Zii Jia Backs Portugal to Win World Cup, Citing Ronaldo Loyalty

Zii Jia Makes His World Cup Pick Clear

Lee Zii Jia, one of Malaysia's most recognizable badminton players, has thrown his support behind Portugal in the FIFA World Cup - and the reason is no surprise to anyone who follows him. The shuttler is a self-confessed Cristiano Ronaldo loyalist, and that allegiance has shaped his prediction for football's biggest tournament, according to a report by NST Online.

Zii Jia's fondness for Ronaldo is well documented. The Malaysian star has made no secret of his admiration for the Portuguese forward over the years, and when asked to call a World Cup winner, he did not hesitate to go with the country his idol represents.

Badminton Star Crosses Into Football Territory

It is not unusual for top athletes to follow sports outside their own discipline, but Zii Jia's vocal support for Portugal adds a cross-sport dimension to the World Cup conversation in Malaysia. Badminton commands enormous attention in the country, and when a player of Zii Jia's profile weighs in on football, it tends to resonate with fans across both sports.

His pick puts him firmly in the camp of those who believe Ronaldo and Portugal have the quality to go all the way. Portugal have historically been a strong side on the world stage, and with Ronaldo still a central figure in the squad's identity, the team continues to attract a passionate global fanbase beyond traditional football audiences.

What This Means for Malaysian Sports Fans

Malaysia has a deeply passionate sporting culture, and crossover moments like this - where a badminton champion voices a strong football opinion - tend to spark wide conversation. Zii Jia has a large following on social media and his picks carry weight among younger fans who follow him across platforms.

For Malaysian badminton supporters, Zii Jia remains a figure of national pride. His World Cup prediction adds a lighter, personal side to his public profile, showing the kind of sporting interests that exist away from the court.

NST Online reported the story as part of broader World Cup-related coverage, highlighting how the tournament generates attention well beyond traditional football circles in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia.

Whether Portugal can deliver on Zii Jia's prediction remains to be seen, but the badminton ace has made his loyalty clear - on the court and off it.