“Grow him” – Ronaldo is eager to put Yamal pressure on him before the Nations League final
Cristiano Ronaldo downplayed the notion of personal rivalry ahead of the Portuguese Nations League’s final clash with Spain.
“There are different generations, one in there, another generation is out on stage. If you want to see me as another generation, that’s fine,” said the 40-year-old Portuguese captain.
“When you talk about a conflict between Cristiano and someone else, it’s not how it works. The media is always trying to hype things. This is normal, but it’s one team and another.”
Despite the media story, Sunday’s match in Munich is becoming a iconic pass for the Torch. Perhaps the biggest player of his generation, Ronaldo faces Yamal, considered the brightest teenage star in world football.
Both forwards found the net in their respective semi-finals and set this highly anticipated final. Yamal scored a decisive goal in Spain’s thrilling 5-4 victory in France, with Ronaldo scoring the decisive goal in Portugal’s victory over Germany.
For Yamal, the final comes just a few days before his 18th birthday. The Barcelona winger has already been promoted as a candidate for the Ballon d’Or and enjoys an amazing start to his career, both at the club and international level.
It’s for us. It’s for you. It’s for Portugal. Tomorrow is the day to make history again pic.twitter.com/p1sgcgvwxo
– Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) June 7, 2025
Both players talked about each other for the match.
Ronaldo said of the teenagers:
“It’s a great atmosphere to show him his quality.
“Let him grow and not be under pressure on him, so we can enjoy this talent for many years.
“I want to take the pressure off him and leave him alone. He has a lot of talent.”
Yamal was equally respectful. “He’s a football legend, and I, like all players, have great respect for Cristiano.
“This is the kind of game I want to play and it proves who I am.”