The 2024-25 UEFA Nations League brought few surprises, as Portugal and Spain confirmed their dominance by reaching the final. Spain secured their third straight appearance, while Portugal earned a spot for the second time. In the pre-final press conference, Cristiano Ronaldo was asked about Spainās rising star, Lamine Yamal. He did not hesitate to praise the youngsterās talent. However, the Portuguese star also issued a clear warning ahead his future.
āThe truth is that the boy (Lamine Yamal) is doing very, very, very well. He is in a club that helps him (FC Barcelona) a lot, he is in a national team that helps him a lot too. He is in a very favorable environment for his qualities to come out, which are very, very, very great. But what I really ask is that they let the boy grow quietly. Donāt put so much pressure on him, for the good of soccerā¦I believe that you (the press) can help him in a certain way. Leave him alone, because he doesnāt lack talent,ā Cristiano Ronaldo affirmed in press conference.
Despite his age, Yamal has taken on a central role at FC Barcelona, helping lead the clubās resurgence. This season alone, he played in 55 matches across all competitions, scoring 18 goals and delivering 25 assists. His contributions were vital as Barcelona clinched the LaLiga title. On the international stage, he has been just as impressive, netting six goals and adding nine assists in 20 appearances for Spain.
Still, the real test comes when form dips or injuries hit. So far, Yamal has avoided serious setbacks, missing just eight games this season with minor knocks. But the cautionary tale of Bojan Krkic reminds us that even elite talent can be derailed by early pressure. Acknowledging that Yamal is still developing, both physically and mentally, may be key to ensuring his brilliance is not dimmed by the same fate.
Lamine Yamal of Spain prepares to take his sides penalty during the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinal match between Spain and France at Stuttgart Arena on June 05, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany.
How has Lamine Yamal performed in the 2024ā25 UEFA Nations League?
During the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League, Lamine Yamal made a significant impact. He appeared in six matches for Luis de la Fuenteās Spanish national team. Spain lack a dominant center forward, unlike Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo or France with Kylian Mbappe. Instead, they emphasize collective play and player versatility, allowing every member to shine. Despite this team-focused approach, Lamine stands out as a remarkable performer in the tournament.
The Spanish young star scored three goals, sharing the teamās top scorer title with Mikel Oyarzabal. Remarkably, Yamal broke Matthijs de Ligtās record as the youngest to score in the semifinals of the Nations League. His decisive strike against France highlighted his ability to perform under pressure. Looking ahead, Yamal could make history as the youngest player to capture a Nations League title.
