Cristiano, on Lamine Yamal's future: "Let him grow in his own way"

The Spain-Portugal of the 2024/25 Nations League final is shaping up as the first head-to-head between Lamine Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo. In the press conference prior to the decisive clash, 'CR7' expressed his admiration for 'El Niño' from FC Barcelona, in addition to referring to the way in which he believes the sports press should treat him.

"'El Niño' is doing things very well. He has a team that is helping him and a national team that is also helping him exploit his quality," began the Portuguese 'crack', who considers that Spain, beyond the figure of the Mataró native, has a brilliant team. In that sense, he asked for calm when referring to the '19's favoritism for the Ballon d'Or.

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"What I really ask is to let Lamine grow quietly for the good of football and for his own good. Let him grow in his own way and that way we can enjoy him more for many years. You can take the pressure off him, so leave him alone because he has no lack of talent," insisted 'CR7'.

Cristiano reveals his son's admiration for Lamine Yamal

In addition, Ronaldo avoided giving specific advice to Yamal in front of the press. On the contrary, he assured that, just as he does with his son, "I like to give advice to whoever wants to listen to me face to face". In this regard, he revealed the "similarity" of the Azulgrana youth player with Cristiano Jr. in terms of playing style and physical characteristics.

"It makes me laugh because they also have something similar in their hair, gestures... I like it because my children like Lamine. Part of my family is Spanish and I have a very special affection," commented 'CR7'. His eldest son will turn 15 on June 17 and currently plays in the lower ranks of the Saudi Al Nassr.

On the other hand, Cristiano praised Spain's talent and the work done by Luis de la Fuente, in addition to highlighting the level of who he considers to be another key player in La Roja's scheme: Pedri González.

"(Spain) has an incredible young generation with footballers like Lamine or Pedri and with a coach who is doing a very top job. He is a very tough rival. I played a thousand times against them and they are good games to watch. I hope that in the end Portugal can win," said the Madeira native.

Lamine Ballon d'Or? Cristiano Ronaldo does not believe in favoritism

Regarding the 2025 Ballon d'Or, the Portuguese '7' believes that, although it is normal for a player capable of shining and winning the Champions League to win the award, right now "there is no consensus" on the criteria for choosing the winner each year.

"I know what is worked behind the truth. 'El Niño' has potential and will be fighting for it for years, like Mbappé, Dembelé, Vitinha... But now it is a bit irrelevant because there is no consensus," explained Cristiano when referring to Lamine Yamal's chances of winning the award.

The Barça winger's performance in the Nations League semi-final (he scored twice) and the possibility of winning another trophy this 2025 (he has already won three titles with the Azulgrana team) allow him to take a step forward in the head-to-head with Ousmane Dembélé.

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In addition, the 'Mosquito' could be out for the Club World Cup with Paris Saint-Germain due to an injury to his left thigh. In principle, Dembélé will be out for at least three weeks and will miss the group stage. However, beyond the track record of each one, the voting criteria for the Ballon d'Or varies each year.