When Cristiano Ronaldo Named Toughest Opponent He Has Faced in His Career

When Cristiano Ronaldo Named Toughest Opponent He Has Faced in His Career

  • Cristiano Ronaldo recently named the toughest opponent he faced in his long and successful football career
  • Carles Puyol, Ashley Cole, Giorgio Chiellini, Diego Godin, and John Terry are some of the defenders he has faced
  • The 39-year-old Al-Nassr striker has scored over 900 goals in his career and won many trophies across Europe

Cristiano Ronaldo has been playing at the highest level for two decades and has come up against some of the toughest defenders.

The Portugal legend earned his stripes in the Premier League, going toe to toe with some of the most physical players.

The Al-Nassr veteran recently named one player who gave him a run for his money.

Cristiano Ronaldo battled great defender when he played for Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo was, at some point in his career, unstoppable. Photo by Jasper Juinen.
Source: UGC

It is interesting that Ronaldo, who has perhaps scored the most goals in football history, has also faced some tough defenders.

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Ronaldo was an entertainer early in his career, especially at Manchester United. His elite dribbling skills left defenders on the floor and invited tough tackles.

Who is Ronaldo's toughest opponent?

Recently, the Real Madrid legend named retired Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole as one of his toughest opponents.

"Over the years I had some great battles with Ashley Cole. He does not give you a second to breathe," he said via Sportbible. He was such a tenacious player when he was at his peak, quick, tough in the tackle. You knew it would never be an easy game."

Ronaldo sat Cole down during the height of the Man United vs Arsenal rivalry. It remains one of Ronaldo's unforgettable moments in the Premier League.

The Premier League Hall of Famer, who won multiple Premier Leagues with the Blues, said Ronaldo:

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"He had everything. He could dribble, he could sprint behind, he could leap and jump and head a ball, he could go inside, he could go outside," Cole said via GOAL. "So I say he always gave me nightmares...Whenever I hear his name or see his face, I always think of when he made me do the splits!"

Ronaldo went on to score many goals and lift countless trophies and is considered one of the GOATs.

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Maldini speaks on the GOAT debate

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that AC Milan icon Paolo Maldini settled the GOAT debate between Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

In an interview, the Italian football legend expressed his admiration for both players; however, Maldini chose Messi.

Haaland, other stars pick Ronaldo as UCL GOAT

YEN.com.gh also reported that several players shared their opinions on the ongoing GOAT debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the UEFA Champions League.

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When Drogba 'ended' Ronaldo vs Messi GOAT debate with 'truth' few were willing to accept

The two legendary figures have long dominated the competition with remarkable goals and decisive performances.

Most players, including Erling Haaland, Virgil van Dijk, and Kevin De Bruyne, picked Ronaldo.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Richard Nutakor avatar

Richard Nutakor (Sports Editor) Richard Nutakor is a digital media enthusiast with over 8 years of working experience in media and digital. He's worked with notable media brands in Ghana like Media General, owners of TV3 Ghana, 3FM, Onua FM & Connect FM. He's also worked with Global Media Alliance as a Digital Account Manager. He obtained a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Ghana in 2016 and a Masters in Brands and Communication Management from the University of Professional Studies, Accra. Email: richard.kekeli@sportsbrief.com