Major League Baseball and KBO League players are drawing attention for publicly expressing their passion for soccer during recent games.
San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo hit a solo home run against the Oakland Athletics at Oracle Park on June 24.
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After returning to the dugout, he approached the broadcast camera and shouted, "Republic of Korea," ahead of South Korea's group stage match against South Africa.
In the KBO League, Hanwha Eagles player Yonathan Peraza hit a game-tying solo home run in the seventh inning on June 23, leading his team to a 3-2 victory over the Doosan Bears.
After the game, he shared his home run video alongside a clip of Cristiano Ronaldo on social media.
Peraza has previously discussed his admiration for Ronaldo on the team's YouTube channel, Eagles TV.
He said, "I am truly sorry to all the people of the Republic of Korea, but Ronaldo is still the best."
He also showed split allegiance by wearing a South Korean national team jersey while chanting for the local squad, saying, "Messi?
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Ronaldo? Son Heung-min is the best."
Peraza's recent posts coincided with Ronaldo scoring two goals against Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium on June 24 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing a 5-0 win for Portugal and setting a record by scoring in six consecutive World Cup tournaments.
Following the match, Ronaldo addressed public speculation about his career longevity in a broadcast interview shared by Peraza.
He said, "People say 'Ronaldo is great' when he is doing well, but when things don't go well, they say 'he should retire' or 'he is old.'
This has always been the case."
The Portuguese forward noted that the performance served as a definitive response to critics regarding his role on the national team.
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"This game was a good answer for me and my teammates, and this is what we wanted," he said.
