Lamine Yamal says Sunday’s Nations League final against Portugal is his moment to “prove who I am,” after inspiring Spain to a thrilling 5-4 win over France in the semifinals.
Yamal, 17, scored twice and earned man-of-the-match honours as Spain surged to a 5-1 lead before France staged a late comeback in Stuttgart. The result set up an Iberian showdown with Portugal, who defeated Germany in the other semi-final.
“It’s a special game, a final against a great team gives us extra motivation,” Yamal said. “This is the kind of game I want to play.”
Yamal will go head-to-head with Portugal’s 39-year-old legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who netted the winner in their semi-final clash. “He’s a football legend,” Yamal said. “I have huge respect for Cristiano, but my job is to try to win.”
Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente described the final as a clash of “two super powerful teams,” even suggesting it could resemble a World Cup final in quality. “Just his [Ronaldo’s] name stands out,” he said. “I admire him very much for how fit and committed he still is.”
Spain’s route to the final has again showcased their youthful flair, with Yamal and Nico Williams pivotal. Williams scored and assisted in the Euro 2024 final win over England, and was influential again on Thursday.
Midfielder Mikel Merino, also on the scoresheet in the semifinal, said: “Being in another final is a huge accomplishment. Hopefully we can win it again.”
Spain are chasing their third UEFA title in a row after lifting the last Nations League and Euro 2024. They’re also favourites for next summer’s World Cup.
Yamal, tipped as a future Ballon d’Or contender, now has six goals for Spain and 25 for Barcelona. With an average squad age of 24, Spain’s youthful side will face Portugal’s more experienced outfit, led by Ronaldo.
The Nations League final in Munich marks the first head-to-head between Ronaldo and Yamal. Spain and Portugal have faced each other 34 times since 1921, with Spain winning 17 and Portugal just six. Notably, six of their last seven encounters ended in draws.
Predicted Lineups
Portugal: Diogo Costa; Joao Neves, Ruben Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Ruben Neves, Bernardo Silva; Trincao, Fernandes, Neto; Ronaldo.
Spain: Simon; Porro, Huijsen, Le Normand, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Merino, Pedri; Yamal, N. Williams, Oyarzabal.
