There are many choices that young men can make about who they look up to and follow, and each of them can provide different views of the world.
I have some favorite entertainment people in the fields of sports and music. Men who are soccer players or rap artists are my top priority because most of the people I know are the biggest fans of soccer players and rap artists.
Fame and influence come from different arenas. From stadiums where male soccer players display the game actively, to stages where rap artists who show emotional music and social commentary, they each hold a unique place in global culture.
Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, with billions of fans watching across the world. Soccer players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, and Kylian Mbappe are not just athletes, they are global icons.
Performances in international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup unite people across the globe, and the athletes are required to compete at the highest level, highlighting their unparalleled dedication to teamwork and perseverance. Their competitive spirit sets them apart as icons of athletic experience.
I am not really into soccer, but playing soccer around the world could be powerful and more engaging to everyone because it involves positive impacts beyond just the games themselves.
Being a fan of soccer has social and emotional benefits, fosters a strong sense of community, and makes it more accessible and inclusive for all, regardless of skill level or background.
Senior Ronald Johnson is an athlete at RHS, and suggested that he is a lot more into soccer. He believes that Ronaldo is the GOAT (greatest of all time) and he would like to meet him one day. Johnson is also a fan of rap music and believes that his two passions can work well together. Johnson listens to rap as he trains, helping him to work out better.
Rap artists like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Travis Scott hold tremendous cultural sway. Their music not only dominates charts worldwide but also shapes societal conversations on identity, politics, and personal struggle.
Rap is more than just a genre; it is a voice for many communities and a powerful form of storytelling. The artistry and innovation within rap music continuously pushes boundaries, making rap artists influential cultural leaders and trendsetters. 22-time Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar has made significant history with rap with his diss track “Not Like Us” as a response to his feud with Drake. He made history at the Grammys, winning big, and even performed the halftime show at the 2025 Super Bowl.
Both fields demand dedication, talent, and influence. But if we were to feel dedicated to cultural resources and the ability to move hearts and minds, one of those, either the athletes or rap artists, would take the crown. It’s not a competition between these worlds, but about appreciating the different kinds of greatness each can achieve and how they can impact individuals.