Cristiano Ronaldo only has praise for Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal: Let him grow
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo had nothing but praise for Spain's 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, as their respective national teams prepare to face off in the UEFA Nations League final on June 9.Ronaldo was asked about Yamal during a pre-final press conference, following the youngster's standout performance in Spain's thrilling 5-4 semi-final win over France, where he scored a brace. Ronaldo applauded Yamal's immense talent and urged fans and media alike to allow him to grow without added pressure, saying, 'Let the kid grow.'advertisement'Lamine Yamal is doing very well, taking advantage of his talent. Let the kid grow,' Ronaldo said.
'Don't put too much pressure on him. Let him be and grow well, take the pressure off. He has no shortage of talent,' he added.The upcoming final between Spain and Portugal has drawn significant attention, with many dubbing it a symbolic clash between one of the game's greatest ever in Ronaldo and the sport's next big superstar in Yamal.While Ronaldo continues to rewrite history—having netted his 937th career goal in Portugal's semi-final win over Germany—Yamal is carving his own path, emerging as a frontrunner for the 2024-25 Ballon d'Or. A Nations League title would be his second international trophy this season following Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, potentially making him the youngest Ballon d'Or winner ever, surpassing Ronaldo Nazrio's record at age 21.For Ronaldo, a Nations League win would mark his second title in the competition and a much-needed high point after a trophyless season with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. For Yamal, it could be another defining moment in what's shaping up to be a historic breakout year.
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