Despite taking the lead twice during the match, Spain ultimately succumbed to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League 2024/2025 final held at Allianz Arena on Monday, June 9, 2025, in the early hours WIB.
The defeat stemmed primarily from Spain losing control in midfield—a critical zone that dictates the rhythm and flow of the game. This loss of dominance proved costly in a tightly contested final.
Lamine Yamal Shines but Spain Falls Short
Among the Spanish squad, 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal stood out with his relentless work rate and flashes of brilliant skill. The young talent showed tremendous promise and determination on the pitch, but unfortunately, his efforts alone couldn’t secure Spain’s second Nations League title in history.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Warm Praise for Yamal
After the final whistle, Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s iconic captain, surprised many by offering heartfelt praise for the young Spanish wonderkid.
In a post-match interview, Ronaldo emphasized Yamal’s potential, saying,
“He is going to win many trophies, both individually and with his team. He’s only 17 years old, and I repeat, he still has a lot of room to grow.”
Ronaldo continued,
“He’s phenomenal, but he needs to stay calm and focused. His career is just beginning, and I’m sure he will win the Nations League multiple times.”
The Controversy Over Yamal’s Substitution
This wasn’t the first time Ronaldo spoke about Yamal. Before the final, the Portuguese captain urged fans not to place too much pressure on the young player, recognizing his talent but cautioning patience.
However, after Yamal struggled to make a decisive impact during the full 105 minutes—including extra time—criticism started to mount. The turning point came when Spain’s coach, De la Fuente, decided to substitute Yamal for Yeremy Pino, sparking intense debate among fans and pundits alike.
In response to the controversy, Ronaldo handled the situation diplomatically. He stated,
“Your coach, De la Fuente, is phenomenal. He knows more than I do—I’m not a coach. He has won many trophies for Spain… If he made that decision, it must have been for the good of the team. I’ve been substituted many times myself.”
Spain’s loss highlights the importance of midfield control in high-stakes matches and shows that even young talents like Yamal need time to fully blossom on football’s biggest stages. Mеаnwhіlе, Ronaldo’s ѕuрроrt underscores thе rеѕресt аnd еnсоurаgеmеnt ѕеаѕоnеd рrоfеѕѕіоnаlѕ саn offer to еmеrgіng ѕtаrѕ, fоѕtеrіng sportsmanship across rival tеаmѕ.
As the UEFA Nations League continues to grow in prestige, the spotlight will remain on rising stars like Lamine Yamal, whose journey is just beginning, and on legendary figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, whose influence extends beyond the pitch.
ALSO READ :
