England star Eberechi Eze has said his earliest World Cup memory dates back to 2006, when he watched Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho shine on football’s biggest stage. Speaking to FourFourTwo ahead of the 2026 tournament, Eze said those two players remain major inspirations for him and that he still watches their highlights online for motivation and enjoyment.
Eze described Zidane and Ronaldinho as the kind of creative, free-flowing footballers he has long admired, saying he has learned from more than just their skills. He pointed to the way they carried themselves on the pitch, including their movement, expression and the joy they seemed to bring to every action. For Eze, their influence has helped shape his own style as an expressive playmaker who aims to excite crowds with invention and flair.
The England midfielder said it is a “massive compliment” to be compared with those two iconic figures, adding that he would love to resemble the qualities they brought to the game. He also suggested that inspiration from childhood has continued to influence his development as a professional player, both in terms of technique and personality.
The interview comes as World Cup 2026 prepares to begin, with England set to play its opening match next week. Eze is expected to join up with national team-mates Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Noni Madueke slightly later than usual because of their involvement in the Champions League final. The tournament will mark Eze’s first World Cup appearance as a player, adding extra significance to his reflections on the competition’s past.
Eze also spoke about his partnership with New Balance, saying the brand’s approach fits well with his own background and career path. He said the collaboration felt natural from the beginning and that the plans laid out for him made it clear the relationship would be a strong and lasting one. According to Eze, the partnership has been a “special journey” that reflects where he has come from and how far he has progressed in the game.
As one of England’s more creative attacking talents, Eze enters the tournament with high expectations and a personal connection to World Cup history. His comments underline the influence of past stars on the next generation, while also highlighting his own anticipation of competing on football’s biggest stage for the first time.
