In a surprising twist in the world of sports, 18-year-old Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva has confirmed her relationship with 32-year-old Nikita Nesterov, captain of the CSKA hockey team. The news, which has been circulating since February, gained momentum when Valieva was spotted at a recent CSKA match wearing a jacket emblazoned with Nesterov's name and family photos. This revelation has intrigued fans and media alike, as both athletes have remained tight-lipped about their romance.
Valieva, who became a household name during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, has faced her fair share of controversies, particularly surrounding her involvement in a doping scandal. Despite the challenges, her personal life seems to be flourishing with Nesterov, a celebrated figure in the hockey world. Nesterov, a three-time Gagarin Cup champion and an Olympic gold medalist from the Pyeongchang Games, has two children from his previous marriage to Ekaterina Sirotina.
The couple's relationship was first hinted at when Valieva was seen in the company of CSKA players' wives during a match. Social media users further fueled speculation after she posted a photo of a stunning bouquet of flowers on February 14, leading many to suspect a romantic connection with Nesterov.
On April 8, 2025, the sports news outlet Sport24 confirmed the relationship, stating, "Kamila Valieva is dating 31-year-old CSKA hockey player Nikita Nesterov." While neither Valieva nor Nesterov has commented on the rumors, their public appearances together have sparked interest. At the recent KHL playoff match between CSKA and Minsk's Dinamo, Valieva's choice of attire—a jacket showcasing Nesterov's name—has only intensified the media's curiosity.
For Nesterov, the relationship marks a new chapter following his divorce from Sirotina in 2021. Their marriage, which produced two sons, ended amid public scrutiny, particularly regarding Nesterov's financial responsibilities. Reports indicated that Sirotina successfully sought 4 million rubles in alimony from her ex-husband after a court ruling.
As for Valieva, her career has been under a spotlight since she faced accusations of violating anti-doping regulations earlier this year. On January 29, 2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled against her, resulting in the stripping of all her results from December 21, 2021, onward. This decision had significant repercussions for the Russian figure skating team, which fell from first to third place in the team competition at the Beijing Olympics.
The juxtaposition of Valieva's tumultuous professional life and her blossoming romance with Nesterov adds a layer of complexity to her public persona. Fans are eager to see how this relationship will unfold, especially against the backdrop of her recent controversies.
As the KHL playoffs continue, with CSKA having lost to Minsk's Dinamo in a tight series, the focus will likely remain on both athletes. Will Valieva's relationship with Nesterov bring her the personal happiness she seeks, or will the pressures of their respective careers overshadow their budding romance? Only time will tell.
In the world of sports, relationships between athletes often capture the public's imagination, and the Valieva-Nesterov pairing is no exception. Their story not only highlights the personal lives of these remarkable athletes but also serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs that come with fame.
As Valieva navigates her way through the aftermath of the doping scandal and Nesterov adjusts to life post-divorce, both will have to balance their professional commitments with their personal happiness. The coming months will reveal how they handle the pressures of their careers while exploring this new chapter together.
