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Lamine Yamal has admitted that he looks forward to facing Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday. He said that the EURO 2016 champions have world-class players like France, but he hopes to take the trophy back with him.
Speaking to RTVE, Yamal said that no favorites were going into the final on Sunday. He believes that Spain and Portugal are similar teams, and it will be an even final when the two sides face off at the Allianz Arena. He said via ESPN:
"It will be an even final against Portugal, just like this game. They have world class players like France. It's a game between two really good sides and I hope the best team wins and we take the trophy back to Spain."
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Spain coach Luis de la Fuente also spoke about facing Cristiano Ronaldo in the final and heaped praise on the Portugal legend. He added that it was great to see the Al Nassr star maintaining his level at 40 and said via ESPN:
“We’re playing against one of the greats: Cristiano Ronaldo. Just his name stands out — I have limitless admiration for him. It’s really great to see a player at his age to keep playing and be as fit as he is. I admire him very much.”
Spain and Portugal have won the UEFA Nations League once each. Cristiano Ronaldo's side were the inaugural champions in 2019, while Lamine Yamal's nation won in 2023.
Roberto Martinez backs Cristiano Ronaldo's teammate over Lamine Yamal for Ballon d'Or
Roberto Martinez spoke to the media and backed Vitinha for the Ballon d'Or. He claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo's national teammate has been the best player in the world and said:
"One thing is what he's been doing this season, he's undoubtedly an essential player for PSG to win everything. Vitinha's style and effectiveness deserves to win the Ballon d'Or. Regarding the game, I said yesterday that it was important to evaluate everyone, balance the team, and start well because Germany is dynamic. But we also needed to finish well. João Neves and Nuno Mendes played well, it was important for Vitinha to come on and finish the game."
Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha, and Mohamed Salah are reported to be the front runners for the Ballon d'Or this year. Cristiano Ronaldo last won the award in 2017 and has missed out on the top 30 in the last two years.
