Following Portugal's victory over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final, Cristiano Ronaldo has made a plea regarding the handling of young Barcelona star Lamine Yamal by the media. The match, which ended in a 2-2 draw and was decided by a penalty shootout, saw Ronaldo lift another trophy, potentially his last with the national team, while Yamal experienced a tough night on the field.
Ronaldo, recognizing Yamal's immense potential, has urged the media to ease the pressure on the 17-year-old winger. He acknowledged Yamal as a "phenomenon" but emphasized the importance of allowing him to develop naturally without undue expectations. This appeal came both ahead of and after the final match.
Despite Yamal facing criticism for his performance in the final, where he played for 105 minutes, completing 88% of his passes, managing two shots on target, and contributing defensively with three interceptions and two tackles, Ronaldo believes the youngster has a bright future. He stated that Yamal is "going to win many titles — both team and individual," reiterating that he is still very young with significant room for growth.
Ronaldo's concern stems from a desire to nurture young talent and ensure they are not overwhelmed by the pressures of professional football. He hopes that by reducing the pressure, Yamal can "grow his own way" and that fans can enjoy his talent for many years to come. He specifically asked the media to "leave him alone," believing that this approach will help him develop his career.
The age gap between Ronaldo and Yamal is striking; Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal 21 years ago, before Yamal was even born. Despite being at different stages of their careers, with Ronaldo possibly nearing his final tournament at the 2026 World Cup, the veteran sees Yamal as a key figure in the new generation of football stars.
While Yamal displayed flashes of his skill during the game, particularly in the lead-up to Spain's first goal, he was largely contained by Portugal's defense. In extra time, he attempted to create opportunities, but his shots did not trouble the goalkeeper.
Looking ahead, it is hoped that Lamine Yamal will return strongly when he resumes competitive action with Barcelona for the next season. In the meantime, he should take advantage of the break and get ready for another demanding season.
