By admin 
Cristiano Ronaldo has downplayed any notion of private rivalry forward of Portugal’s Nations League ultimate conflict with Spain, the place he’ll face teenage sensation Lamine Yamal for the primary time.
“There are totally different generations, one is coming in and one other is exiting the stage. If you wish to see me as one other era, then that’s OK,” mentioned the 40-year-old Portugal captain.
“While you speak about a conflict between Cristiano and another person, that’s not the way it works. The media at all times attempt to hype issues up, which is a standard factor, nevertheless it’s one staff versus one other.”
Regardless of the media narrative, Sunday’s match in Munich is shaping as much as be a symbolic passing of the torch: Ronaldo, arguably the best participant of his era, faces Yamal, extensively thought-about the brightest teenage star in world soccer.
Each forwards discovered the online of their respective semi-finals, organising this extremely anticipated ultimate. Yamal helped Spain to an exhilarating 5-4 win over France, whereas Ronaldo scored the decisive objective in Portugal’s victory over Germany.
For Yamal, the ultimate comes simply days earlier than his 18th birthday. Already being touted as a Ballon d’Or contender, the Barcelona winger has loved a surprising begin to his profession, each at membership and worldwide stage.
É por nós. É por vocês. É por Portugal. Amanhã é dia de fazer história outra vez 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/p1SgCGVWxo
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 7, 2025
Each gamers have spoken about one another within the lead-up to the match.
Ronaldo mentioned of {the teenager}: “This child has been doing issues very well at a membership and nationwide staff that assist him very a lot.
“It’s an excellent ambiance for him to indicate his high quality.
“Let him develop, don’t put him below strain so we will get pleasure from a expertise like this for a few years.
“I wish to take strain off him and depart him alone. He’s acquired loads of expertise.”
Yamal was equally respectful, saying: “He’s a soccer legend. I, like all of the gamers, have large respect for Cristiano.
“That is the sort of sport I wish to play, to show who I’m.”