Lamine Yamal ‘motivated' by Cristiano Ronaldo challenge in Nations League final: ‘I want to play to prove who I am'
In footballing terms, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal are generations apart. One is at the back end of a historic and long, legendary career, while the other stands just beyond the starting line of his own that promises to be just as great. But when Portugal and Spain meet in an all-Iberian UEFA Nations League Final at the Allianz Arena in Munich, these two chapters of football will share a pitch, for the first and likely one of the only times.
Ahead of that big contest between these two in-form teams in Germany, Lamine Yamal spoke about the prospect of facing a football legend in Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time in his career. However, despite being only 17 years old, Lamine did not look overawed by the prospect.
'Clearly he is a legend of football, and we all respect him a lot,' said the FC Barcelona superstar. 'However, I have to do my job, which is winning, and that is that.'
Lamine isn't one who shies away from the big stage, having led Spain to lifting the Euros in 2024, and Barcelona to a La Liga title this year. He had another ridiculously good performance in the Nations League semifinal against France, scoring twice, including a brilliant second goal.
Ronaldo, however, is a man who knows all about scoring at this stage, despite his ageing legs. Ronaldo scored Portugal's opener against Germany, and continues to be their captain and talisman.
Lamine pointed out that the sub-story of him and Ronaldo is secondary to what this match is, which is a chance to add silverware for both of these teams, in a European international final. Spain are defending champions, having lifted this title in 2023, while Portugal were the inaugural champions in 2019.
'Of course, it is a special game, a final against a great team. That gives me extra motivation. These are the kind of games I want to play to prove who I am,' said a level-headed but competitive Lamine, who is seeking even more silverware this season after his successes with club and country alike.
Spain and Portugal's battle to see who wins their second Nations League title could very well come down to which of their cross-generational superstars can turn up the most — the experience and the title-winning pedigree of Ronaldo or the immeasurable promise and spark of Lamine?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
NBA's talks about new league in Europe are continuing, though the process remains in early stages
OKLAHOMA CITY — The NBA's talks with FIBA and other entities about the process of adding a new league in Europe are continuing, Commissioner Adam Silver said, though he noted that it may take at least a couple more years to turn the ideas into reality. Silver spoke at a league event to unveil a refurbished Boys & Girls Club in Oklahoma City on Friday — an off day for the NBA Finals — and said it's difficult to put a specific timeline on the Europe plans. 'I will say it's measured in years, not months,' Silver said. 'So, we're at least a couple years away from launching. It would be an enormous undertaking. And while we want to move forward at a deliberate pace, we also want to make sure that we're consulting with all the appropriate stakeholders, meaning the existing league, its teams, European players, media companies, marketing partners. There's a lot of work to be done.' Silver and FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis announced in March that the league and the game's governing body are finally taking long-awaited steps to form a new league, with an initial target of 16 teams. It had been talked about for years, and decades even on some levels. And since the NBA and FIBA went public with their idea to move forward, talks have gotten more constructive, Silver said. Silver said the NBA has been talking directly with the EuroLeague and with some member clubs about a partnership. It's his preference that the NBA work with the existing league on some level, though it's still too early to say exactly what that means. 'Either way, we continue to feel there are an enormous number of underserved basketball fans in Europe and that there's a strong opportunity to have another league styled after the NBA,' Silver said. About one in every six current NBA players hails from Europe, including Denver's Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo — who have combined for five of the last seven MVP awards — along with the Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic and San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama . The NBA's board of governors will talk more about next steps with the European plans in July at their scheduled meeting in Las Vegas, Silver said. It's possible that the European venture could be unveiled in some way — or possibly start — around the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, just given how much attention will be on international basketball at that time. 'That might be a good launching pad for an announcement around a new competition,' Silver said. Some of the cities that are expected to have interest in being part of the new venture include London, Manchester, Rome and Munich. There will be others, of course. 'We haven't had direct conversations yet,' Silver said. "But there have been several organizations that have come forward and said they would be interested and potential owners in operating in those major markets in Europe.' NBA: /nba
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Tom Brady's new dad era sparks buzz: Is he becoming the man Gisele Bündchen always wanted and begged for?
Tom Brady, now retired, is prioritizing family time, traveling Europe with his children (Getty Images) Tom Brady may be retired from football, but he's showing no signs of slowing down—unless it's to spend more quality time with his kids. The NFL legend, now 47, is shifting his focus from Super Bowl rings to street art, travel, and fatherhood. And his latest family-filled adventures have sparked fresh speculation: is this softer, more present version of Brady winning hearts—including that of his ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen? Tom Brady is embracing fatherhood with new purpose Tom Brady has traded huddles and touchdowns for paint cans and museums. He's currently traveling across Europe with his children, Benjamin and Vivian, creating memories that are far removed from stadium lights and end zone dances. One standout moment from the trip? Father and son rocking graffiti gear and spray-painting murals together. 'Retirement's been a chance to slow down,' Brady wrote on social media. 'And enjoy life a little more. And that includes treating myself once in a while.' Beyond travel, Brady has been diving into his business ventures—owning a stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, launching CardVault for sports trading, and investing in Birmingham City soccer club and Gopuff. But even with an impressive post-NFL résumé, it's his family-first mindset that's drawing the most attention. Gisele Bündchen opens up—same story, different realities While Brady showcases a laid-back European summer with his kids, Gisele Bündchen recently opened up about the emotional toll of motherhood. The supermodel revealed the challenges she's faced as a parent, a refreshingly candid perspective that contrasts with the polished public image most associate with her. Her honesty struck a chord—and also underscored just how different her path has been since the couple's 2022 divorce. The Brazilian model is now in a relationship with Joaquim Valente, a jiu-jitsu instructor who was once a close family friend. The two reportedly share a child and have kept much of their relationship low-profile—especially compared to Brady's highly public life. Also Read: 'Parents are responsible': Tom Brady's ex-wife Gisele Bündchen sparked heavy outrage after blaming parents for eating disorders in the industry Fans can't help but notice the irony. Gisele reportedly ended the marriage due to Brady's unrelenting focus on football. But now, as he pours himself into fatherhood, some wonder if timing—or priorities—just didn't align back then. Is the new Tom Brady the partner Gisele once hoped for? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: the GOAT isn't chasing rings anymore—he's chasing moments that matter.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
NHL top draft prospect, Erie defenseman Schaefer remains upbeat while dealing with death and injury
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Matthew Schaefer's collarbone is fine, and so is the Erie Otter defenseman's perspective on dealing with adversity. Missing the final three months of the season entering his draft eligible year, the 17-year-old said, is nothing compared to what NHL Central Scouting's top-ranked North American skater has already endured. Schaefer lost his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer in February 2024. Two months earlier, his billet mother in Erie was struck and killed by a train, with her death ruled a suicide. 'I've been through a lot in my life and I'd rather an injury than losing someone I love,' Schaefer said Friday at the NHL's annual pre-draft combine in Buffalo. "I mean, there's a lot worse things that can happen than injuries. As for recovering from the collarbone he broke in December, Schaefer said: 'I'm pretty positive with my mindset and I'm driven to want to come back. So yeah, obviously injuries, they're not fun. But I'm driven to get better and come back even stronger.' Schaefer was cleared to resume skating May 1 and plans to take part in all of the combine's strength and agility tests with the exception of the bench press and pullups. Upbeat and talkative, he showed no hint of the pain he's dealt with by engaging reporters in opening the press conference by saying: 'What's going on today? Everybody good?' Schaefer then proceeded to playfully joke and also compliment Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa, with whom he shared the podium and is the No. 2-ranked North American skater. 'Not able to play as much, I got to watch a little more and got to know him. Great guy on and off ice,' Schaefer said, before saying he'd be happy if Misa was selected ahead of him. Schaefer then displayed humility by acknowledging being surprised to maintain the No. 1 ranking despite having his season cut short after being hurt representing Canada at the world junior championships. 'I played only 17 games and, you know, why are you at the top of that list?' he said. 'I played in those 17 games, I took it as opportunities and I worked as hard as I could and left it all out there.' NHL Central Scouting chief Dan Marr told The Associated Press the debate in ranking Schaefer over Misa was close, and wouldn't be surprised if Misa or perhaps, Boston College center James Hagens, goes No. 1 in the draft in Los Angles on June 27. Hagens is from Long Island and the top-ranked American-born skater. The top-ranked European skaters are Sweden junior teammates, center Anton Frondell and right wing Victor Eklund, who's brother William plays for San Jose. The New York Islanders have the first pick, followed by San Jose and Chicago. What separated Schaefer from the rest in the rankings, Marr said, was what he showed in his 17 games with Erie, and his performance at the Canada's Under-18 summer camp. From Hamilton, Ontario, Schaefer displayed his offensive abilities in scoring seven goals and 22 points with Erie last season. That's what scouts were looking for following his rookie season in which Schaefer had three goals and 17 points in 56 games. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 183 pounds, Schaefer is a two-way defenseman with strong skating and play-making ability. Misa, is from Oakville, Ontario, and enjoyed a breakout third season in Saginaw while making the switch from wing to center. Granted exceptional status to play at 15 in 2022, he led all Canadian Hockey League players this season with 134 points — the most by an OHL player 17 or younger since John Tavares in 2006-07. Tavares, now with Toronto, went No. 1 pick 2009 draft to the Islanders. Schaefer enjoyed the interview process over the past week, and said he had dinner with both the Islanders and Sharks. 'I'm a talker. I love all these interviews and stuff, it keeps me busy,' Schaefer said. He then jokingly frowned when informed Misa had four dinners. Misa holds Schaefer in high regard, and also acknowledged he'd be fine if the defenseman was selected ahead of him. 'You know what you're getting from him every night. He's all over the ice,' Misa said. 'When he does make that jump to the NHL, he is going to have no problem fitting in.' Smiling, Schaefer turned to Misa and said: 'Thanks, bro.' NHL: /hub/nhl
