Despite opening the game with great rhythm, scoring twice and taking an early lead, Spain ultimately fell to Portugal in the 2025 UEFA Nations League. The turning point came when they lost control of their most critical area: the midfield. Lamine Yamal showed flashes of brilliance and worked hard to influence the match, but he could not guide his team to a second title in the tournament’s history. After the final whistle, Cristiano Ronaldo offered heartfelt words for the young Spanish star.
“He (Lamine Yamal) is going to win many collective and individual titles. He is 17 years old and I repeat, he is a boy with a lot of room for progression. He is a phenomenon, but leave him alone that I ask because he has a very long career and he will surely win the Nations League many times,“ Cristiano Ronaldo said in the post-final game interview.
At just 17, Lamine scored three goals during the tournament, finishing as one of Spain’s top scorers. Still, his contributions go far beyond the stat sheet. His dribbling, pace, and ability to stretch defenses created crucial space for teammates, establishing him as a key piece in Luis de la Fuente’s setup.
Nevertheless, it was not the first time Ronaldo spoke publicly about Lamine. In the lead-up to the final, the Portuguese captain had already urged fans to show patience with the rising star. Yet, criticism soon followed, as many expected him to replicate the impact he had in the semifinal against France, where his brace carried Spain into the title match.
Lamine Yamal of Spain is challenged by Nuno Mendes of Portugal during the UEFA Nations League 2025 final match between Portugal and Spain at Munich Football Arena on June 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany.
Cristiano Ronaldo backs Luis de la Fuente over Lamine Yamal substitution, cools post-match debate
Although Lamine Yamal entered the 2025 UEFA Nations League final as Spain’s standout talent, he struggled to make an impact across 105 minutes of action. Searching for a spark, head coach Luis de la Fuente decided to replace him with Yeremy Pino, a move that quickly stirred controversy. The debate grew to the point that a reporter asked Cristiano Ronaldo if he would have substituted Yamal had he been managing Spain.
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Cristiano, however, chose not to add fuel to the fire. Instead, he offered a measured and respectful response, drawing from his wealth of experience. ”Your coach (Luis de la Fuente) is a phenomenon. He knows better than me, I am not a coach. You have already won 1,000 competitions, this coach has already won several things for Spain… If he makes the decision it is because it was to improve the team. As I was also substituted.”
