The stage is set at the Allianz Arena for a thrilling UEFA Nations League 2025 final between Portugal and Spain. While both teams have impressed throughout the tournament, much of the spotlight ahead of the match is on the anticipated face-off between Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
So far in the competition, Ronaldo has scored seven goals, continuing to lead his nation from the front. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Yamal has netted three times, showcasing maturity and skill beyond his years. However, ahead of the final, when asked about the young Spanish star, Ronaldo was quick to praise the talent but also urged fans to be patient and not overwhelm the youngster with expectations.
🗣️ “Leave him alone, that’s a way the media can help him develop his career”
Cristiano Ronaldo calls on the media not to put Lamine Yamal under too much pressure ‘for the good of football’ 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/rZLcOvbk9O
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 8, 2025
“I would like to take pressure off him” – Ronaldo on Yamal
In a media interaction, Ronaldo said, “This kid has been doing things really well at a club and national team that help him very much. It’s a great atmosphere for him to show his quality. Let him grow, do not put him under pressure so we can enjoy a talent like this for many years. I would like to take pressure off him and leave him alone. He’s got plenty of talent.”
Yamal, in turn, showed immense respect for Ronaldo and expressed his excitement to be a part of such a high-stakes clash. “He’s a football legend. I, like all the players, have huge respect for Cristiano. This is the kind of game I want to play, to prove who I am,” the youngster said confidently.
Both players played crucial roles in guiding their teams to the final. Portugal secured a comeback 2-1 victory over Germany in the semi-final, with Ronaldo scoring the decisive winner. Spain, on the other hand, came out on top in a dramatic 5-4 thriller against France, with Yamal scoring twice in a standout performance.
Notably, this will be Spain’s third consecutive appearance in the UEFA Nations League final. After losing to Italy in the 2020/21 edition, they bounced back to win the previous edition by defeating Croatia. Now, they will aim to defend their title against Portugal, who have reached the final for the second time after winning the inaugural season in 2018/19 by defeating the Netherlands.
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