Cristiano Ronaldo has heaped praise on rising Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal, urging fans and the football media to exercise patience and care as the teenage star continues to develop. After a thrilling UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain, which ended with a 5-3 penalty victory for Ronaldo’s side, the veteran forward took a moment to reflect on the prodigious talent of his young opponent.
At just 17 years of age, Yamal has had a phenomenal season with Barcelona. His performances at both club and international levels have captivated audiences across Europe. Over the course of the campaign, he netted 18 goals and contributed 25 assists in 55 appearances for Barcelona. His dazzling displays helped guide the Catalan club to a domestic treble La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España marking one of the most impressive seasons by a teenager in recent memory.
Yamal’s impact extended to the international stage as well. Throughout the Nations League tournament, he was instrumental in Spain’s run to the final, including a standout performance in the semifinal against France. His composure, creativity, and confidence in tight situations have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greatest talents.
Despite Spain falling short in the final, Ronaldo made a point of speaking highly of Yamal’s potential and called for the football community to give the youngster space to grow without undue pressure.
“He’s going to win a lot of titles, both collective and individual,” Ronaldo said. “He’s only 17 years old… I repeat: he’s a kid with a lot of room for improvement.”
Ronaldo, who himself burst onto the scene as a teenager at Sporting CP and later at Manchester United, understands better than most the intensity that comes with early fame. His words carried the weight of experience, cautioning against overwhelming the young forward with expectations that could hinder his natural growth.
“He’s a phenomenon, but we have to leave him alone, that’s what I ask,” Ronaldo added. “He has a very long career ahead of him and will surely win the Nations League many times.”
Ronaldo’s message comes at a crucial time, as Yamal is increasingly thrust into the spotlight. With his success at such a young age, comparisons to football legends are inevitable, but the Portuguese icon emphasized that development must come before stardom.
Yamal’s influence has already begun to ripple through the footballing world. His semifinal performance against a star-studded France side earned him widespread acclaim and positioned him as a potential future Ballon d’Or candidate. However, the race for this year’s award may favor France’s Ousmane Dembélé, who secured a historic treble with PSG, including the Champions League crown.
Even so, Yamal’s season remains one of the most impressive for a player of his age. His maturity on the pitch, technical brilliance, and tactical awareness suggest that his rise is not a fluke but the beginning of something special.
With Ronaldo’s endorsement, the message is clear: Yamal has the potential to reach extraordinary heights, but he must be allowed to do so in his own time. The footballing world, in turn, has a responsibility to nurture rather than exploit his talent.
As one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, Ronaldo’s support not only validates Yamal’s promise but also serves as a poignant reminder greatness takes time, and even the brightest stars need space to shine.
