Ola Aina Names Cristiano Ronaldo As Toughest Opponent Of His Career

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo is the toughest opponent he has faced in his professional career, describing the choice as a difficult one after years of competing at the highest level.

The Nottingham Forest full-back made the admission during a light-hearted quickfire session with team-mates Nikola Milenkovic and Dan Ndoye in an interview with Hayters TV on Tuesday.

Reflecting on the finest player he has come up against, Aina paused before settling on the former Juventus forward.

“That is tough. Over my whole career? I would go for Cristiano Ronaldo,” he said.

Aina came up against the Portuguese icon in December 2018 while playing for Torino FC in Serie A during Ronaldo’s spell with Juventus FC. The encounter left a lasting impression on the Nigerian international, who has built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most dependable defenders.

The 29-year-old also named Eden Hazard as the best player he has shared a dressing room with, having progressed through the academy at Chelsea FC.

“Eden Hazard. I brag about that one,” Aina said with a smile. “I do not have Eden’s number, you know. I have yours, best player in Serbia,” he joked, turning to Milenkovic.

Aina was part of Chelsea’s squad that lifted the Premier League title in the 2016/2017 campaign and made his senior debut in a 3-2 EFL Cup win over Bristol Rovers in August 2016. He later featured in a 3-0 league victory against Leicester City before seeking regular football elsewhere.

After making his move to Torino permanent in 2019 and enjoying a successful stint in Italy, Aina returned to England and now plays for Nottingham Forest FC following a loan spell at Fulham.

Asked about his best moment at Forest, Aina said: “My 30-yard screamer into the top corner against West Ham. I love it. It was a good one. Personally, I watch it back a lot. Yes, all the time.”

On the toughest team he has faced, he pointed to Inter, while crediting David Beckham as the player who first made him fall in love with football.