5 Athletes Who Have Had Their Lives Changed By Loving Christ
The decision by Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldo to become a Christian was one of the biggest stories involving athletes and their faith in 2023.
The OG Ronaldo, whose full name is Luis Nazario de Loma, was baptized this past September, a decision he shared with his 30 million followers on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter.
“Today is a very special day. I have been baptized! The Christian faith has always been a fundamental part of my life since childhood, although I had not yet been baptized,” he wrote.
READ: NBA’s Jonathan Isaac Seeks ‘Identity In God,’ Not Basketball
Ronaldo is just one of many athletes who spent last year proclaiming their love for Christ in an effort to turn their lives around. In the process, they have served as an inspiration for millions around the world.
Ronaldo (soccer)
As mentioned, Ronaldo, 47, was baptized into the Catholic church just four months ago.
“With the sacrament, I feel truly regenerated as a child of God, in a new, more aware, deeper way. I renew my commitment to follow the way of good, free and spontaneous will, believing in the love of Jesus, in charity and love,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Ronaldo via X
On the field, Ronaldo was a legend in all aspects of the word. He won the La Liga title with Real Madrid in 2003 and 2007 and scored a total of 104 goals in 177 appearances for the Spanish club. Ronaldo spent one season with AC Milan before returning to Brazil to finish his career. He scored nine goals in 20 appearances for the club and helped them win the Supercoppa Italiana in 2007.
The former striker, who also played for Barcelona and Inter Milan, won the Golden Boot when Brazil won the World Cup in 2002. His other accolades include being named FIFA World Player of the Year three times and winning two Ballon d'Or awards.
Coco Gauff (tennis)
In the same vein, American tennis star Coco Gauff, 19, accredited her monumental run last year to her faith in God.
“I’d like to thank my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” she said. “It's been a lot of nights alone crying, trying to figure it out. And you know, I still have a lot to figure out. But you know, I thank Him for covering me.”
In fact, 2023 was a great year Gauff. The teenager climbing to No. 3 in the world rankings and won the U.S. Open. Speaking after one of her six tournament victories, she credited God for helping her on the journey.
Adam Peaty (swimming)
Superstar British swimmer Adam Peaty, a three-time Olympic champion, announced that he had started attending church every Sunday in order to help him become a better athlete and father.
Wikipedia Commmons photo
“It’s about being a better person. Not only being a better athlete and fulfilling my gift, but also being a better dad for George (the son). There are so many other reasons. It gets quite deep. But it’s great to be a part of.”
Last year, Peaty, 29, split from the mother of his young son, claiming his bout with alcohol and depression had worsened. He was also diagnosed with ADHD.
“I took a break because I was on this endless search of a gold medal or a world record and I looked into the future and I said, ‘OK, if I do get that is my life fixed or any better?’ No,” Peaty told BBC Sport.
He continued: “Hopefully when I get to the Olympics I will be in a very good mindset, very grateful and most importantly happy.”
Siya Kolisi (rugby)
In October, South Africa’s national team — known as the Springboks — won the Rugby World Cup for a record-setting four times and the team captain Siya Kolisi took the chance to tell the world of his Christian faith.
Bruce Nadin, a sports chaplain who works as a pastor for South African team Stellenbosch FC, and has tracked Kolisi's story of "full surrender to Christ" spoke to Premier Christian News about the captain’s faith.
“His growth as a disciple of Jesus has been amazing,” he said. “It’s so easy to go out on the field, you know, and say, I give all the glory and honor to God … when you're winning. But what I'd say about Siya is that he's authentically trying to live out his faith.”
In 2015, Kolisi, 32, recommitted to following Christ. He admitted that he had turned his back on. He has been honest about his battle with alcohol and told BBC Sport in a 2021 interview: "I want people to know that I'm a sinner.”
Hulk Hogan (wrestling)
Last month, former wrestling icon and entertainer Hulk Hogan was baptized.
Photo courtesy of Hulk Hogan via X
Hogan, 70, wore his signature bandanna — but in white rather than yellow — and a silver cross around his neck as he celebrated the moment at the Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Florida. His wife was also baptized.
In April, Hogan wrote in a post on X, “I accepted Christ as my savior at 14 years old, and the training, prayers and vitamins kept me in the game.”
Hogan added: “But now that I am one with God, the main event theme of surrender, service and love makes me the real Main Event that can slam any giant of any size through the power of my Lord and Savior and so it is, even now brother, Amen!”
Tom Osanjo is a Nairobi-based correspondent for ReligionUnplugged.com. He is a former parliamentary reporter and has covered sports, politics and more for Kenya’s Daily Nation newspaper.