During his media appearance on Saturday ahead of the UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain, Cristiano Ronaldo spoke about Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The Portuguese captain expressed admiration for the Barcelona winger’s early success but cautioned against putting excessive expectations on the 17-year-old.
“He’s making the most of his ability,” Ronaldo said, while emphasizing the importance of allowing Yamal to mature at his own pace. “Don’t overwhelm him. Let the boy grow without too much pressure,” he added, acknowledging Yamal’s natural talent but advocating for a careful approach to his development.
Ronaldo dismisses comparisons with young players
Ronaldo also addressed the ongoing habit of comparing him with up-and-coming players, specifically dismissing direct comparisons with Yamal. He acknowledged that these kinds of matchups have followed him throughout his career, but pointed out that players should be judged within the context of their own generation.
“They should be comparing Lamine to someone like Vitinha, not to me,” Ronaldo stated with a laugh, stressing the generational gap. He acknowledged that such comparisons are often driven by media narratives and are part of the excitement surrounding big games. However, he made it clear his focus remains on Portugal performing at their best against what he called “probably the best team in the world.”
Ballon d’or talk: Ronaldo backs Champions League standouts
As discussion turned to potential candidates for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Ronaldo was candid in his opinion. Although Yamal is viewed as a strong contender for the award, Ronaldo downplayed the significance of individual accolades and cast doubt on the selection process.
He said he believes that those who triumph in the Champions League should be prioritized for such honors. While he acknowledged Yamal, as well as PSG players like Dembele and Vitinha, as possible winners, Ronaldo expressed skepticism about the integrity of these awards, suggesting behind-the-scenes factors influence outcomes. “I don’t put much value on individual awards anymore,” he said.
