In an interview last weekend with the Portuguese newspaper, Púbilico, straight soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo was asked for comments on his country's recent approval of a law that allows same-sex couples to marry. His response in English, via Blabbeando, was this:

"The Portuguese man that I am, I try to keep informed about what is happening in my country. I know the law was passed and the comment it deserves is that we must respect the choices made by anyone, because, after all, all citizens should have the exact same rights and responsibilities."

It's great that Ronaldo, an immensely popular gay icon has come out publicly in support of marriage equality. To do the opposite would create a nasty and undoubtedly well-published backlash against one of the planet's most famous sportsman. In becoming so well-liked by the gay community worldwide, Ronaldo, like David Beckham (who is ten years his senior), has inadvertently acquired a certain amount of responsibility to support LGBT rights, and his power to make a difference in this regard should not be underestimated. Footballers ten years younger than Ronaldo just may say to themselves, "Ronaldo isn't bothered by gay marriage, so why should I be?"

Follow Ronaldo and other stars of The Beautiful Game at the 2010 World Cup, which runs from 11 June to 11 July in South Africa.