Mastering Skill and Style: Snooker’s Ronnie O’Sullivan on the Importance of Legacy in Sports

Ronnie O’Sullivan has expressed his admiration for athletes who excel in both style and substance, particularly Lionel Messi in the world of football. He believes Messi is arguably the greatest footballer of all time and was impressed by his ability to win the World Cup with Argentina in 2022.

When asked about the importance of titles in terms of legacy, O’Sullivan acknowledged that there are two schools of thought among fans – those who focus solely on numbers and those who value skill and artistry. He emphasized that leaving a lasting legacy based on how you play is more important than simply accumulating trophies.

O’Sullivan’s views were echoed by snooker legend Jimmy White, who compared Roger Federer’s playing style to poetry on the tennis court. White highlighted the contrast between Federer’s graceful approach and Novak Djokovic’s calculated dominance, emphasizing that winning titles is not the only measure of greatness in sports.

As he prepares to compete in the World Championship, O’Sullivan hopes to break his record share with Stephen Hendry by winning an eighth title. With his passion for snooker and admiration for athletes like Messi and Federer, O’Sullivan embodies the idea that legacy is about more than just winning titles.