Riyan Parag on Manchester United, Ronaldo, and his Premier League picks
Synopsis
Riyan Parag's football confessions are more than small talk — the Rajasthan Royals captain traces his Manchester United love directly to Cristiano Ronaldo's Premier League era, backs Cole Palmer for the golden boot, and reckons Jofra Archer would thrive as a professional footballer. A rare, candid glimpse into Indian cricket's Premier League generation.
Key Takeaways
Riyan Parag named Manchester United as his Premier League club, citing the red jersey and Cristiano Ronaldo 's influence.
Parag called Ronaldo the player he has 'always admired above all others,' tracing his journey from Sporting CP to the Premier League.
He picked Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer as the player to watch in the 2026-27 season , wanting him to add more goals.
Erling Haaland was nominated as someone who could adapt well to cricket due to his fitness and height.
Parag said Rajasthan Royals teammate Jofra Archer is 'really into football' and would make a great professional footballer.
India batting all-rounder Riyan Parag has revealed that Manchester United is his club of choice in the English Premier League, citing the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo as the defining reason behind his long-standing loyalty to the Red Devils. Parag shared his football passions in an interview with JioStar ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season.
Ronaldo the Defining Influence
'When it comes to football, Manchester United is the team for me. I grew up watching them and admiring their players. I loved the red jersey, and I really admired Cristiano Ronaldo during his time there. So, that explains my choice,' Parag said.
The Rajasthan Royals captain elaborated on what sets Ronaldo apart in his eyes. 'I've always admired one player above all others, Cristiano Ronaldo. The way he came from Sporting CP as a young kid, and then what he did in the Premier League and how he elevated it. I don't think any other player comes close,' he added.
Palmer the One to Watch This Season
Beyond his United allegiance, Parag singled out Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer as the player he most wants to see thrive in the upcoming campaign. 'In the Premier League, I want to see Palmer score the most goals. He is strong tactically, mentally, and technically. I think he needs to add more goals to his game, and that's what I want to see from him,' he noted.
Palmer had a breakout season at Stamford Bridge and is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted young attackers in English football, making Parag's endorsement a notable one from a fellow sportsperson who appreciates elite skill across disciplines.
Haaland for Cricket, Archer for Football
Parag also indulged in a cross-sport thought experiment, nominating Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as a cricketer and his own Rajasthan Royals teammate Jofra Archer as a natural footballer.
'Haaland keeps himself incredibly fit and he's incredibly tall, so I think he would adapt very well to cricket if he ever tried it,' Parag said. On Archer, he added: 'He's really into football. He plays with me in the IPL for RR and he would surely be a great football player.'
The remarks reflect a growing crossover of sporting cultures within Indian cricket dressing rooms, where Premier League fandom has become a shared language among players. With the 2026-27 Premier League season underway, Parag's picks — United, Ronaldo's legacy, Palmer's goals, and Archer's football instincts — offer a rare window into the off-field passions of one of Indian cricket's most expressive young talents.
Point of View
Not just the trophies. The Palmer endorsement is also telling; Parag is drawn to technical completeness over raw flair, which mirrors the kind of all-round cricketer he is trying to become himself.
NationPress
20 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which football club does Riyan Parag support?
Riyan Parag supports Manchester United in the English Premier League. He has said he grew up watching the club and was drawn to them because of Cristiano Ronaldo's time there.
Why does Riyan Parag admire Cristiano Ronaldo?
Parag has said Ronaldo is the one player he has always admired above all others, specifically citing how Ronaldo arrived from Sporting CP as a teenager and went on to elevate the Premier League. He described Ronaldo's impact as unmatched by any other player.
Who is Riyan Parag's Premier League player to watch in 2026-27?
Parag named Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer as the player he most wants to see perform this season, saying he wants Palmer to add more goals to his already strong tactical and technical game.
Which footballer did Riyan Parag say could play cricket?
Parag nominated Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, pointing to his exceptional fitness levels and height as attributes that would help him adapt to cricket.
What did Riyan Parag say about Jofra Archer and football?
Parag said his Rajasthan Royals IPL teammate Jofra Archer is genuinely passionate about football and plays with him during the IPL, adding that Archer would surely make a great professional footballer.
