In a recent statement, William Troost-Ekong, a player for Al-Kholood, was asked the classic question: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? While his answer primarily reflected deep admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, subtle hints suggested where his preference may truly lie.
Facing Cristiano Ronaldo: An unforgettable challenge
Troost-Ekong spoke about his experience playing against Ronaldo, not just in the Saudi Pro League during matches between Al-Nassr and Al-Kholood but also during his time in Italy.
His words were filled with respect for Ronaldo’s ability and presence on the pitch:
“It’s difficult to say. I’ll probably face Cristiano Ronaldo again soon, and I don’t want to make him angry. It was an honor to play against him in Italy—he’s incredibly dangerous and has an extraordinary ability to score. As a defender, you can’t ignore him. Even if we play with three at the back, he forces us to defend with five. He only needs the smallest opportunity to score.”
Hinting at Messi preference
Despite his glowing praise, Troost-Ekong’s final remark raised eyebrows. By stating he didn’t want to “make Ronaldo angry,” there’s a playful suggestion that his true preference might be Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo or Messi?
William Troost-Ekong (Al Kholood player):
“It's hard to say. I will probably face Ronaldo again. I don't want to make him angry.
It was an honour to play against him in Italy, he was very dangerous and had great finishing.
You can't ignore him if you're a… pic.twitter.com/Ezkzcw0zSU
— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) December 14, 2024
It seemed a calculated response to avoid motivating Ronaldo for their next encounter, knowing full well the Portuguese superstar’s competitive nature.
Respect for a legend
Regardless of his subtle hints, Troost-Ekong’s comments emphasized just how remarkable Ronaldo remains at 39 years old.
The Nigerian defender highlighted Ronaldo’s lasting impact and ability to influence games, even as one of the most closely marked players in world football.
In the end, William Troost-Ekong delivered a balanced yet carefully crafted statement—one that celebrated Ronaldo’s greatness while leaving room for interpretation about his personal preference between football’s two greatest icons.
