As Portugal and Spain gear up for the UEFA Nations League final, the headlines aren’t just about the match — they’re about the meeting of two generations.
On one side, 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo. On the other, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, the latest teenage sensation lighting up Spanish football.
But if fans and media are hoping for a showdown between the two, Ronaldo has a message — pump the brakes.
What Cristiano Ronaldo said about Lamine Yamal?
“Lamine Yamal is doing very well, taking advantage of his talent. Let the kid grow,” Ronaldo told reporters.
The Portugal legend made it clear he sees huge potential in the young winger, but he also wants the world to slow down and let the player breathe.
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“Don’t put too much pressure on him. Let him be and grow well, take the pressure off. He has no shortage of talent.”
🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo: “Lamine Yamal is doing very well, taking advantage of his talent. Let the kid grow”.
“Don’t put too much pressure on him. Let him be and grow well, take the pressure off. He has no shortage of talent”. pic.twitter.com/sRcdMdRo6h
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2025
It’s a bit of wisdom from someone who’s lived through it all — from boy wonder to global icon. And now, perhaps, he’s trying to protect the next one from the pitfalls of early fame.
Ronaldo didn’t shy away from praising Spain’s other talents either. He mentioned Nico Williams and Pedri as top players and credited Spain’s coach for bringing structure and discipline.
“My son likes Lamine,” he even added, giving the Barcelona youngster one more fan — perhaps the most famous 14-year-old fanbase endorsement in the world.
Ronaldo was also asked about the Ballon d’Or hype around Lamine. While respectful, he kept it real. “The boy has a chance… But individual awards don’t mean much to me anymore.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner isn’t in this final for showdowns. He’s here to win. “It’s always Cristiano against someone. But it’s not like that. It’s one team against another.”
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