“Let him grow” – Ronaldo is keen to bear pressure from Yamal before the National League final

Cristiano Ronaldo downplayed the notion of any personal competition ahead of the final conflict between the Portuguese National League and Spain, where he will face a teenage sensation for the first time.

“There are different generations, one is coming, the other is exiting the stage. If you want to see me as another generation, that’s OK.”

“When you talk about the conflict between Cristiano and other people, it’s not how it works. The media always tries to hype things, which is normal, but it’s one team against another.”

Despite media narratives, Sunday’s game in Munich is still shaping the symbolic pass of the torch: Ronaldo, arguably the greatest player of his generation, faces Yamal, widely regarded as the smartest teenage star in world football.

Both forwards found the net in their respective semifinals, a highly anticipated final. Yamal helped Spain beat France 5-4, while Ronaldo scored a decisive goal in Portugal’s victory over Germany.

For Yamal, the final was a few days before his 18th birthday. The Barcelona winger has been touted as a Ballon d’Or contender and has made an amazing start to his career at both the club and international levels.

ÉporNós. éporvocês. épor Portugal. Amanhédiadi de fazerhistóriautra vez🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/p1sgcgvwxo

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) June 7, 2025

The two players talk to each other during the leadership of the game.

Ronaldo said of the teenager: “This kid has done a great job in a club and national team that has helped him very much.

“It was a great atmosphere for him.

“Let him grow and not put him under pressure so that we can enjoy years of talent.

“I want to take the pressure and leave him alone. He has enough talent.”

Yamal is equally respected, saying: “He is a football legend. I respect Cristiano like all players.

“This is the game I want to play to prove who I am.”