Insider Sport’s Matchday Programme offers a personal look at what sporting moments and figures have inspired industry stakeholders. Through candid reflections, the programme delves into the stories behind the inspirations that have shaped their perspectives and fuelled their passion for sports.
In this edition, Ben Leanse, Premium Services Executive at Brentford FC, shares his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo’s unmatched winning mentality. He highlights Ronaldo’s ability to succeed in multiple leagues and break records, cementing his place as one of football’s greatest.
Which athlete do you think demonstrated the best winning mentality throughout their career?
Cristiano Ronaldo has demonstrated an unmatched winning mentality throughout his career, thriving in multiple countries and consistently proving himself at the highest level. He has conquered leagues in England, Spain and Italy, winning domestic and international titles while breaking multiple records.
His relentless drive, discipline, and mindset have allowed him to play into his 40s, defying age expectations. Ronaldo’s commitment to excellence cements his legacy as one of football’s greatest.
Who was your childhood sports hero and why? Which of their sporting achievements had the biggest impact on you?
Thierry Henry was my childhood sporting hero and him being the Arsenal’s record goal scorer had a big impact on me. He’s the best player I’ve ever seen wear an Arsenal shirt and he could always be relied upon when it mattered. There were so many big goals, but one of the most iconic has to be his winner at the Bernabeu to make Arsenal the first visiting English team to beat Real Madrid.
What sports team do you follow the closest? Is this a family team or local side etc, and what has been the biggest moment in your history of supporting this club?
I support the Arsenal! I’m a season ticket holder and try to get to as many away games as possible. They are my local team but my family’s loyalties are split. My favourite game I’ve attended is the 2017 FA Cup final at Wembley. You cannot beat being there in person to see your team win a trophy.
Is there a team manager from any sport, whether that be football, rugby, NFL, NBA etc, who you think demonstrated the best leadership qualities?
Is yours gold!? It has to be Arsène Wenger who led The Invincibles, the only Premier League side to go unbeaten in a league season – a feat that has never been repeated. Arsène Wenger revolutionised English football.
What sports tournament do you think consistently provides the biggest thrills? Which moment from this league stood out to you the most in recent memory?
It is a tough choice between the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League, but because the World Cup is every four years I think it edges the competition. Representing your country is the pinnacle of any player’s career.
The World Cup is guaranteed for drama, passion, unpredictability and upsets. It delivers some of the most unforgettable moments in sports history. It unites the world as billions come together to celebrate their passion for football, transcending borders and cultures in a shared experience of joy, pride and iconic moments. The 2022 final had a record 1.5 billion people watching around the world, one of the most widely watched televised sporting events in history.
If you could travel back in time to any historic sporting moment to watch it then and now, which would it be and why?
Easy question: the 1966 World Cup final. It is the biggest prize in football and the only time England have won it, so I would love to have experienced it. I attended the World Cup in Qatar, and the Euros in Germany and I’m looking forward to travelling to the next World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
If you could go out for dinner with any sporting figure, current or historical, who would it be and what would you want to learn from them?
It is a very difficult decision. I am torn between Cristiano Ronaldo, Theirry Henry and Arsène Wenger. I suggest we all cook a course each!
To read the last edition of the Matchday Programme, Dafydd Gwynn, Head of Media at Esports Charts and Streams Charts, shared his thoughts on why sport is sometimes about more than winning finals, click HERE.
