The fans have recently been asking whether Darren “IShowSpeed” Watkins Jr. is a pro footballer following his viral retirement announcement related to the sport. However, in all reality, Speed is not a professional soccer player; he is just an enthusiast of the game.

The prominent YouTube streamer deems himself to have Cristiano Ronaldo as the ultimate icon and hopes to play like the former someday. Speed ardently watches the matches of the football tournaments being played across the globe. In fact, he has also travelled to places such as Portugal and Japan to witness matches in person. The most special moment he experienced in Portugal was meeting Ronaldo. Ronaldo, being an icon, did not just identify Speed but took out time to greet him and have a photo clicked with him. Ever since that time, Speed has remained closely connected to Ronaldo’s family and even with his son.

A few months ago, Speed’s passion for football led him to Brazil, where he was caught playing street soccer in a Favela. He also had an opportunity to sit at a Brazilian national team training, as well as meet up-and-coming sensation Endrick, a player who will join Real Madrid. His visit to Brazil would have been more thrilling when he met the football legend Ronaldo Nazário, who allowed him to hold his Ballon d’Or trophy. Speed has also met other renowned footballers like Rafael Leão, Trevoh Chalobah, and Reece James.

Participation of Speed in Charity Football Matches

IShowSpeed has participated in football charity matches, showing his passion for the game. He’s been with the YouTube All-Stars team for two seasons and recently played in the Qatar “Match for Hope” charity event. However, that reckless challenge of football legend Kaká left him facing much criticism. He eventually retired from playing football after changing his mind about his football career.

How Did IShowSpeed develop his passion for football?

He made some shocking reveals about being a football fan; IShowSpeed is only a few years old regarding his love for football. Talking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE podcast, he revealed that the 2022 UEFA Champions League final was the first football match he ever watched. “I think it was Liverpool vs Real Madrid. That was the first game I ever watched,” he recalled.

For some time, he could not relate to the technicalities of the game. Then, once he understood it, he fell in love with it and has ever since followed its course. If asked about how he feels toward Cristiano Ronaldo, he would reply, “It’s love at first sight,” for he admired the presence playing style and stance of this player, mainly his free kicks. His admiration took him to Portugal to meet the star, get a tattoo of him, and even create a song dedicated to him.

Speed’s Connection with Football Beyond Watching

Beyond the viewing of matches, Speed enjoys participating in football as a gamer. His FIFA play streams have made millions of fans laugh, boosting his popularity among digital creators further. His take on the game continues to amuse fans with his humour as one of the most entertaining social media football fanatics.