame by joining United in a whopping £72 million ($92m) deal in 2023 after an impressive spell in Serie A with Atalanta. However, the Denmark international was unable to live up to the demands of the number nine role at Old Trafford, and soon saw his hopes of leading the attack under Ruben Amorim fade. The 22-year-old had initially resisted pressure to leave the Red Devils in the summer transfer window, but eventually relented by returning to Serie A to join Napoli on an initial loan deal. 

Those struggles will not keep him down, though, as he takes inspiration from his idol Ronaldo to overcome any doubts about his quality. He told La Repubblica: "In my career, I've never felt like the most talented player in the group, even though you have to be a top-notch striker to play for United or Napoli. But I've always had to work harder than others, and I'm aware of that. That's why Cristiano is my idol: he always wants to improve and works hard to become better."

Alongside Ronaldo, Hojlund highlighted his admiration for Manchester City hero Haaland and Gerd Muller Trophy winner Gyokeres, both of whom he considers among the very best in the world. New Arsenal signing Gyokeres won the coveted award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday after a strong 54-goal season for Sporting CP and Sweden.

Asked for his favourite players beyond Ronaldo, he said: "In my opinion, the best players in the world are Cristiano Ronaldo, Haaland, [Robert] Lewandowski, and Gyokeres. In Serie A, I'd choose [Romelu] Lukaku, [Dusan] Vlahovic, Lautaro Martinez, and then there's me, Rasmus."

Settling quickly at Napoli, Hojlund made an instant impact, scoring on his debut in a 3-1 victory over Fiorentina. Napoli’s strong start to the 2025–26 season, topping Serie A with 12 points after four matches, has highlighted his integration into the squad. The Danish striker emphasised the differences between leagues, saying: "[Serie A] is still the same as I remembered it from my season with Atalanta. The football here is very tactical, with lots of man-on-man duels. In the Premier League, however, the pace is a bit higher: everyone is fast, strong, and physically explosive. If I had to point out one difference between the two leagues, it's precisely that."

While, the next test for him is surely going to be challenging as Napoli line up against an AC Milan team that includes Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot on September 28. The reigning champions are leading the Serie A table, but the Rossoneri are just three points behind.