As the 2025 UEFA Nations League final between Spain and Portugal approached, a growing controversy between two of the most prominent players in world football, Cristiano Ronaldo and Spain's rising star Lamine Yamal, captured the attention of fans and media alike.
Cristiano Ronaldo has now played against Paolo Maldini (born 1968) and Lamine Yamal (born 2007) 😳 pic.twitter.com/5bNECvMXFr
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 9, 2025
The issue started when Ronaldo, known for his fiery competitiveness and leadership, made a comment about Spain's young talent, Yamal, who had been impressing in the tournament with his dazzling performances.
"ربما لم أعد كما كنت، ربما أخذ مني الزمن كثيرًا، ربما تجاوزت عنفواني الكروي.. لكني بالتأكيد لازلت قادر على تلقين الشباب بعض الدروس.."
كرستيانو رونالدو يلقن لامين يامال، أكبر موهبة شابة في جيله، درسًا لن ينساه أبدًا.. البطولات تحسم بالأداء في الملعب قبل منصات التواصل الاجتماعي. pic.twitter.com/OiCwD4W78l
— هَرَمْ (@1DeDios13_) June 8, 2025
In a pre-match interview, Ronaldo was asked about Yamal's rise to prominence at such a young age.
The Portuguese legend, while acknowledging Yamal’s talent, hinted that the teenager had yet to prove himself on the international stage.
Yamal: We all respect Cristiano Ronaldo, he's a football legend, but I'm going to do my job, which is to win.
How yamal tried to make a statement on the big stage, only to get schooled by the greatest to ever do it.
Here's a thread on how it started vs how it ended yesterday. pic.twitter.com/nCkJkcXsJS
— Fondre (@UTDFondre) June 9, 2025
"He's a great talent, but talent alone doesn’t win you trophies. Experience and consistency do," Ronaldo said, referencing his own lengthy and successful career. "There are a lot of young players who shine early and then fade when it matters most."
هذا ما قاله الاسطورة كريستيانو رونالدو عنه
وهو ينصرف بهذا الشكل معه
لا تلعب بالنار يا يامال
التقليل من الأساطير يخسرك الكثير pic.twitter.com/UaG9C3dMt9
— محمد عبد الكريم (@moabdelkareem_1) June 9, 2025
Yamal, who had been one of Spain's key players throughout the tournament, didn’t take kindly to Ronaldo’s words.
قارنو رونالدينهو معه فإنتهى قبله
قارنو ميسي معه فإنتهى قبله
والان يحاولون ان يقارنون الطفل يامال معه فإنتهت مسيرته في بداية مشواره
قالها لكم رونالدو " دعووه ينمو "
لإن القمة لاتتسع الجميع تتسع رجلاً واحد😁☝🏻 pic.twitter.com/BuXuiatUNR
— نواف بن بندر (@nb_cr7) June 9, 2025
The 17-year-old took to social media, posting a cryptic message that seemed aimed at the Portuguese forward: "Respect is earned, not demanded."
🚨
Before the start of the Nations League final, Yamal and Fermin were mocking Cristiano Ronaldo's SIUU celebration.
They got humbled after the final. 😉pic.twitter.com/pUhPpD0S1E
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) June 9, 2025
The exchange didn’t end there. Reports suggested that Yamal's teammates were also unsettled by Ronaldo’s comments, which many perceived as dismissive of the young forward’s achievements.
Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, even hinted that the team was motivated by the “unwarranted” remarks, which only added fuel to the fire.
Lamine Yamal: "Mientras gane, no me pueden decir nada"
Cristiano Ronaldo: pic.twitter.com/UXoIH1G7ur
— Marito 🐢 (@MarioHurtadoRM) June 8, 2025
As the final approached, tensions were high between the two teams, and it was clear that the match would be more than just a battle for the title, it would also be a test of these two players' mental fortitude and determination.
I knew someone had to put the end on Yamal's fairytale and I knew it would be Cristiano Ronaldo. pic.twitter.com/FsPAhfnVFZ
— Noodle Vini (@vini_ball) June 8, 2025
The highly anticipated showdown between Portugal and Spain was poised to be a spectacle, not just for the football, but for the drama surrounding Ronaldo and Yamal.
It was clear that both players had something to prove, adding an extra layer of excitement to the historic final.
Fun fact: Cristiano Ronaldo is 6 years older than lamine Yamal's Dad. 😂 pic.twitter.com/sVsUIrxwU3
— TCR. (@TeamCRonaldo) June 9, 2025
From the moment the match kicked off at the Allianz Arena in Munich, it was clear that both Ronaldo and Yamal were on a mission to prove themselves. The rivalry between the two was palpable, and their respective teams played with an intensity that only heightened the drama.
Ronaldo tackling Yamal every time he gets the ball pic.twitter.com/bwzn5hrYV7
— No ball knowledge (@exluzemba) June 8, 2025
Ronaldo, despite being in the twilight of his career, was in prime form. The Portuguese forward was determined to lead his country to victory and put behind him the controversy surrounding his earlier comments about Yamal. Portugal’s defense was resolute, and Ronaldo played a pivotal role in driving his team forward.
Only Ronaldo can stop Lamine Yamal 🤯 pic.twitter.com/uboebJNESG
— Svetlana (@laneksa7) June 8, 2025
On the other side, 17-year-old Yamal was unfazed by the attention and pressure. His pace and vision were on full display, and he constantly threatened Portugal’s defense with his dribbling and creativity. Spain was aggressive, dominating possession for large spells of the game, and Yamal’s playmaking was a central feature of their attacking strategy.
Cristiano Ronaldo: "Lamine Yamal henüz 17 yaşında. O bir fenomen. Çok büyük bir potansiyeli var. Benim ricam, lütfen onu rahat bırakın. Daha çok genç çünkü. Önünde uzun kariyeri var. Birçok kupa ve bireysel ödül kazanacak." pic.twitter.com/HqUonbUVp7
— FutbolArena (@futbolarena) June 8, 2025
The first half saw Portugal equalize through a brilliant solo effort from Nuno Mendes, which was followed by Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal scoring just before halftime to give Spain the lead. Despite trailing, Ronaldo kept his focus and led his team with determination. In the 61st minute, Ronaldo took advantage of a defensive lapse from Spain to score Portugal’s second equalizer, sending the game into extra time.
Two different generations. 23 years between them.
Playing at the highest level 🔥
Lamine Yamal 👊 Cristiano Ronaldo 🇵🇹🇪🇸#NationsLeagueFinal #PORESP pic.twitter.com/P8Iy8Kp5HF
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) June 8, 2025
As the match stretched into extra time, both teams fought valiantly but could not break the deadlock. The game went to penalties, and this is where the tension between Ronaldo and Yamal reached its peak.
Ronaldo, despite being forced off earlier due to an injury, stood by his teammates as they prepared for the shootout. With the score at 4-3 in favor of Portugal, it was Yamal’s turn to take Spain’s final penalty.
Lamine Yamal e Cristiano Ronaldo.
Imagens que vão entrar para a história do futebol.
📸 Getty Images pic.twitter.com/4j1DSQJC1Q
— Goleada Info (@goleada_info) June 8, 2025
The young star stepped up, knowing that the weight of an entire nation’s hopes rested on his shoulders. However, under immense pressure, Yamal missed his shot, sending the ball wide of the goal.
Portugal then converted their final penalty, securing a 5-3 victory in the shootout and winning their second-ever UEFA Nations League title.
بمراهقته .. تغلب على جيل روني وكاكا
بشبابه .. تغلب على جيل ميسي و سواريز
في كهولته .. تغلب على جيل يامال وديمبلي
تتغير الاجيال
يتغير المنافسين
ويبقى رونالدو المنتصر 🐐 pic.twitter.com/VUIvktD9al
— ابو أصيل | صلوا على النبيﷺ (@6x7z1) June 9, 2025
Following Portugal’s victory, emotions were high, and the tension between Ronaldo and Yamal was far from over.
Ronaldo, who had played a crucial role in his team’s success, was visibly emotional. After Portugal won, he was seen shedding tears of joy, hugging his teammates and celebrating the victory.
Le message plein de classe de Cristiano Ronaldo 🇵🇹 pour Lamine Yamal 🇪🇸 :
« 𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗭-𝗟𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘 !
Il va remporter de nombreux titres, collectifs et individuels. C'est un phénomène, il a une très longue carrière devant lui. » 👏💎 pic.twitter.com/4PFrn8jI9p
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) June 9, 2025
However, there were mixed reactions from the Spanish camp, especially Yamal, who appeared disappointed and frustrated by the loss. Despite his brave performance throughout the tournament, the young star was unable to deliver when it mattered most.
❗️Lamine Yamal was staring at Cristiano Ronaldo during the guard of honor. pic.twitter.com/K0Mm9Uhgt5
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) June 8, 2025
In the aftermath of the match, Ronaldo was seen offering a brief word of encouragement to Yamal in the tunnel. The 38-year-old, despite the controversy and tension, acknowledged the young forward’s potential and even offered a congratulatory pat on the back.
A reporter asked Ronaldo what he would say to Lamine Yamal after losing the Nations League final and this was his response ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LLSd9kovDM
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 9, 2025
Yamal didn't even look at Ronaldo when he offered the handshake. All Ronaldo did was praise him, yet this arrogant c*nt behaved like that. Such a sore loser. pic.twitter.com/FuTdNFNF7E
— Dr Yash (@YashRMFC) June 9, 2025