Because socialist leaders are revolutionary people, they overcame massive challenges and their leadership ended up steering the course of history of their nations. Kim il sung, Mao, deng, lenin, Stalin, che, castro, etc… straight up challenged and won against the status quo of their respective nations. These are people we should look up to, learn from and ultimately surpass.

Also its not uniquely socialist, the bourgeoisie have their own figures they worship, religions too, heck even sports and other forms of media. On a smaller level even competent workers inspire people around them.