Lamine Yamal may have overlooked Cristiano Ronaldo during medal ceremony after 2025 UEFA Nations League final

Spain fell short in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, losing to Portugal in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 2–2 draw through regulation and extra time. But beyond the result, much of the postgame discussion has centered around 17-year-old Lamine Yamal—not only for his underwhelming performance on the pitch, but also for a viral video capturing a brief, awkward interaction with Cristiano Ronaldo during the medal ceremony.

The moment unfolded as the Spanish players walked the honorary guard of respect to receive their silver medals. Portugal’s players lined up in tradition to applaud their rivals, and brief handshakes are common during this type of soccer post-match exchange. What happened next sparked debate across social media.

As Yamal approached Ronaldo, he appeared to bypass the Portuguese captain without making eye contact. The handshake seemed minimal at best, and Yamal never looked in Ronaldo’s direction. While some suggest it was accidental or the product of a high-pressure moment, the video quickly went viral and ignited speculation and criticism online.

The scrutiny comes on the heels of what many view as a disappointing night for Yamal. Touted as the heir to Spain’s next golden generation, the teenager struggled to influence the match, especially in contrast to the 40-year-old Ronaldo, who played a pivotal role in leading Portugal to another international title in what may be his final major tournament.

Yamal’s difficult night ends in substitution

Yamal, who had impressed throughout the tournament, was quiet in the final. He was largely contained by Nuno Mendes, who not only neutralized the Barcelona winger but also assisted Portugal’s equalizing goal. Fatigued and ineffective, Yamal was eventually substituted by head coach Luis de la Fuente as Spain chased control late in the match.

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“He is tired because logically there was little rest,” De la Fuente said postgame. “He had a very hard year. He is 17 years old, and we have to manage his minutes properly. He is one more player in this fantastic national team. We wanted to bring some fresh energy. Yeremy and Baena gave us the control we needed, especially out wide.”

Cristiano Ronaldo defends Yamal amid criticism

While criticism rained down on Yamal from fans and pundits, Cristiano Ronaldo struck a different tone. The Portuguese star defended the young winger, urging patience and offering words of encouragement. “He is going to win many team and individual titles,” Ronaldo said. “He is 17 years old and has a lot of room to grow. He’s a phenomenon. Just leave him alone—he has a long career ahead and will surely win the Nations League many times.”

Ronaldo’s support didn’t stop there. When asked by a journalist whether he would have made the decision to substitute Yamal had he been coaching Spain, Ronaldo stayed above the controversy and praised De la Fuente.

“Your coach is a phenomenon,” Ronaldo said. “He knows better than me. I’m not a coach. He’s already won many titles with Spain. If he made that decision, it was to improve the team. I was also substituted.”