Alexander Isak Named 3 Legends He ‘Loved’ Most Growing Up – Including Arsenal’s Henry

As of the summer of 2025, Alexander Isak is one of the best strikers on the planet. Following the news that he wants to leave Newcastle United, he is also one of the most sought-after players on the planet.

Having bagged 62 goals in 109 games for the Magpies, plus 11 assists, and helping the team win the League Cup – their first trophy since 1969 – it’s no wonder so many teams are keen on signing Isak. He’s been a hot prospect for quite some time now, too.

Indeed, back in 2017, he was still just 17 but was already being linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. Speaking at the time, the teenager – who would leave Swedish club AIK for Borussia Dortmund later that year, and spend time at Real Sociedad before joining Newcastle in 2022 – was asked to talk about which players inspired him as a youngster. Isak happily listed his three favourites.

Ronaldo Nazario

Brazilian legend and Ballon d’Or winners

Ronaldo Nazario is among the greatest strikers in the history of the sport, so it’s little wonder Isak was inspired by the Brazilian. Winning the Ballon d’Or twice, in 1997 and 2002, the retired footballer was known for his silky movement on the ball, instead of just being a pure goal scorer.

With that in mind, it’s easy to see why he caught the eye of Isak. After all, the Sweden international regularly dazzles in all areas of his play, beyond just putting the ball into the back of the net. In naming one Ronaldo, however, it’s a bit of a surprise that the Newcastle star did not list Cristiano Ronaldo among his three favourites growing up.

Thierry Henry

Premier League icon and Arsenal hero

Since claiming that Thierry Henry was one of his idols, Isak has continuously been linked with the Frenchman. So much so that the Arsenal legend has even spoken about how he’s not a fan of comparisons in general, but still took the opportunity to praise the Newcastle star:

“First and foremost, I don’t like comparisons. People like to compare eras and players. He is himself and he is doing extremely well.” He added: “He can finish, he can dribble, and isn’t uncomfortable when he goes in from the right or left. He still knows what he can do, that must be from his days playing at Real Sociedad when he used to play on the wings at times. He is a good player, you have to say that.”

The Premier League has seen an abundance of extremely talented players, but who makes the cut?

Ronaldinho

Barcelona entertainer and World Cup winner

Finally, he named Ronaldinho as another inspiration. This is perhaps the most surprising call, as he is the only one of the three who isn’t a striker. However, anyone who has seen Isak play will know how often he likes to pop up on the flank and jink between defenders as if he was a winger.

With that in mind, there can be few better players to admire than Ronaldinho. The 2002 World Cup winner is among the most skilful players in football history and reached the peak of his game during a spell-binding five years with Barcelona.

Isak’s full quote on the three was: